Thomas to commemorate 9-11 disasters in Harvey with Youthanasia

A Youthanasia Foundation Inc. gala will be

"Remembering Our Heroes to Create Future Heroes" at La Maison Creole, 1605 8th St. in Harvey from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 11. Tickets are $30 and sponsor a teenager for the 2006-2007 school year.

The gala is in response to a challenge

"Almost daily, we are agonized by newspaper and television images of teen violence on the streets of greater New Orleans," said Kimberly Dilosa, founder and executive director of Youthanasia Foundation. "We have begun burying teenagers at the same rate we purchase cigarettes."

New Orleans City Council President Oliver Thomas will serve as the master of ceremonies with Eddie Francis, FM 98/WYLD radio personality, as honorary

chairman. Programming will include a silent auction and performances by the Citywide High School Task Force.

Youthanasia Foundation was created in 1997 to provide prevention and intervention programs for grades eight through 12. The foundation advocates inclusion of teen opinion in community problem solving. Youthanasia's mission is to intervene in and/or prevent teen failure through effective leadership development, community service, cultural arts enrichment, health and life skills education, and emotional nurturing.

"Youthanasia Foundation envisions a teen friendly greater New Orleans," said Dilosa.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, e-mail Youthanasia Foundation at

summerdreamzcelebration@yahoo.com. Checks made payable to Youthanasia Foundation Inc. can be mailed to P.O. Box 913, Harvey, LA 70059. For more information call Dilosa at 473-4602.