In 2012, Emmy-Award-winning journalist Penny LeGate lost her daughter Marah to a heroin overdose. On Wednesday, March 4, LeGate will share what she’s learned as the parent of a child who struggled with substance abuse as the keynote speaker at Youth Eastside Services’ annual Invest in Youth Breakfast.

The event takes place from 7:30–8:45 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.

“If somebody had told me I would have a daughter who was addicted to heroin and would die of heroin, I would say no, no, no. That’s not my story, that’s not my life. But that, in fact, is my life and I’m here to say it can happen to anybody,” said LeGate in a 2014 MyNorthwest.com article.

As an anchor, reporter and documentary producer, LeGate was a fixture in Seattle TV and radio for decades. Now a freelancer, LeGate covers stories across the globe, from Ethiopia and Rwanda to Nepal and Vietnam. Her stories frequently chronicle the struggles of developing nations, such as Africa’s AIDS orphans, Ebola, access to water, maternal health care, and empowerment of women and girls.

Proceeds from the event benefit YES’ Lifeline Fund, which helps kids and teens get the help they need — including substance abuse treatment services — regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Donations to the Lifeline Fund also support prevention and education programs for the greater Eastside community.

Meeghan Black, also an Emmy Award-winning journalist, will emcee the event. Black, formerly with KING TV, has reported on everything from presidential visits to natural disasters.

For information about Breakfast sponsorship and table captain opportunities, contact Brooke Wiles at brookew@YouthEastsideServices.org or 425-586-2326. For event details, visit http://bit.ly/2015breakfast.

YES is a leading nonprofit provider of youth counseling and substance abuse services on the Eastside. For more information, visit www.youtheastsideservices.org.