Youth Eastside Services ï¿½Invest in Youthï¿½ Breakfast

May 8, 2008

*As Written*

Good morning and thank you, Rob (McKenna) for the kind introduction.

Iï¿½m honored to be here this morning.

Iï¿½d first like to thank our ï¿½Presenting Sponsorsï¿½:

Costco Wholesaleï¿½Boeingï¿½The Educational Legacy Fundï¿½Macy'sï¿½Microsoftï¿½Navigant Consultingï¿½Toyota of Bellevueï¿½and Wells Fargo Bankï¿½

ï¿½As well as all of the many other supportive sponsors who make this Invest in Youth Breakfast possible.

And thanks to each of you for your presence here this morning, for your generosity to Y-E-S., and for your commitment to Washington kids. As governor, Iï¿½m all about partnerships with the private sector, and this is a big one.

Thatï¿½s how we get things done ï¿½ the Washington Way.

I was very moved by the two stories I just heard.

Heather and Darian ï¿½ let me tell you ï¿½ I am deeply touched by the courage both of you have shown and continue to show as you make yourselves stronger and stronger. You have gumption, and I respect that a lot.

Youï¿½re both strong, bright young people, and I can see that you have the resources within yourselves to lead happy lives.

You just needed a little bit of help at the right time ï¿½ and you got it from Y-E-S.

I can say from personal experience that everybody sometimes needs a little bit of help.

None of us is an island, and sometimes when the world becomes too much, we need to take the hand of somebody who can help us.

But we also have the choice to reach down deep to find the tools that God gave us to do what we can do to be kind to ourselves and take care of ourselves so we can be happy.

I heard that loud and clear not too long ago.

I was at an event where we presented scholarships to young folks who have been in our foster care system and I was unbelievably touched by the first graduate.

I was touched because as she went to the podium, she said ï¿½ ï¿½You know when I was a kid I remember asking why a lot. Most importantly I asked whyï¿½why did my mom have to beat me that much?

Well then one day I got moved, and I was sent to my grandpa and when I got with my grandpa, I thought whyï¿½why does my grandpa have to drink so much.

And then I ended up in foster care and got a chance at a good, quality education. Iï¿½ve just graduated, and Iï¿½m still asking why.

But today I ask why canï¿½t I be that doctor, be that teacher, be that scientist?

And I know the answer today.

The answer is, I can with the support of great people like you.

She touched the hearts and the minds of everybody in that room that day.

And thatï¿½s why weï¿½re here today ï¿½ and thatï¿½s what Y-E-S is all about ï¿½ to give an opportunity to those who might not otherwise have that opportunity, so that they can enrich all of us and future generations to come.

Thank you Heather and Darian. Thank you Y-E-S for your important work in helping young people turn their lives around.

You know, it takes a strong partnership among individuals, corporations, and government.
to give our kids that little bit of help they need to find firm footing and lead happier lives.

Y-E-S is a role model for the kind of partnership Iï¿½m talking about. Individuals, corporations, and government all are doing their part for our kids.

But we have to keep moving, so Iï¿½ll leave you today with a special Governorï¿½s Challenge.

Keep stretching! Keep giving in some way. Find a way to do it ï¿½ whether itï¿½s your time...your money...your resources...

It all matters, and you know what? We need your help!

Thanks to all of you for being here today. And thanks for your contributions and support for this incredibly important work.