Orlando, FL, May 18, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Mr. Charles Mizner, a long time mentor to Adam McManaman, had set up a nonprofit organization to help at risk youths and teens in Orlando. A philanthropist, Mizner ran a community center where young people could come together in a safe environment and socialize with their peers. He also offered educational and vocational advice from the center. Mainly, he aimed to give young people the opportunity to turn their lives around, something that Adam McManaman needed more than anything at that time.
For years thereafter, McManaman continued to attend the community center. Eventually, with Mr. Charles Mizner's help, he studied to become a counselor. Passing with honors, he was quickly licensed to practice.
"Professional counselors are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico." -Counseling.org
After his degree, he returned to Orlando and took over management of the center, as Mr. Charles Mizner was becoming elderly. In 2015, Mr. Mizner passed away, leaving the center to Morris.
Unfortunately, funds for the community center proved to be difficult to obtain. The center, which has been renamed "Mizner's Hope", was completely nonprofit and received no government support. Morris was determined to make it work, however, knowing how it had saved his own life. Hence, he decided to organize a fundraiser for the upkeep of the center.
He says: "My first fundraiser was the Casino Royale event. People were able to buy tickets for the black tie, James Bond themed event, and take part in the casino action. For the price of a ticket, a three course meal prepared by the young people, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks were available. Furthermore, I organized casino tables, where people could gamble with real money, but win prizes instead."
"Armed with a licence to kill, Secret Agent James Bond sets out on his first mission as 007 and must defeat a weapons dealer in a high stakes game of poker at Casino Royale, but things are not what they seem." -IMBD.com
Adam Mcmanaman had aimed to sell 150 tickets in the hopes of being able to run the community center for another year in Orlando, if he budgeted it properly. Within a week, however, 500 tickets were sold and he had to get a bigger venue. Two weeks later, 2,000 tickets were sold. The fundraising event was a huge success, and enough money was raised to keep the center running for a further ten years.
Adam McManaman ends: "I must thank the people who took part in this. Without them, this wouldn't have been possible. And I speak from experience when I say that their actions have saved lives. So thank you!"
Source: Adam McManaman
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