Reggie’s Sleepout
VOLUNTEER SLEEPOUT
REGISTER FUNDRAISE
Join us in the fight to end youth homelessness in Iowa. Register today to sleepout on the field at Drake Stadium for one night (September 30) and learn more about this critical cause. A registration fee of $25 includes a t-shirt, pizza, snacks, entertainment, and a night at Drake Stadium. Gather your friends and family to support youth aged 16-24 and raise awareness of youth homelessness. Raise funds as an individual or team to help YSS reach their goal of $200,000 to save 100 lives this year.
During the event, engage in entertainment and educational programming all evening. Using cardboard, duct tape, and your imagination, participate in the Nationwide Boxed-In Contest and design your own enclosure for the night. Awards will be given for creativity and overall design.
Reggie’s Sleepout was created in 2005 in memory of Reggie Kelsey. He was a young man who aged out of the foster care system in 2001, and within three and a half months, was found dead in the Des Moines River. Reggie had an endearing personality, but suffered from hallucinations and depression. After being kicked out of his latest foster care placement, Reggie bounced from one shelter to another and worried about how he would survive on his own. Occasionally he camped outside while working with Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, a YSS organization in Des Moines.
As a result of Reggie’s death, YSS led the effort to develop the Iowa Aftercare Services Network to provide services to those aging out of foster care. Reggie’s Sleepout is named in honor of Reggie, and our commitment to prevent another tragedy.
the event
WHEN: September 30, 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Drake University – Drake Stadium;
2719 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
WHY: To raise awareness and funds to address the critical needs of youth experiencing homelessness in Iowa.
All proceeds benefit programs for youth ages 16 to 24 at YSS.
our sponsors
