Collier Youth Services celebrated its 85th anniversary June 8 with a gala held at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, Farmingdale. The event raised more than $120,000 for Collier’s educational, recreational and residential programs for at-risk youth.

This year’s gala honorees included the AT&T Pioneers, a company-sponsored volunteer organization; Tim McLoone and the Holiday Express, volunteer musicians who bring music to those less fortunate, and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the order of religious who founded Collier Youth Services in 1927. All the honorees were recognized for their dedication towards serving others and their contributions to Collier.

Elton John tribute band “Bobby & the Jets” provided entertainment for the gala as guests entered auctions for prizes such as a Super Bowl football signed by Eli Manning, a Disney World vacation, and the services of a personal chef.

Collier Youth Services, located in Wickatunk, serves disadvantaged and at-risk youth ages five to 21. The non-profit, non-sectarian agency offers programs such as Collier High School, a state-accredited school for children with disabilities which cannot be accommodated by the public school system; Collier Group Home, a residence for teen-aged girls unable to live in their own homes due to family or personal issues; Kateri Environmental and Summer Programs, year-round educational and recreational activities for children and families which encourage respect for the environment; and Collier House, a transitional living program for young women ages 18-21 who are homeless or transitioning from the foster care system.