Ways to Give

Our children are our future. Leave a legacy of lasting change with WYN.

Wills and Bequests

• Plan now to sustain WYN tomorrow by including a provision in your will or other estate plans. You can specify how you would like us to use your gift.
• There are many benefits to including WYN in your will or bequest:
  • A bequest costs nothing now, yet gives you the satisfaction of knowing you have provided for a charity’s future.
  • You retain control and use of your assets during your lifetime.
  • You may modify your bequest if your circumstances change.
  • Gifts from your estate may be exempt from federal estate taxes.

Invest your assets in our youth’s future.

Have appreciated stocks or bonds? Consider donating them to Western Youth Network and turn those financial investments into investments in our youth’s futures. Donors receive two tremendous benefits when they choose to donate stock directly and let WYN liquidate their asset: both WYN and the donor avoid capital gains taxes and the donor receives a tax deduction on the asset’s appreciated value. It’s a win-WYN situation! Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our WYN office in Boone at 828.264.5174. Our development staff are eager to assist you.

At the age of 70.5, individuals must begin withdrawing the required minimum distribution for their account. Consider donating your required minimum distribution to Western Youth Network and avoid paying income tax on that distribution (up to $100,000).

Western Youth Network values creative and logical corporate partnerships. We want to work with your business to find the best way we can collaborate to make our community and your business stronger. Partnership opportunities include and are not limited to press and media coverage, joint-marketing campaigns, employee volunteer promotions, employee matched giving campaigns, and corporate sponsorships. To explore the possibilities of collaboration with Western Youth Network, please contact info@westernyouthnetwork.org

Wish Upon a Star Gala

Our annual ticketed event. Thank you to all who made our 2021 Gala a great success. Stay tuned for details about our 9th Annual Gala, coming summer 2022.

WYNter Wonderland Cookie Fundraiser

In partnership with Appalachia Cookie Company, WYN operates a seasonal cookie fundraiser. Whenever you buy a WYNter Wonderland Cookie – a chocolate cookie with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – you are supporting the life-changing mission of Western Youth Network. Order your cookies to pick up in Boone or to have shipped anywhere in the country, available only November – February. Click here for more info.

Sweet High Country Salute

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a night with Elvis to raise funds for the Sonny Sweet Scholarship Fund to send low-income youth to WYN’s 6-week summer camp program. It was a memorable night, featuring a proper southern meal while one of the country’s most beloved Elvis tribute artists sang and shimmied for a cause.  To inquire about upcoming events or donations, please email SonnySweetScholarship@gmail.com.

Festival of Trees

Join us at Chetola Resort at the beginning of the holiday season for the Festival of Trees. Walk through the doors and smell the fragrance of over 75 live trees and wreaths creatively dressed and decorated for family fun. All trees and wreaths available for purchase through the Buy-it-Now price or via the online auction. An incredible 100% of the proceeds benefit the Western Youth Network. Currently accepting applications for tree designers and event volunteers. Sign up today by contacting fot.wyn@gmail.com.

Learn More

Multiply the Impact of Every Dollar Donated

WYN’s Legacy Fund endowment was established in 2014 thanks to the vision of one of our founders. When a donor chooses to give to the WYN Endowment fund, they are choosing to secure the future of WYN’s programming. Endowment donors can ensure that WYN will continue to operate for decades to come.

Since its inception, the Endowment has grown an average of 5.3% each year with maximum yearly growth of 16.4%.

The Sonny Sweet Memorial Fund was initially established as a scholarship fund in 2015 by Sonny and Bricca Sweet to ensure that financial need would never prevent a child from accessing WYN’s summer leadership and adventure program. Since its inception, the fund has grown tremendously and has evolved to provide a variety of opportunities for children each year.

To learn more about receiving assistance from the fund, you may contact Jennifer Warren.
If you’d like to contribute to the fund, you may donate here and designate it as Sonny Sweet Memorial Fund or for questions email SonnySweetScholarship@gmail.com.

History of the Fund

Sonny was a highly decorated retired Army Colonel, who served his country for nearly 31 years. Afterward, he provided direction for the local Red Cross chapter, as he helped countless people through major disasters. Sonny also provided area service through the Military Officers Association of America, Kiwanis of Boone, Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Red Cross, Blood, Sweat and Gears Inc., the Town of Boone and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. When Sonny was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2013, he wanted to establish a lasting legacy that would help children. He chose to partner with WYN to establish a scholarship fund in his name that would increase the number of local youth who could participate in WYN’s programs. Sonny passed away in 2022, yet his legacy of uplifting people lives on through this memorial fund!

The vision and generosity of local philanthropist Bob Michaud made it possible to create WYN’s new Bob’s Buddies program. Through Bob’s Buddies, a few select youth from backgrounds of adversity are identified each year and given the opportunity to have a WYN mentor. Mentors in this program commit to more intensive involvement in their mentee’s personal and academic development. Youth participants are identified based on merit.

WYN is always in need of skilled professionals to donate their time and expertise to a variety of tasks from landscaping to photography. Think you have a skill or talent you would like to share with WYN? Please reach out to info@westernyouthnetwork.org to discuss ways to get connected to WYN.

Consistent needs that our families & kids need:

Donations to cover field trips for kids, household bills, etc.
Household items like laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.
Waters, snacks, etc. to have available at our weekly meetings for the high school students that attend
Menstrual hygiene products, soap, deoderant, shampoo, conditioner
Gifts/giftcards to give kids when birthdays come around
Gas giftcards for families

If you’d like to donate for one of these specifically, feel free to make a monetary donation and add in the comment how you’d like to designate the funds. You’re also welcome to purchase any of the tangible items and call our office (828-264-5174) to schedule a time to drop them off.

Consider one of these other easy ways to support WYN:

1. Create a birthday fundraiser on Facebook.
2. Shop on smile.amazon.com! It is the same as shopping on the regular site, except proceeds benefit Western Youth Network. Email info@westernyouthnetwork.org with questions or click here for more info.
3. Donate your credit card miles.
4. Ask your employer about corporate matching gift opportunities.