January 29 kick-off at Downtown Clubhouse features speakers, special event details and more
SANTA CRUZ, CA — JANUARY 29, 2019— The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County (BGCSCC) today announced at a kickoff event that it will mark its 50th anniversary with a special Gala event on March 23, 2019, a year-long calendar of events, and the launch a new Alumni Club.
“It is a huge point of pride that the Boys & Girls Club has been serving our local youth for 50 years,” said Bob Langseth, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County. “We estimate that since 1969 we have impacted over 30,000 youth in Santa Cruz County and beyond. That doesn’t even begin to cover the number of families and community members that have been impacted by the Club. We are overjoyed to celebrate such a significant accomplishment with our community. Our doors are open to our local youth and their families, and we hope that with the support of our community they will stay open for at least another 50 years.”
On average, 444 kids ranging in age from 6 to 18 are served after school and 380 in the summer at three locations: Downtown Santa Cruz Clubhouse, Live Oak Clubhouse and the Joe and Linda Aliberti Clubhouse in Scotts Valley.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County has 47 employees and 337 community volunteers serving its three clubhouses, has an operating budget of $1,925,000, and offers programs and activities that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. Annual membership is $81.
“What I remember the most about the Club is the Athletic Director at the time. He had a huge impact on me and I’ll never forget him. He was tough but fair and a great role model. He taught me how to play basketball, but more importantly he taught me about being responsible and accountable and the kind of person I wanted to be when I grew up. It’s great to see that kids are still being served and that the Club continues to change the lives of youth and their families for the better,” said Jeff Moise, Boys & Girls Clubs Board of Directors President and club alumni from 1969-1973.
“When I was younger I was so lost. But the Club taught me that I had the potential to be more and encouraged me to be a better person. Without the Club and staff I don’t know where I would be, but I know that at the Club I was home,” Vanessa Rizo, alumni from 2005-2017.
Alumni Club
As part of the 50th anniversary, BGCSCC is launching its new Alumni Group, formed to unify 30,000 past members. The Alumni Club will reconnect friends and staff, host an Alumni BBQ and help ensure that kids today are supported just as they were during their time at the Club. Past members are encouraged to join the Facebook page for information about Alumni events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/507326623066177/
The community is invited to celebrate 50 years at Gala event on March 23 at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Tickets available at 831-423-3138 ext. 26 or visit boysandgirlsclub.info/50years.
Gala Fundraiser Event
Theme: Dancing Through the Decades
Date: Saturday, March 23
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Tickets: $125 per person
The Gala will include multiple grazing stations featuring local restaurants such as Splash, Shadowbrook and and Buttercup Cakes & Farm House Frosting. Special signature cocktails from each decade will be available including the Manhattan from the 60s, Harvey Wallbanger from the 70s, Long Island Ice Tea and Cosmopolitan from the 80s. Local breweries and wineries will be on hand to provide free tastings and samplings. The Gala will be filled with interactive activities, music and dancing throughout the decades with DJs playing favorite songs from each decade on all three floors of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Prizes will be awarded to attendees dressed in the best decade attire.
From 6-7:30p.m. the event will feature a silent auction with prizes such as vintage video games, golf packages and spa treatments.
A live auction will be held from 8-8:30p.m. with Fred Keeley as the auctioneer. Items such as private plane excursions, champagne parties, gourmet wine dinners and Tahoe vacation packages will be available to bid on. All proceeds from the event will support current and future Clubhouses and youth development programs to ensure that all Santa Cruz County children and teens are given the opportunity to realize their full potential.
2019 Calendar of Special Events
March 23, 2019: 50th Anniversary Gala Dancing through the Decades
April 14, 2019: One-year anniversary of its newest Clubhouse, the Joe & Linda Aliberti Clubhouse in Scotts Valley
July 12, 2019: 49th Annual Don Bailey Golf Tournament
October 26, 2019: Live Oak Family Fun Run
November 14, 2019: Annual Community Breakfast
To purchase Gala tickets, or for more information, call: 831-423-3138 ext. 26 or visit boysandgirlsclub.info/50years
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is the largest year-round youth development organization in Santa Cruz County, serving more than 2,500 members through academic, art, teen and recreation programs. The organization offers affordable, safe and thriving community hubs with skilled, caring professionals who understand where youth are coming from and work with them to shape their path towards a great future. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County at boysandgirlsclub.info or at facebook.com/BoysAndGirlsClubSantaCruz.