Our first Create Now Talent Showcase at West Post Digital in Santa Monica was a huge success. We had 16 talented foster youth who sang, danced, played guitar and recited poems that uplifted and inspired everyone there, which included our supporters, as well as foster youth and staff from Leroy Haynes group home in La Verne, Ettie Lee group home in North Hollywood, Crittenton Services in Fullerton, Lifecircle group home in Sylmar and Care Providers group homes in West Covina and Lancaster.

Hosted by actor Maxwell Glick, we also enjoyed the rock band A Welcome Distraction and also techno-pop musician Hank. Refreshments were donated by Nestle Retail Operations, with additional contributions for gift bags and raffle prizes by Blick's Art Supplies, Positive Experience Design and Printing Experts, Ralphs, The Urban Craft Center, Warner Brothers Consumer Products, Pappadelles of LA and Brenda Toschi. Thanks also to our sponsors Mariachi and More and Brain Candy.

The best part was experiencing the love that these kids shared with each other. When their housemates performed, all of their peers cheered loudly. If one of them faltered, they shouted out encouragement. Many of these foster youth exchanged numbers so that a network of support was created. This event was so powerful and inspirational that we plan to make it even bigger and better next year!

None of this would have been possible without the devotion of Angelique Toschi, who volunteered her time to organize the event (with help from our VISTA Laura Kelly). We also appreciate the support of our volunteers Suzy Q. Clay, Michael Scharff, Joseph Potthast, Devan Lee-Gurr and Ken Jones.

Here's what some of the girls from the Crittenton Home and the boys from the Leroy Haynes Group Home have to say:

"I was nervous at first, but when I saw my peers on stage I knew I could concur! It was kool to see a live band for the first time also." - Brittany

"I felt like a star on stage. I felt like I was actually being appreciated by the community." - Oree

"I liked the talent of the other youth on stage. I was like WOW these people should be professionals." - Briana

"Allowing people to hear my thoughts on being a team mom was cool! Everyone was really nice!" - Georgetta

"At the talent show, I felt great but also nervous because I've never participated in one before. It helped me to build confidence" - Domonic

"I felt very alive about it because you don't get a chance everyday to show your talent" - David F

"I liked the talent show. The experience for me was a good one. The talent show showed me that I can express myself through something I love rather than something I know. I appreciated the opportunity and wouldn't mind doing it again." - Mikal D

"It was a little stressful but fun" - Abraham