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| Selena-themed Event Set for Feb. 17 |
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Posted September 1, 2019
The C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group proudly announces the dates for its 2019 Holiday Dinners for LGBT Youth in the Hollywood area. Our flagship event, "The Big Feast", will feature a Disney theme! This Thanksgiving tradition will service over 200 youth on Sunday night, November 24, 2019 at Hollywood Banquet Hall (5214 Sunset Blvd. LA, CA 90027). But the festivities do not end there, as popular "Tamale Jam" Holiday Party returns for its landmark 16-year anniversary! Join us on Sunday, December 15, 2019 as we welcome several Star Wars characters to bring holiday joy to all of our youth attendees. Both events will take place from 6:00pm-9:00pm, are alcohol & tobacco-free, and exist at no cost.
These holiday events are a staple of the local youth community and provide youth a safe space to enjoy free food, a live DJ & dance, giveaways, performances, and special surprises. "The Big Feast" created so much buzz that even L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti was in attendance for the 10th Anniversary Special.
Businesses and Community Organizations who wish to partner with us for these events are encouraged to download a Sponsorship Packet for a listing of sponsorship levels. If you have questions, please contact us at (213) 417-8888 or via e-mail at webmail@cityx1.com
Click here to see the Event Posters!
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| 400+ Tamales Served @ 15th Annual Star Wars Event |
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Posted December 18, 2018
C.I.T.Y x1 (Community Intervention Through Youth) Youth Group held its 15th annual Tamale Holiday Dinner & Dance for LGBT Youth & Allies on Dec. 16 in Hollywood. The event featured a Star Wars theme and was titled, "The Tamale Wars".
"We gave away over 400 Tamales to our attendees and linked many to services like transitional living, emotional support, and health care.", says Carlos Sosa who is the group's Executive Director. The event's purpose is to link youth to a variety of social services through a unique and fun social mixer. Many of the attendees came from local group homes, shelters, or lived in surrounding neighborhoods.
Check out photos from this special event by clicking here!
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| 450 Meals Served @ Magic Queendom |
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Posted November 21, 2018
This past Sunday, November 18, The C.I.T.Y x1 (Community Intervention Through Youth) Youth Group hosted its 16th annual Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner for LGBT youth & allies ages 14-24 at Hollywood Banquet Hall.
"There were smiles on everyone's faces in an evening when we served over 450 meals.", says Carlos Sosa, Executive Director. Sosa goes on to say, "We also linked over 100 youth to valuable social services like emergency shelter, health coverage, GED Programs, and emotional support ." Sponsoring this year's efforts were The Uptown Gay & Lesbian Alliance, The City of West Hollywood, The Los Angeles LGBT Center, and Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell.
Check out photos from this special event by clicking here!
Read a news article from The Beverly Press
Full list of 2018 Sponsors, Donors, & Partners
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| Attending Models of Pride |
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Posted October 20, 2018
Join us as we present the 14th annual Tamale Jam Holiday Dinner for local LGBT Homeless and At-risk Youth & Allies.
We had a great time at the 2018 Models of Pride LGBT Youth Conference at the Cal State L.A.'s Greenlee Plaza this past weekend. Our Outreach Table at the Resource Faire was full of energy and we enjoyed passing out over 1,000 Flyers, meeting hundreds of youth, and interacting with several service providers. We also had tons of fun with our Maleficent Party Character who showed up for a Meet & Greet with our youth and helped us promote next month's Pre-Thanksgiving Disney Party.
Check out over 40 photos on our Facebook Page!
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| The Tamale Wars Return |
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Posted December 1, 2017
Join us as we present the 14th annual Tamale Jam Holiday Dinner for local LGBT Homeless and At-risk Youth & Allies.
This year's event will once again have a Star Wars theme and will offer over 400 free Tamales, a Live DJ & Dance, Star Wars Raffle Prizes, and Community Resources. The homeless youth population in Hollywood is growing at an alarming rate and our dinner links them to emergency shelter, LGBT-friendly housing, and Emotional Support.
Funds are desperately needed to make this evening possible for these teens. Click here to donate. Businesses and Community Organizations who wish to partner with us for this unique event are encouraged to download a Sponsorship Packet for a listing of sponsorship levels. If you have questions, please contact us at (213) 417-8888 or via e-mail at partnerships@cityx1.com
Visit us on Facebook up-to-date updates on our dinner!
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| Big Feast Marks 15-year Anniversary |
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Posted November 21, 2017
This past Sunday, November 19, The C.I.T.Y x1 (Community Intervention Through Youth) Youth Group hosted its 15th annual "Big Feast" Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner for LGBT youth & allies ages 14-24 at Hollywood Banquet Hall.
"We served over 300 meals to local Homeless & at-risk LGBT youth in a safe and festive environment to kick off Thanksgiving week.", says Carlos Sosa, Executive Director. Sosa goes on to say, "We not only give the youth attendees a holiday dance, but we link them with valuable services like emergency shelter, Rapid HIV Testing, emotional support, and transitional living." Sponsoring this year's efforts were Dynamic Development, The Uptown Gay & Lesbian Alliance, The City of West Hollywood's Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Click for full story!
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| 2017 Holiday Event Dates Announced |
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Posted September 23, 2017
The C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group proudly announces the dates for its 2017 Holiday Dinners for LGBT Youth in the Hollywood area. Our flagship event, "The Big Feast", returns for its landmark 15-year anniversary, which will have a WWE theme to it! This Thanksgiving tradition will service over 200 youth on Sunday night, November 19, 2017 at Hollywood Banquet Hall (5214 Sunset Blvd.). But the festivities do not end there, as our 14th annual "Tamale Jam" Holiday Party will take place on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the Hollywood Hotel Ballroom with a special Star Wars theme! The Hotel is located at 1160 N. Vermont Ave. Both events will take place from 6:00pm-9:00pm, are alcohol & tobacco-free, and exist at no cost.
These holiday events are a staple of the local youth community and provide youth a safe space to enjoy free food, a live DJ & dance, giveaways, performances, and special surprises. "The Big Feast" created so much buzz that even L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti was in attendance for the 10th Anniversary Special.
Businesses and Community Organizations who wish to partner with us for these events are encouraged to download a Sponsorship Packet for a listing of sponsorship levels. If you have questions, please contact us at (213) 417-8888 or via e-mail at partnerships@cityx1.com
Click here to see the Event Posters!
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| Over 300 Meals Served @ Tamale Wars Holiday Party |
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Posted December 19, 2016
The C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group presented "The Tamale Wars: A Star Wars Party" on Sunday, December 18, 2016 @ The Hollywood Hotel Ballroom. Over 300 Tamale meals were served to local at-risk youth and the event had a special visit from a Stormtrooper!. Also in attendance were L.A. City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell (13th District), LAUSD Board of Education President Steve Zimmer, as well as several community organizations and City dignitaries. Check out photos from this special event by clicking here!
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| 2016 Big Feast Dinner A Big Hit! |
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Posted November 21, 2016
The C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group presented "The Big Feast: Super Hero SHOWDOWN" on Sunday, November 20, 2016 @ Hollywood Banquet Hall. Over 150 meals were served and the highlight of the night was a visit from The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Also in attendance were Councilmember David Ryu as well as several community organizations. Check out photos from this special event by clicking here!
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| 2016 Holiday Event Dates Announced |
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Posted September 6, 2016
The C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group proudly announces the dates for its 2016 Holiday Dinners for LGBT Youth in the Hollywood area. Our flagship event, "The Big Feast", returns for the 14th straight year with a Super Hero theme! This Thanksgiving tradition will service over 200 youth on Sunday night, November 20th, 2016 at Hollywood Banquet Hall (5214 Sunset Blvd.). But the festivities do not end there, as our 13th annual "Tamale Jam" Holiday Party will take place on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at the Hollywood Hotel Ballroom with a special Star Wars theme! The Hotel is located at 1160 N. Vermont Ave. Both events will take place from 6:00pm-9:00pm, are alcohol & tobacco-free, and exist at no cost.
These holiday events are a staple of the local youth community and provide youth a safe space to enjoy free food, a live DJ & dance, giveaways, performances, and special surprises. "The Big Feast" created so much buzz that even L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti was in attendance for the 10th Anniversary Special.
Businesses and Community Organizations who wish to partner with us for these events are encouraged to download a Sponsorship Packet for a listing of sponsorship levels. If you have questions, please contact us at (213) 417-8888 or via e-mail at partnerships@cityx1.com
Click here to see the Event Posters!
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| 13th Annual Big Feast To Be Held 11/22 |
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Posted October 20, 2015
C.I.T.Y. x1 proudly announces the 13th installment of its annual extravaganza, "The Big Feast". Join us as we return to The Hollywood Hotel Grand Ballroom on Sunday nite, November 22, 2015 from 6:00pm-9:00pm to feed, entertain, and empower 200 local youth. The event, which exists at no cost to its attendees, will provide a catered Thanksgiving dinner, a live DJ & dance, special guests, community resources and more in an alcohol & tobacco-free environment. Support the event by making an online donation or downloading a Sponsorship Packet.
• Visit the Event Web Site
• Download a Flyer |
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| Celebrating the Holidays, California-Style! |
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Posted December 19, 2014
The very popular "Tamale Jam: California Love" Holiday Youth Party returned on Sunday, December 14, 2014 for the 11th straight year. This free event was held at The Old Dvin Ballroom in Hollywood and welcomed 175 people. Those in attendance enjoyed a live DJ & dance, free tamales, holiday treats, and raffle prizes that included California-themes T-Shirts, Knott's Berry Farm Tickets, and a $100 Visa Giftcard. Our Outreach Zone was also in full effect, as we had 8 organizations on-hand to provide information on youth services; free Rapid HIV Testing was provided by our friends at AltaMed Health Services.
Photos via Facebook
Photos via PhotoBucket |
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| 12th Annual "Big Feast" Feeds Over 150 Youth |
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Posted December 1, 2014
The 12th annual "Big Feast" fed over 150 local youth on Sunday night, November 23rd. The Hollywood Hotel Grand Ballroom played host to the free Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner & Dance, which featured a complete Thanksgiving-style dinner, Club DJ's, Community Resources, Raffles, and Rapid HIV Testing. Attendees included L.A. City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, David Ryu, Los Angeles Commissioner Ceri Zamora. Click below to check out the photos! A total of 7 organizations participated in our Outreach Zone, which helped link our young attendees to local services like transitional living, health care, counseling, and social groups.
Photos via Facebook
Photos via Photobucket |
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| City of Los Angeles Honors Carlos Sosa |
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| "GLOW" Returns, Youth Will Light Up Their Pride |
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Posted May 30, 2014
By popular demand, "GLOW" returns for Gay Pride Month. This special youth celebration will take place on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 6:00pm in Hollywood. Attractions include a live DJ & dance, free food, live youth performances, free glowsticks, and many special surprises. The free event, which is alcohol & tobacco-free, will take place at El Paraiso Salon, located at 4318 Melrose Avenue. The C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group is proud to welcome The Los Angeles LGBT Center as a Sponsor for this event.
The first edition of "GLOW" took place last year and was a major success, with nearly 150 youth participating in all of the activities. Word about the occasion even reached the office of City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, who attended the event, interacted with Volunteers, and welcomed youth to Hollywood. A special "glow in the dark" theme highlighted the evening, with special lighting added to the location and over 400 glowsticks given away to all youth.
Visit the Official GLOW Event Web Site! |
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| Supporting NYHAAD Local Events |
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Posted March 18, 2014
C.I.T.Y. x1 is a proud Community Partner for the second annual National Youth HIV/AIDS Day. This will be a joint-production with Children's Hospital, St. John's Well Child & Family Center, AltaMed, Bienestar, and The Fun House.
This year is extra special, as event organizers are extending NYHAAD Day to an entire week's worth of events & activities throughout Los Angeles. The week kicks off on Monday, April 7th with a film screening of Dallas Buyers Club and will conclude on Saturday, April 12th with a big celebration at AltaMed's Youth Center in East Los Angeles. Kudos to Youth Activist Alexander "Xander" Pacach and the team of youth volunteers that he has brought together to help organize each individual activity. Click for the flyer! |
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| Closing Out 2013, A Big Year for C.I.T.Y. x1 |
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Posted December 28, 2013
The 2013 calendar is coming to a close and The C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group is looking back at one of its biggest years ever! A total of 5 events were produced this year and over 650 youth were serviced from June to December. Additionally, we were able to successfully have 120 youth attend, and complete, 4 one-hour safe sex workshops held prior to our youth parties. And as part of our on-going commitment to encourage youth to get tested, we were able to get nearly 50 youth participate in Rapid HIV Testing at all of our 5 events.
Two major milestones were marked this year, as the "Tamale Jam" Christmas Party marked its 10th anniversary. C.I.T.Y. x1 also witnessed the realization of "20/20", a very important Inter-Generational Community Forum held at The West Hollywood Library. Both events helped solidify the organization's commitment to service homeless & at-risk youth during the holidays and to present new & innovative programming that bridges communities and generations.
Keep posted to our web site and our social media channels for the release of our 2014 Event Calendar. Businesses and Organizations wishing to partner with us in the new year can contact us at partnerships@cityx1.com |
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| Youth Activist Gets Big WeHo Award |
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Posted December 5, 2013
C.I.T.Y. x1 nominee Matthew Zavala has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2013 Paul Andrew Starke Awards. The ceremony was held on Monday, December 2nd at the West Hollywood Library Community Room. Members of the City Council were in attendance to present the awards to 7 honorees who were recognized for their commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention & treatment.
Matthew holds a well-rounded resume that began with his volunteer work at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Color in Common Youth Group. There he learned how to mobilize youth, organize safe sex workshops & activities, interact with the community, and lead by example. The group also hosted a variety of prevention activities for local at-risk youth that included field trips, trainings, community outreach, and educational workshops. His energy and dedication caught the eye of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, which hired him earlier this year. In September, Matthew was selected as a Young Professional to attend The United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) in New Orleans.
Matthew is one of 6 C.I.T.Y. x1 youth who has received a Paul Andrew Starke Award. Youth have been recognized in 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. |
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| City Councilmember O'Farrell Supports LGBTQ Youth |
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Posted December 5, 2013
C.I.T.Y. x1 was honored to have L.A. City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell attend the 12th annual "Big Feast" Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner for LGBTQ Youth & Allies on November 24th. The Councilmember welcomed youth to the dinner and gave an inspirational speech that let youth know that there is a community here who cares about them and provides support services.
Check out video footage from Councilmember O'Farrell at our holiday youth dinner:
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