Croyce Allen’s Youth Destined For Greatness Enlists Shanice, Flex Alexander, NCRF and More Support a Good Cause

LOS ANGELES — Just in time for back-to-school Southern California-based 501(c)(3) non-profit Youth Destined For Greatness (YDG) hosted its annual Summer’s End Back To School Bash. Hundreds of attendees from across the region flocked to the organization’s 10th Annual Backpack Giveaway. The extravaganza commemorates YDG’s 10th year of giving back to the community.

Many notables and vendors came together for the organization’s spectacular event held at Audubon Middle School and Gifted Magnet Center over the weekend. The spectacular experience included a day of fun, entertainment, food, and activities. This year, the organization gifted hundreds of backpacks and school supplies to area children.

The theme this year was “It’s a family affair.” The eager audience was treated to an array of festivities. The event was a well-oiled production filled with many forms of entertainment from exhibitions, presentations, a show including various celebrity performers, complimentary food trucks, free services including a local barber, face painting, a photo booth, live DJ, meet & greet, and more!

YDG is serious about empowering youth and young adults. “This year we are celebrating 10 years of serving the community. Needless to say, we are very excited and optimistic about the turnout,” said Croyce Allen, the founder of Youth Destined For Greatness.

“The Summer’s End Back To School Bash focuses on celebrating our youth as the summer draws to a close and students begin their transition back to the classroom,” Allen stated.

Allen, an entrepreneur, youth advocate, philanthropist and producer, said “We do this to ensure students are properly prepared for their school year.”

“We inspire and develop young people by promoting personal transformation, growth, and self-worth,” Allen noted. “We encourage young people to believe in themselves and value service to others.”

The producer and his team solicited the help of Hollywood as well as other community leaders who joined forces to make the extravagant event go off without a hitch.

Akira Akbar and Olly Sholotan, cast members from Peacock’s hit TV Show “Bel Air,” hosted the milestone event. Performers Jalyn Hester and Raven Keiara took to the stage to speak on the importance of media arts, production and entertainment for the youth. Guests were also treated to a live performance by Issac Ryan Brown.

Others who offered their support included Nickelodeon’s “All That” Kel Mitchell, Netflix’s Cobrai Kai Dallas Dupree Young, Disney’s Danielle Jalade, Loren Lott, Kheris Rogers, Micah Abbey, Caleel Harris, Derek Luke, along with Social Media Influencers Dai Time and and Charles Brockman aka (CB3).

Singer Shanice and her husband actor Flex Alexander used their star power for good. The duo headed up the entertainment panel discussion.

Shanice told the audience you may remember my single, “I love your Smile,” to which the audience cheered. Flex was applauded when he shouted out the former UPN show “One on One” where he played the father to actress Kyla Pratt. One on One is an American sitcom that aired on UPN from September 3, 2001, to May 15, 2006. 

Flex gushed over his wife of 24 years. The couple was excited to take part and also included their daughter, Imani Shekinah Knox, in the festivities.

“I’m just thankful to be able to spend my life with the man of my dreams,” Shanice was quoted saying. Flex chimed in and said, “And, I’m thankful too. I’m looking forward to the next 80 years. I think we’re getting a groove now and just really getting into the best part about it. I love my wife,” Flex said.

When asked what was the best thing he loved about his wife, Flex quickly replied, “Your heart and your spirit,” directing his comment to Shanice.

Chuck the Condor, mascot of the LA Clippers in the NBA, was a crowd pleaser from directing the band to leading a pep rally. Area cheerleaders and band members from local schools offered entertainment along with DJ Tuug who kept the music and good vibes going.

The family friendly event also offered educational panels that raised awareness about the importance of education.

Allen, in keeping with the organization’s vision for excellence, education, and empowerment, merged various auxiliaries to inspire and encourage the youth. “We’re offering education and wellness resource vendors and solicited participation from the National College Resources foundation,” the producer noted.

“Events such as this are so important. They are doing so many positive things to help youth. We want to support those efforts,” said Renee Cravin, outreach manager for the National College Resource Foundation.

“We are connecting students to college, careers and beyond. I am also the scholarship coordinator,” Cravin added. “We have many events coming up. We hope that the community can join us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We will be at the University of La Verne on September 14th at the 11th Annual Latino College Expo with over 75 Universities and Trade Schools, workshops, seminars, campus tours, food and entertainment, and scholarships!”

“We have many resource fairs starting this fall that students can partake in. We love collaborating with others who are serious about helping the community. Our founder (Dr. Theresa Price) is serious about helping students,” Cravin stated.

Of note, Dr. Theresa Price has helped secure and distribute more than $1.5 billion in scholarships and grants while helping more than 600,000 students get into college, spanning more than two decades dedicated to providing educational access and resources to underserved students, respectively.

“It really does take a village,” Dr. Price told me. “We have resources available. There is funding. We are trying to help all students,” the Black College Expo creator said. “I’m committed to doing whatever I can to help students succeed. I have been dedicated to this mission for over twenty years in the Los Angeles community and beyond,” Price stated.

“This event is to celebrate the youth in the community but most importantly this event is to celebrate family, unity and education, Allen said. “This truly is a community effort and we’d like to thank the community for their support.”

“This is a huge help. The price of everything has gone up and for them to be able to do this for these kids is truly a blessing,” a parent said.

“We know that many families in our community are struggling to make ends meet, and these resources will go a long way in helping to make the back-to-school season a little brighter for so many kids in our community,” Allen added.

Amazing Grace Conservatory, where Allen once worked as a social media manager, offered support to the event. As did Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), KW Beverly Hills, Allstate Agent: Harvey-Egans Insurance Agency, Happy Ice, Cane’s, and Chase, and who were all sponsors.

Allen was twelve years old when he founded the nonprofit organization and has an exhibiting undying passion to give back to his Los Angeles based community,” according to the YDG website.

About Youth Destined For Greatness

Youth Destined For Greatness (YDG) formally known as Ambassador Children Of Absolutes is a 501(c) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2012. YDG strives to support kids, teens and young adults in pursuing their own intrinsic motivations while being a champion of the same for the next generation of leaders in the world that tries to dictate others. The YDG mission is to inspire and develop young people by promoting personal transformation, growth, and self worth.