While 2001 will forever remain a year remembered with frustration and sadness, there were some bright moments to remember, as YouthZone celebrated 25 years of serving the youth in our community.  After raising more than $127,000, "Kiss-a-Pig" winner Ken Kris received the honor of kissing the pig at the Garfield County Fair.  Soon after, the annual event would become known as "Kiss-n-Squeal."

 

Despite receiving significant budget cuts from the State of Colorado in 2002, resulting in a loss of $114,000 in funding, YouthZone progressed on and continued helping youth throughout the Roaring Fork and Grand River Valleys.  In 2003, YouthZone began two very important financial endeavors - the organization began charging nominal fees for services and started the YouthZone Foundation.  The entity also increased programming in Pitkin County.