An Evanston youth nonprofit raised more than $250,000 on Saturday at its 43rd annual dinner to continue programs at two local elementary schools.

Youth Organizations Umbrella hosted the benefit to fundraise for the Evanston-based nonprofit’s youth development and education efforts.

“We are truly grateful to have such loyal and committed supporters,” executive director Seth Green said in a news release. “We are all absolutely thrilled for how this support will allow us to empower even more youth in the year ahead.”

More than 300 people attended the benefit at the Evanston Golf Club, 4401 Dempster St., Skokie, which benefitted programs at Oakton Elementary School and Washington Elementary School.

Y.O.U serves more than 1,000 youth and more than 3,000 family members through its services. Programs include after-school enrichment and mentoring.

Three Evanston Township High School seniors were also recognized as finalists of the Richard and Katherine Art Youth Award for their contributions to the community. One of the finalists, Cristal Hernando, worked with the Y.O.U.ng Filmmakers group that received national recognition for an anti-violence video called “The Ripple Effect.” The group of filmmakers, which was awarded with the national Jefferson Awards’ Youth Service Challenge prize, is part of Y.O.U.’s CONNECT program.

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