YES fundraiser featuring speaker Elizabeth Smart brings in $520,000

Elizabeth Smart will never forget her mother's wise words. After Smart was kidnapped as a 14-year-old from her Salt Lake City home in 2002 and raped and tortured for almost a year, it was her mother's advice that helped her heal from all her captor had done.

By Gabrielle Nomura • March 13, 2012 4:47 pm

Elizabeth Smart will never forget her mother’s wise words.

Smart was kidnapped as a 14-year-old from her Salt Lake City home in 2002 and, throughout the course of almost a year, was repeatedly raped and tortured. When she was returned home, her mother’s advice helped her heal from all that her captor had done.

“You gave him nine months of your life. Don’t give him another day.”

And with that, Smart never looked back at the hell she was forced to endure. Instead, she’s put the darkest period in her life to good use. As a keynote speaker Smart, 24, helped draw a crowd of 1,000 people who donated more than $520,000 to Youth Eastside Services at Meydenbauer Center on Tuesday morning.

Last year, this same benefit, the YES Invest in Youth breakfast, brought in 800 people and $455,000.

The nationally renowned survivor, activist and founder of a child advocacy foundation told the story of her abduction and the abuse she suffered at the hands of her captors.

She followed the testimonials of Eastside teens who had used YES services to cope with problems such as depression, substance abuse, family issues, physical or sexual abuse and suicidal thinking.

Funds raised from Tuesday’s event will help make crucial services free for YES clients who otherwise couldn’t pay for services.In 2012, YES treated 4,671 children and family members.Patti Skelton-McGougan, YES director, debunked the myth that problems such as drug use or domestic violence aren’t a part of life on the Eastside. The YES clientele reflect that.

“These are children in our community. They babysit your children, visit our churches and businesses,” she said. “They all want to feel safe, loved, and accepted.”

One of the YES clients who simply gave his name as, “Gabe” said he’s been able to overcome much of his anger and fear because of the counseling he received at YES.

Gabe’s mother, who struggled with alcoholism, neglected him and his father hit and punched him.While he stayed briefly with his grandparents, they too lost custody due to neglect and problems with anger.

Because of these problems, Gabe first was taken into state custody at two, and then again at five.It was until his aunt stepped in to care for the boy, and he was able to begin counseling at YES, that Gabe said his situation began to improve.

Now a high-school graduate, Gabe will soon be starting an apprenticeship program.”I’m really tired, it’s early,” Gabe said at the 7:30 a.m. breakfast.

“But I’m also really happy to be here, because YES helps people like me become fully-functioning adults.”

Smart rounded out the roster of speakers.”Whatever pain we’ve experienced, we can move forward and be happy,” Smart said. “It doesn’t have to control our lives.”

Gabrielle Nomura: 425-453-4602;gnomura@bellevuereporter.com