It helped such notables as Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Lopez and Michael Jordan who were members elsewhere, but more importantly, it’s helped millions of children and currently serves 3500 local kids at three area clubhouses. The organization referred to here is the Boys & Girls Club.
The Club provides after-school programs including sports, art, education, career planning, health, leadership and character development.
On Saturday, June 9, from 5 p.m. to midnight, the club will hold their annual auction with proceeds covering nearly one-third of their yearly budget.
A major highlight of the auction will be a new 2007 PT Cruiser donated by the POWER Automotive Group of Valencia who has donated a car every year for the past seven years.
Hannah Champion, a 16-year-old junior at Hart High School is a volunteer at the Newhall Club and has been a member for the past five years.
Being the oldest of eight brothers and sisters, Champion says the ability to multi-task and remain calm is an important skill to have and attributes the club for giving her that skill. She works at the front desk and is in the Leaders in Training program.
“I really love it,” says Champion, “Sometimes when we do community service events it gets a little stressful, but that’s good because I’ve learned how to control the stress which has helped me at school and in other ways.”
Rick Gould, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Santa Clarita, was a member of the Boys & Girls Club when he was 12-years-old.
“I remember that it provided me with some athletic activities that weren’t provided elsewhere, like swimming and basketball.”
Like others members of the governing board, Gould is of the mindset that providing a safe environment and quality programs for kids is a critical factor in building and maintaining a strong community.
“National statistics show that the majority of juvenile crime happens between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m.,” said Gould. Advocates believe it is what makes the club such an asset to the community.
The theme for the club’s 36th annual benefit auction is “Grease is the Word”so run out and rent the movie Grease and snag some ideas for what to wear because themed attire is definitely encouraged.
There will be 70 live auction items, including some spectacular diamond jewelry, sports memorabilia, trips, concert tickets and much more. Also, over 300 bid board items can be found.
Gourmet food is provided by Someones in the Kitchen and entertainment will feature kids from Dance Studio 84 and Hart High singers Olivia Tenny and Ian McQuown, pictured next to the PT Cruiser as Danny and Sandy, characters from the movie Grease.
The event will be held at the Mann Bio-Medical Park, 25104 Rye Canyon Loop, Santa Clarita, 91355. Co-Chairs of the event are Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kellar and Kathy Keysor-Smith.
For ticket or table reservations and further information, contact Judy or Suzanne at 661-254-3063 or visit www.scvboysandgirlsclub.org .
