YES 40th ANNUAL ROMAN FEAST & CHARITY AUCTION
Local Non-profit Raises Funds to Empower Young Adults Entering the Workforce
COSTA MESA, CA (March 25, 2026) — “It Takes Work”, the theme of the Youth Employment Service (YES) 40th Annual Roman Feast and Charity Auction highlights the role of the community in helping young people land that all-important first job. On Friday, April 25th, this year’s Roman Feast will be held at one of Orange County’s most intriguing venues, the Chuck Jones Event Center by 24 Carrots in Costa Mesa’s SoCo Collection.
Expected to attract more than 300 attendees, the 2014 Roman Feast provides attendees an opportunity to bid on one-of-a kind auction items, become a valued sponsor, and help empower Orange County youth. Businesses are encouraged to contribute goods or services. Festivities include dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions with proceeds benefiting youngsters working to build the skills needed to secure meaningful employment. Major event sponsors include Don and Ginger Anderson, Experian Consumer Services, Mesa Water District, Bill and Pat Podlich, Rutan & Tucker, ZT Net Solutions, Park Newport, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, Hoag Hospital, John Rallis and Mary Lynn Bergman Rallis, Jerry’s Woodfired Dogs, and Dianne Seeber Consulting.
“For most of us, getting that initial job was tough, but in today’s economy getting a first job is even harder,” said Kathy Du Vernet, Executive Director. She continued, “For over 40 years, YES has hosted the Roman Feast to raise funds to support local youth trying to enter the workforce.”
The importance of youth employment recently took center stage as actor Ashton Kutcher mirrored the mission of YES when appealing to youngsters on the Teen Choice Awards, “The only thing ‘below’ you is not having a job,” he said. “Opportunity looks a lot like hard work.”
The foremost local non-profit matching Orange County’s youth with local employers, YES offers programs that help young people improve their self-esteem, employability, career choices, financial/personal self-sufficiency, and quality of life. Based in Costa Mesa, YES has counseled, mentored, trained and assisted 46,000+ youth, many who are considered low-income and may be at risk for adult unemployment or dependence on State or Federal support. The walk-in resource center provides a customized curriculum that fosters opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and career exploration. In partnership with more than 200 employers, YES collaborates with Orange County schools and youth-serving organizations to help youth develop skills that enhance employability, while providing local companies access to trained resources.
Roman Feast Specifics:
Friday, April 25, 2026
Chuck Jones Center by 24 Carrots, 3321 Hyland Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
Reception and Silent Auction at 6 PM
Dinner, Live Auction, Entertainment and Dancing Until 10 PM
Tickets: $125
Casual Cocktail Attire
Additional information — including ticket purchases, donations and sponsorship opportunities — is available on the Roman Feast Event Page or by contacting Kathy Du Vernet at [email protected] or (949) 642-0474.
Background
Though only 13% of the workforce nationally, young adults represent 35% of California’s unemployed. Youth unemployment costs American taxpayers $25 billion annually in the form of lost tax revenue and government benefit payouts. YES programs generate a 65% placement rate, helping tens of thousands of teens/young adults to become economically self-reliant. Over the course of our history YES youth employment has generated estimated earnings of more than $16 million.
About YES
Founded in 1970, Youth Employment Service (YES) is a locally chartered, community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people pave roads to economic independence. Our mission is to support the community by enabling Orange County youth and young adults to secure and maintain meaningful employment. YES is dedicated to offering programs that help 16-24 year-olds improve their self-esteem, employability, career choices, financial/personal self-sufficiency, and quality of life.