A program designed to provide students with alternatives to attending alcohol-influenced parties will be held from 8-9 p.m., Wednesday, March 6 at the Tri-Lakes YMCA Young Life Gym, 17250 Jackson Creek Pkwy., Monument.

The annual March RADness (Real Alternatives to Drugs and Drinking) is an impact tour and event showcasing the Real Alternatives to Drugs and Drinking program. March RADness is a fun, themed celebration that plays off the excitement of March Madness basketball. Each RAD night has its own theme to make the events more engaging, and March RADness is no exception.

The event spotlights on RAD, the teen-led, safe and sober Friday night program hosted at the Tri-Lakes YMCA. It highlights the creativity and leadership of local teens while giving the community a chance to support a program that provides a positive alternative to drugs and alcohol.

This year, March RADness is being highlighted as part of the Impact Tour. The program allows donors and community leaders to see RAD not just as an event, but as a vital youth development program with measurable outcomes and long-term impact.

Kate Noonan, vice president of Mission Advancement at the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, oversees the Impact Tour that highlights mission-driven programs like RAD.

“My role is to ensure these programs are visible, understood and supported by our community so they can continue to grow and serve youth in meaningful ways,” Noonan said.

By offering alternatives to parties, RAD keeps students safe while providing them with the social events they enjoy. The YMCA is opening its doors for a new series of YMCA Impact Tours – a chance to see the mission in action. From innovative wellness programs to youth development and community health initiatives, each tour highlights a different story of impact.

As part of the Impact Tour highlighting RAD, James Whitfield, executive, Tri-Lakes YMCA, and some students themselves will be guest speakers.

“Together, they will share the program’s impact, the importance of youth-led prevention, and how community support helps keep Friday nights safe and fun for local teens,” Noonan said.

Attendees should look for authentic youth voices, powerful storytelling, and a clear connection between community support and real-world impact for local teens. “Guests will see how RAD operates as a “by students, for students” program, with activities like sports, games and social spaces that keep Friday nights safe, engaging and fun,” Noonan said.

“The program was designed to turn loss into purpose by creating a safe, sober space for high school students on Friday nights.”

Former Palmer Ridge High School student Brandon Pappas founded the program as a way to change the drugs and drinking culture that exists in many high schools nationwide. On Sept. 1, 2014, Pappas’ older brother Ryan and another passenger were killed in a car crash in Monument when driver Marshal Gregory lost control of the vehicle.

Pappas responded to Ryan’s death by creating events for students that don’t focus on partying. In fall 2015 Pappas helped create the KOM (Kids of Monument) Club at PRHS. By spring 2016, KOM, in collaboration with the YMCA, evolved into RAD. The program has chapters at PRHS, Lewis-Palmer and Monument Academy High Schools.

According to Noonan, the event addresses a real need as RAD provides teens with a place to belong, connect and have fun without the pressures of drugs or alcohol. Also, it reinforces the idea that prevention, peer leadership and community investment can save lives.

“RAD serves hundreds of high school students each week, offering consistent, positive engagement during a time when risky behaviors often occur,” Noonan said. “The program empowers teens to lead, supports healthy decision-making and gives families peace of mind knowing their students have a safe place to be on a Friday night.”

Noonan said the event strengthens the community by investing in prevention, leadership and youth connection. “When teens are supported, families are stronger and the entire community benefits from healthier, safer outcomes,” Noonan said.

Board members, donors, city officials, community leaders and YMCA members interested in the Y’s regional impact are expected to attend the event. Attendees are encouraged to meet in front lobby. “March RADness has become a key way to elevate and celebrate the program’s ongoing impact over the years, Noonan said.

Also, RAD seeks volunteers to provide adult supervision, have fun and build relationships while ensuring the safety of all youth. Volunteers heat up and serve snacks, welcome and sign in youth upon arrival, supervise various activities, assist with set up and clean up, check the parking lot and more.

RAD volunteers should have a good attitude, a passion for community youth, a cold weather coat, comfortable shoes and desire to stay up late. By donating time, snacks or support, volunteers help RAD continue to provide a safe and positive space for teens. For more volunteer information contact RAD Coordinator Charli Matthews at cmatthews@ppymca.org.

Readers can learn more about RAD by visiting ppymca.org/programs/youth/teens/rad-program/. Anyone wishing to look closer at other YMCA initiatives are encouraged to sign up for an Impact Tour at ppymca.org/impact-tours/ where they can see firsthand how programs like RAD are making a difference in the community.