I told myself I wasn’t going to cry and in spite of every attempt I made, I was crying.

It didn’t make sense to lie and blame my tears on my dry contacts because my sniffling was a dead giveaway. I dried my eyes and chuckled a bit at the foolishness of myself because everyone was crying. In a room of just over a hundred people there wasn’t a dry eye in sight, myself included.

I was sitting at one of many event tables in the decorated ballroom at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills. The hotel in all of its beauty wasn’t what had me teary eyed. Don’t get me wrong, it was certainly a beautiful space, but nothing to get emotional over. Instead what had my eyes watering was the event that brought me here. I was attending the Boys & Girls Club of America’s “2018 Pacific Youth of the Year” gala. Just typing the words alone gets me choked up a little because there’s so much significance to it.

In the time I’ve spent writing about restaurants, I’ve found myself with an invitation to cover events focused around nonprofit organizations that help communities and individuals, and this one was no different. The Boys and Girls Club of America has been serving local communities throughout the United States for more than a century. In that time, the organization has actively worked to provide children and teens with the resources they need to grow into successful and independent adults. By establishing over 4,300 clubs in cities across the country, the Boys and Girls Club has become a safe place where adolescents have mentors who help nurture their development, assist in their education, and catalyze their creativity. It’s incredible to see these locations with individuals who offer their time and knowledge to minds that need it because the outcome has been so positive. While you may not know everyone who has been a result of the Boys and Girls Club, many celebrities have spent years within clubs. Some familiar faces include Denzel Washington, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jason Derulo, Maureen Holohan, Misty Copeland, Shaq, and many more. One celebrity face who also served as the evening’s emcee was actor, Anthony Anderson.

The face in films such as Malibu’s Most Wanted, Babershop, The Departed, and recently ABC’s critically acclaimed and award wining series Black-ish brought humor and narration to the gala. Prior to the start of the night, I talked with him about kids finding their own authenticity, how adults can make an impact, and more.

Follow My Gut (FMG): You’ve always been such a big advocate for authenticity, how do you feel you can help kids find that within themselves?
Anthony Anderson (AA): They need to stay true to themselves and find their voice. Don’t follow the leader, be the leader. It really needs to be about them understanding that they are in control of their destiny. They shouldn’t look to any one for validation, but within.

FMG: How do you feel that you’ve been able to stand out and create your own way?
AA: I always knew what I wanted in life and always had the support of my family, friends, and the Boys and Girls Club. The principles the club teaches are those which I use today: respect, independence, trust, and being trustworthy. Also, both myself and the club emphasize that we’re all going to make mistakes, but it’s about learning from those mistakes so you don’t repeat them.

FMG: How do you feel adults can impact he lives of kids within the Boys and Girls Club?
AA: I don’t think enough of us are in the trenches, neighborhoods, or facilities like the Boys and Girls Club; especially those of us who came from the inner city and were once like those kids. It’s not only about giving our time, but that is where it starts. Having a consistent presence in the lives of these young women and men shows them that they can see, touch, hold and feel something tangible. They can understand that it’s real and that they can attain success too.

FMG: In the area of restaurants, what do you feel is a great restaurant to take kids in Los Angeles?
AA: It all depends on the kid. We can go to a little hole in the wall and have the best time of our lives. It’s not always about steak, lobster, and chandeliers. Sometimes it’s about being in a place that feels comfortable to them; a place that’s fresh, familiar, and with like-minded individuals.

After the interview, Anthony went to host the gala and I took my seat as plates of food were delivered to the table. As beautiful and delicious as each was that wasn’t my focus. Sure the salad with quinoa, the surf and turf, with asparagus, the towering dessert with berries were delicious. So much so that I cleaned my plate, but what I tasted was no match to what I heard. Throughout the evening Jim Clark, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, discussed the importance of the organization to its various communities and the significance it has on its attendees. Cassidy L., the “2017 Pacific Youth of the Year Recipient”, addressed the audience with her charm and poise. And finally, Anthony Anderson lit up the room with his humor. In between it all the candidates for the “2018 Pacific Youth of the Year” Gala, the participants gave speeches about their lives, struggles, passion, and unwavering determination. They were:

Ariana T. – Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside (California)
Ivan L. – Boys & Girls Club of Nampa (Idaho)
Jeniya M. – Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake (Utah)
Marena S. – Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale (Arizona)
Maya V. – Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties (Oregon)
Natalie G. – Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (Nevada)
Shalain M. – Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (Hawaii)
Simeon B. – Boys & Girls Club of Southcentral Alaska (Alaska)
Zane C. – Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties (Washington)

This is where the tears started.

The stories from each individual was magical. The life experiences that came from the young adults were relatable, hard to imagine, gripping, honest, eloquent, and triumphant. Each one was different from the last and no story was better than the next. “My story began with the nightmares I couldn’t un-see. But the club inspired me to dream, to dream for the future. The club has enabled me to be courageous, to be resilient, and to overall be great.” – Ariana T. In words like that I saw teenagers pull out an inner strength that is propelling them to a future that others would easily fall victim to. They’ve seen things, experienced moments, and overcame situations that have made them brave amongst us all.

From the nine speeches that were given, one would be selected as the winning recipient with the title “2018 Pacific Youth of the Year”. The winner would receive a $10,000 college scholarship renewable for up to four years, leading to a total of $40,000 and a Toyota Camry thanks to the event’s sponsors, The Walt Disney Company and Toyota respectively. As the judges reviewed the participant’s speeches  and donations were given by attendees, the winner was selected. The smiling faces of the young adults holding hands on the stage awaiting the name to be called showed it wasn’t a competition amongst enemies, but an opportunity between friends. The letter was opened and the winner was Jeniya M. of Utah.

Taking the stage and accepting the applause of every person standing table-side, Jeniya smiled and gasped saying: “I wasn’t supposed to win, I’m a crack baby.” Needing a few seconds to catch himself from the shock and excitement he continued by adding, “To come so far with all of these kids who are so amazing … I really want to say thank you and I appreciate it.” Hugs between all the participants shined on the screens within the room and we were all grinning from ear to ear.

The gala was a beautiful night. It was an inspiring evening where young and deserving children who grew up with difficult circumstances made their way against the odds ultimately making the grown men and women at the gala cry. I can’t speak for everyone, but even though one person won the grand prize they were all winners. Each and every single individual who took the stage with gumption put a spark in my heart to work hard and strive for more. And if that’s not a leader, then I don’t know what is.

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