Brayan Rodriquez of Wickenburg, Arizona and his family could never be happier that their hometown is the location of Gatehouse Academy, a top alcohol and drug program for young adults. Through their own efforts, residents in the program joined together for this one-day fundraising effort.

Three months of intensive work by residents of Gatehouse Academy culminated in an organized day-long fundraiser named "Another Chance". The goal of the fundraiser was to save a young boy's life. Brayan Rodriquez, a 5-year-old Wickenburg boy, desperately needed a life saving heart operation. His family did not have the funds to pay for the operation. It was the goal of the residents to generate the $20,000 needed to pay for Brayan's surgery.

"The most amazing thing about this event is that the effort was entirely driven by the residents," explained Kent Sherman, CEO. "Usually young adult drug and alcohol addicts have tremendous difficulty following through on anything. For them to be engaged in this process for over three months, it says something about them, our organization and obviously, the cause."

Completely organized and managed by over thirty of its' 100 residents, it was the biggest project in which Gatehouse Academy has ever participated. Complete with a hierarchical business structure and positions, such as a Marketing Director, Events Coordinator, Public Relations crew, and an Advertising crew, this ambitious project hoped to generate the funds needed. They went well over their goal reaching a total of $32,000.

The fundraiser took place on July 15th. The day was filled with excitement and various activities such as a silent auction, car wash, pie eating contest, barbeque, games, entertainment and raffling off of many donated items including a car donated by Jones Ford. One of the most enjoyable events for the residents had to be "dunking" many of our staff in the dunk tank. The Wickenburg community and businesses showed their support through generous donations and participating in the event.                        
                         
The Gatehouse Academy Mission Statement reads: "We absolutely insist on guiding young adults towards a life of excellence, leadership and service." "Nothing is more incredible than when an organization's mission statement is carried out in such a tangible manner." says CEO, Sherman.

Katie M., a resident of six months at Gatehouse, concurs, "As the project leader, I found out things about myself that I never thought possible. I've never considered myself a leader, or for that matter, a person of service. My personal drug use history is evidence that I never took the time to think about others. Not only did I help another, I found for the first time that I was connected to friends and by being of service, I can make a difference in the world."