Vista, CA- Supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista gathered on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa for their 10th annual Diamond Gala. Attendees representing local businesses, Club Alumni, government officials and long-time friends of the Club used their “License to Give” to provide for Great Futures through the services the Club provides. Guests were greeted with songs by the Club’s “Music Maniacs” and a warm welcome from the “Diamonds” of the event, Club Members who later shared their stories about how the Boys & Girls Club of Vista impacts their young lives. The evening progressed with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, a sumptuous meal, a moving musical performance of “Skyfall” by 15-year old Club Member Grace Taylor, live and silent auctions, jazz music, casino style gaming and a photo booth.
The evening’s program started with a welcome from Matt Koumaras, and included Rockette Richardson Ewell, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Affairs Manager for U.S. Bank Southern California; Shelley Zimmerman, former San Diego Chief of Police; and honorary chair for the evening, and Mari Payton, Senior investigative reporter and Anchor on the award-winning NBC 7 I-Team.
Jimena Villalobos, the Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s 2019 Youth of the Year, addressed the audience through a brief video presentation and met supporters during the silent auction. Mari also engaged the Diamonds, who represented the Club’s Members, as they captivated the audience with their stories.
“We are so grateful to all of our sponsors, table hosts, donors and supporters” said Sarah Holt, Chairman of the Club’s Board of Directors. “The event raised $172,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, and was a fabulous time. The Club is an integral part of the community that truly impacts the lives of our youth. The kids are incredible, they will capture your heart!”
Sponsors for the evening included U.S. Bank, Watkins Wellness, Forte for Children, EDCO Waste and Recycling and Synovation Medical Group.
About the Boys and Girls Club of Vista
The Boys & Girls Club of Vista serves over 3,300 youth ages 5-18 annually and provides outcome-driven programs that emphasize academic success, character & leadership development, and healthy lifestyles in order to prepare them for Great Futures. Our mission is to empower every Club member, through safe and impactful experiences to graduate high school with a plan for college and career, contribute to their community, and live a healthy life. To help our Club Members succeed; it takes caring mentors such as our trained Club staff. It takes safe places like our program sites, and innovative quality programs designed to empower youth to excel in school and lead healthy lives. Our goal at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista is to provide these opportunities for the youth in the community who need us the most.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, our programs, or to donate, visit:
www.bgcvista.org
https://www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubVista
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