Boys and Girls Club appreciates outpouring of support
The Boys and Girls Club of the Kenai Peninsula would like to offer a sincere and heartfelt “thank you” to the hundreds of supporters of the Nov. 4, 30th Annual Boys and Girls Club Auction Gala. Due to the generosity of those individuals and businesses, we raised approximately $250,000 for the Boys and Girls Club programs that serve 4,500 kids in six locations from Nikiski to Seward.
The auction committee, board and staff worked hard preparing for the event at the old Carr’s building. Yet, in this challenging economy, we did not know what to expect out of the evening. However, as the doors opened, it became evident that there would likely not be much to fear as nearly 400 attendees reached deep and gave generously. It simply never ceases to amaze me how folks on the Kenai show up and give generously where it matters most.
Andeavor (Tesoro) generously agreed to once again be the main event sponsor. GLM sponsored the Polaris side-by-side, which was raffled during the evening. The Back Door contributed as the beverage sponsor. Allan Norville generously sponsored the annual 8-gun drawing prizes. Wells Fargo was the food sponsor. Large donations were presented during the evening from the Kenai Peninsula Sportsman’s Association, the Salamatof Native Association and Hilcorp. Other special thanks go to Kenai Catering and Peninsula Power Sports. Unfortunately, we simply do not have the space here to list the hundreds of other supporters of the event.
The retired grocery store was once again transformed into a beautiful event space to match the “A Light in the Woods” theme of the 30th anniversary. Erin’s team of very busy community moms, dads and kids worked for months in preparation and for days inside the space. Nothing on this scale could happen without their dedication to the Boys and Girls Club.
We are sincerely grateful for the outpouring of support we once again received from the community. From Nikiski to Seward, the sponsors, donors and attendees have once again outdone themselves in support of the proven programs of the Boys and Girls Clubs. As our major fundraiser of the year, the event funds programs that help guide and develop Peninsula youth, often from disadvantaged homes, in preparation for being our next generation of successful, productive adults and community leaders. During this time of the drug and social issues facing the Peninsula, Boys and Girls Club programs are more important than ever.
Our heartfelt “thank you!” goes out to the people of the Kenai … the sponsors, donors, board, staff and especially the attendees of the 30th Annual Boys and Girls Club Auction Gala for their incredible generosity in support of the 4,500 kids we serve. For that generosity and your recognition and support of the value of Boys and Girls Club programs, we thank you, the community thanks you and the children of the Kenai thank you.
Senator Peter and Erin Micciche, 2017 Boys and Girls Club Annual Auction Gala Co-Chairs
Tim Redder, President Boys and Girls Club of the Kenai Peninsula