Trend Spotted: Kids and Teens Pitch In at Fund-Raisers

In April, education nonprofit Pencil held a spring gala in Chicago that included an eighth grader as the M.C., an onstage culinary demonstration by high school students, schoolkids as newscasters and roving reporters, and a musical performance by two teenagers.

Arts organization Youth Design held its first fund-raiser in Boston in February. A "speed giving" session, where attendees learned what each dollar amount would fund, was followed by a meet-and-greet where they could interact with students involved in the program.

To add a personal touch to the Los Angeles Children's Chorus's 25th anniversary event in April, young choristers wrote thank-you notes that organizers placed on each table.

At the annual Hab-a-Hearts luncheon in Palm Beach this winter, students from nearby Palm Beach State College packed auction items and transported them to guests' cars.

At the Parkways Foundation's annual luncheon in September, local youth from Chicago's Teen Leadership Club at Palmer Park designed the event's hat-shaped centerpieces.

Publicolor's recent fund-raiser, which was held at New York's Martin King Jr. High School, put guests to work painting alongside teenagers from the nonprofit's art program.