Contact:      Jim Gemmell
                   Director of Communications, Youth Alternatives/Ingraham
                   207.523-5014; jgemmell@youthalternatives.org

Who:           Youth Alternatives/Ingraham
What:          Ballyhoo Annual Fundraiser
Where:        Holiday Inn by the Bay
When:         April 17, 2008, 5:30 p.m.

Youth Alternatives/Ingraham’s First Annual Ballyhoo Fundraiser
Set for Thursday, April 17, 2008

PORTLAND, Maine – Youth Alternatives/Ingraham will host its first annual Ballyhoo auction and gala event April 17 at The Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. This exciting evening will feature spirited bidding on vacation packages, fine gifts, and exquisite artwork.  Proceeds from both the silent and live auctions will benefit YA/Ingraham.

Ballyhoo also features fine food from area restaurants including The Front Room, Bar Lola, Cinque Terre, Vignola, David’s, and David’s 388.

Cocktails, fine dining and the silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the evening program and live auction featuring Tom Saturley of Tranzon Auction Properties, and ending with the Grand Prize Raffle drawing at 9 p.m.

Ballyhoo is presented by TD Banknorth, and Olympia Sports. Tickets may be purchased online at www.youthalternatives.org/Ballyhoo or by calling (207) 523-5031.

Youth Alternatives and Ingraham, two mainstays in our state’s mental health and social services arena, merged on September 17, 2007.  Together, YA/Ingraham delivers a full spectrum of social services and mental health care that begins prenatally and continues throughout the life span, helping to create healthier children and adults, happier families, and stronger communities in Maine.

YA/Ingraham is a critical gateway to community services in Maine.  With more than 70 years combined experience YA/Ingraham helps to improve the lives of thousands of individuals each year. This year alone, it will proudly serve more than 10,000 children, adults, and families in need.

For more information, visit our Web site: www.youthalternatives.org/ballyhoo.