This month, My Friend's Place launched a new event called Friend Fest, bringing together local businesses, friend and community groups, and families for a community-driven fundraising experience to help end youth homelessness. 

Teams of friends and colleagues launched peer-to-peer fundraising pages, and rallied their networks to support young people in need. The team fundraising challenge culminated at a live event on October 12th, at the unique and vibrant The River LA, a hidden gem along the scenic LA River bike path. 

This event combined high-energy fun and meaningful impact with teams competing in three epic challenges: the Mascot Showdown (several cute dogs were involved), the I’ve Got Your Back Art Challenge (a game of Pictionary meets telephone), and the Friendship Relay (balloons, beach balls, and hula hoops made their rounds between teammates). Winners received one of a kind medals created by young people at My Friend’s Place. 

The fun was made possible by our incredible Best Friend sponsor, The Walt Disney Company and our Team Champion sponsor, Kilroy Realty. Snacks and beverages from our in-kind sponsors Like Air and AriZona Beverages kept the energy and team spirit going.

On behalf of the entire My Friend’s Place team — we’d like to thank our generous sponsors, the teams that spent months fundraising, our community partners, and all who showed up day-of to enjoy the fun as spectators. Thank you for showing up, playing hard, and celebrating friendship with us in such a meaningful way. It was an incredible day of sunshine, laughter, and connection, and most importantly, our community came together to support young people impacted by homelessness.

Loved the Friend Fest format? Want to keep the good vibes alive? Join us for our next peer-to-peer event: the LA Big 5K in March 2026! Interested? Contact Serilla at schavez@myfriendsplace.org to learn more.