The public is invited to the Youth First Community of Promise 18th annual mayors' fundraising breakfast on Friday, March 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Lord of Life Church in Ramsey (14501 Nowthen Blvd. N.W.). The event will be hosted by mayors Bob Ramsey (Ramsey), Phil Rice (Anoka) and Mike Gamache (Andover) and the Northwest Anoka County Community Consortium (NWACCC). 

This year's guest speaker is Dr. David Walsh. Dr. Walsh, has emerged as one of the world's leading authorities on children, teens, parenting, family life, and the impact of technology on children's health and development. In 1995, Dr. David Walsh founded the internationally renowned National Institute on Media and the Family, which he led until 2010. He recently founded Mind Positive Parenting to help caring adults better understand how to help kids thrive in the 21st  century.

Tickets are $25 per person, or $190 for a table of eight. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Youth First is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 763-421-8530. 

Youth First Community of Promise is a local community initiative established out of a working group of NWACCC. This collaborative entity includes the cities of Andover, Anoka, Ramsey, Anoka County and the Anoka-Hennepin School District.

Youth First Community of Promise provides programs that ensure all children in our communities receive five specific promises: 1) safe places, 2) relationships with caring adults, 3) healthy start and future, 4) effective education and 5) opportunities to give back. These promises, if consistently given, increase the chance of success in each child's life. This annual event celebrates local government, faith communities, schools, civic groups, businesses, law enforcement and individuals working together to ensure these promises.