It’s good to know that our local celebrities care about kids in the Inland Empire and are willing to give their time to help make a difference.

On Feb. 19, awardwinning television journalist and NBC veteran Mary Parks and KFROG radio personality Christy McLeap will be cohosting the 2015 Challenge for Children Winter years of broadcasting experience, they will bring their wit and passion to some 500 guests gathered to improve the lives of Inland Empire youth.

In its fourth year, the event transforms the Citizens Business Bank Arena into a winter wonderland for one night to raise funds to help local underprivileged children to reach for a brighter future.

Delivering Hope This year’s theme is Delivering Hope. For children in our neighborhoods who struggle to have enough to eat, whose parents are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and who lack stable housing and a bed of their own, hope is often in short supply.

Along with the Hope Reigns Foundation and the Ontario Reign hockey team, our goal is to provide the guidance and resources to help youth stay in school and reach for future self- by feeding hungry kids, providing a positive role model, or coaching youth toward college and career readiness, United Way is committed to Delivering Hope.

The evening will feature a cocktail reception with live jazz by Ray Fuller, former guitarist for Whitney Houston, Anita Baker and Luther Vandross. Guests will then descend to the arena followed by the live ’50s music of The Crown City Bombers’ rock and swing.

And for those looking for a special souvenir from the evening, a couple of our favorite auction items will include a 2014 Country Music Awards autographed guitar signed by Keith Urban, Martina McBride and others, and a getaway to The Montage Laguna Beach including an ocean view room and dinner.

Most importantly, it’s a night to help youth to see beyond today’s challenges and realize their potential for a better tomorrow. I hope you will join us.information.