Foster care youth gathered at the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 30, 2025, for the annual AMP Day on the Hill. The event opened...
YSS Hosts ‘Evening with Francis’ Gala

YSS Francis Lauer raised over $34,000 at the annual Evening with Francis fundraiser gala on Aug. 26. The funds, which tripled the amount raised at last year’s gala, will benefit local youth and families in YSS programs.
Held at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Evening with Francis welcomed 150 supporters, community members, and staff. The event included live music by The Hepperly Band, an elegant dinner catered by Waldorf University, impactful presentations, and both silent and live auctions.
Shannon Wooge, chair of the YSS Francis Lauer Advisory Board, served as emcee for the evening. The event also included remarks from Shanda Hansen, director of YSS Francis Lauer, and Teryssa Garcia, YSS Emergency Services Specialist and a client of YSS’s Aftercare program.
Thank you to the presenting sponsor Dean Snyder, as well as the following additional sponsors:
- Gold Sponsors: First Citizens, Overdrive Auto, and Pat & O. Jay Tomson
- Silver Sponsors: Blackhawk Sprinklers, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, FCIS, Globe Gazette, North Iowa Community Credit Union, NSB, and Sure Service
- Bronze Sponsors: Crown Point Builders, Jane Fischer and Associates, MC Roofing, Mechanical Air, Redemption Tattoo, Sukup, and Woodman Controls
- Bar: Munn Enterprises
- Flowers: Hy-Vee
- Print: North Iowa Design
Other News
The ballroom at the Gateway Hotel in Ames was filled with hope, opportunity, and lettuce as YSS hosted its 2025 Recognition Luncheon on Jan. 31....