The year 2013 was one of galas and fund-raisers galore for good causes in the Lehigh Valley.

While it's not known if the number of annual benefits for nonprofits in the Valley is more than those held each year in other areas in the United States of comparable geographic area and population, it seems as though on any given weekend, there are one or more benefits to attend in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton region.

The events range from formal, such as the Allentown Symphony Ball, to cocktail dressy, as with the Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley's "Cocktails & Collecting," to casual, as in an ArtsQuest Center film screening benefit for Trout Unlimited.

In a year of dozens of such events, two were especially memorable, possibly because they were benefits for and, in one instance, by young people.

The Baum School of Art 2013 Gala was organized by youths for youths.

Teen artwork was auctioned to benefit Linny's Kids scholarship fund, which noted its 10th anniversary this year and is named honor of its benefactor, the late Lehigh Valley philanthropist Marlene "Linny" Fowler.

Each of the centerpieces at the tables for the sit-down dinner, with Catering by Karen Hunter, emphasized the 2013 gala theme, "Art: The Tools For Success," with Crayola crayons, paintbrushes and paint. The program for the gala was designed to look like an artist's sketchbook binder.

The Teen Art Auction was chaired by Matthew Fainor, sophomore, Salisbury High School, and a Baum School student.

The auction committee included Julia Moore, sophomore, The Perkiomen School; Meng Ying Wu, senior, Dieruff High School, and Jake Zelenkofske, sophomore, Southern Lehigh High School. Moore was unable to attend the gala.

"They've just done a phenomenal job. We're very proud of Matthew," said Matthew's father, Scott V. Fainor, President & CEO, National Penn Bank.

"All of the committee members have just put forth great effort. It's a very proud moment," said Scott Fainor at the Oct. 19 gala at the Baum School, Fifth and Linden streets, Allentown.

Some 15 students donated 27 pieces of art, which were on display at Baum for silent auction bids prior to dinner.

The Linny's Kids scholarship fund, established in 2003, was first proposed by Rose Ackerman, now retired Baum administrator.

"The mission here with Walter Baum is that no child be deprived of art education because of money," Ackerman said at the gala.

Matthew Fainor originated the idea for the teen art auction. According to the gala program, he "wanted to make a difference in a way that would carry Linny's legacy into the future.

"What began as a school assignment requiring 10 hours of community service [grew] into several months of committed volunteerism and community leadership for this creative and dedicated 10th grader," the program stated.

In a program tribute to Linny Fowler, it was stated, "Linny was a champion of the idea that through art, every child has the tools to increase self-confidence and find success."

"Linny's Kids was a program that was dear to Linny's heart and I am delighted that it continues," said Beall Fowler, Linny's widower, in statement in the gala program.

"It is especially gratifying that young people who benefitted from the talented instructors at Baum have taken the lead by planning the evening and contributing their work for purchase, Beall Fowler stated.

"She was a true angel," said Shannon Slattery Fugate, Executive Director, Baum School of Art, in her talk at the dinner.

Teen auction committee members were presented with stained-glass stars created and made by Linny Fowler.

"You guys are not only Linny's Kids, but Linny's stars," Slattery Fugate said.

Just two weeks earlier at nearby Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown, Lehigh Valley rockers took the stage Oct. 5 for a concert and reception benefit for Valley Youth House, which in 2013 noted its 40th anniversary.

"Tonight we begin to celebrate the next 40 years of Valley Youth House," said Annette M. Duranso of Macungie, Valley Youth House President & CEO, who was appointed in August.

In introducing Taliyah Holmes, a Lehigh Carbon Community College pharmacy tech student, Duranso said of her, "She really is the star of the show. She really is what Valley Youth House is all about."

Said Holmes of Valley Youth House, "This is where my life changed forever."

Holmes enrolled in Valley Youth House's "Great Beginnings" which has served teen mothers and babies for 25 years. The program goal is to "allow youth who are homeless or in the foster care system to develop the education, employment and life skills they need to live as successful independent adults."

Holmes worked two jobs, attended school and raised her three-year-old son.

Said Duranso of Holmes: "She had goals. She just needed someone to help her." Holmes' success has been in "breaking the cycle not only for herself but for her son," said Duranso.

And that is what good causes are all about: helping others to create a better future for us all.

It's a lesson that Old Scrooge learned in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."

It's a lesson that can be put into practice all year long, beginning in 2014.

To submit press releases for consideration in the Good Cause column and request coverage of fundraisers and galas, email Paul Willistein, Focus features editor: pwillistein@tnonline.com