The YWCA Santa Monica / Westside launched the Sally Young Empowerment Fund at the 2009 Focus Awards Gala. Sally Young Named in honor of Sally Young, who retired from the YWCA in December 2008 after serving as its Executive Director for over 23 years, the Fund will help to ensure the financial sustainability of the YWCA now and in the future.Designed to assign monies where the need is greatest, the Sally Young Empowerment Fund will support new programs that might not benefit from traditional funding sources, existing programs whose funding may fall short due to unpredictable revenue streams, and the organization’s general operations. “I cannot think of a better way to support the future of the YWCA than through a fund that empowers the organization to use donor dollars in the smartest and most cost-effective way possible,” said Sally Young.“In a financial climate when many nonprofits are struggling to maintain critical community programs, the Sally Young Empowerment Fund will keep the YWCA on track for a strong future.For this, as well as years of dedicated and passionate service, we are so grateful to Sally,” remarked Barbara Flammang, President of the YWCA’s Board of Directors.The Sally Young Empowerment Fund served as the evening’s featured Live Auction item and raised over $25,000.