A dozen Toppenish High School boys will vie for the Mr. Toppenish crown Jan. 20, as part of the YouthWorks program of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation. The contestants’ objective is to help make a difference in the lives of children in the Yakima Valley, by raising money to help support the work of the foundation.
The contestants participated in several fund-raising activities in the weeks prior to the pageant, including a week-long event that collected about $1600, and a bowl-a-thon Jan. 9 that raised about $600. 
The funds will be used to help support programs at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and Children’s Village. YouthWorks is a youth empowerment and community service program that promotes involvement in mentoring and volunteering, and exposure to medical careers and philanthropy.
The pageant will take place in the Toppenish High School auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $5 and are available at the door or from the Memorial Foundation, by calling 509-576-5794 or by visiting www.memfound.org.