Michael Youens' Celebration of Larger-Than-Life!

Update: THANK YOU ALL for your extreme generosity. In less than 24 hours we have surpassed our original goal. As I've been making plans and talking to vendors it's clear that we will need every penny. As you know, Shante loved dogs! Anything collected over our goal will be donated in his name to one of his favorite charities, the SF SPCA.

Hi there, it's me, Roma. I'm planning a larger-than-life celebration for our dear friend Michael "Shante Bouvier" Youens. Aka Shante, aka The Boove, aka Shantizzle, aka The Tiz, aka Hooch... you can tell how loved someone is by how many nicknames they have and Shante had many! I'm sure I've forgotten some.

We need to get together to remind each other of the nicknames, the moments, the random acts of kindness, the embarrassing stories, the memories, the tears, and the laughs we shared with Michael/Shante. Again, there are many.

Planning is underway! We have secured the Academy on Market Street and set a date of Saturday, January 13, 2024. We're having it catered because Michael loved food more than anything - and yes - there will be donuts! And music. And Balloons. And family and friends. Michael loved his friends even more than food. He would want all of you to be there. My goal is to make it free; that's where you come in.

His close circle of friends and family were able to cover end-of-life expenses but I'm going to need your financial help to create a party worthy of a Queen and fit for a King like Shante Bouvier, Miss Youens if you're nasty, aka "Find a way Shante." (another nickname!)

Please donate whatever you can. Thank you!