Nearly 600 people attended the 29th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada Luau on September 10 at the MAC, making it an evening to remember.
Live Hawaiian music from local band, Hoaloha, entertained guests as they savored a roast pork buffet by Carson City BBQ, Hawaiian Shave Ice by Island Breeze Events, an exciting live auction and meet-and-greets with friends.
This year, the Club’s art department went beyond its decorations, designing a photo backdrop and several palm trees to give an extra authentic touch. Club staff, members and the entire Carson City and Carson Valley community gathered for the luau.
“It was wonderful to see such an enthusiastic crowd of Club supporters in one room. Year after year we continue to grow and we couldn’t do it without the support [of] our community, our generous donors, club families and staff,” said club board member Alex Walden.
“We have big goals for the future and the annual BGCWN Luau is essential to moving forward and delivering the very best for our members! A big thank you to everyone who participated and made this possible!”
Another highlight of the evening was the Bob Crowell Community Ambassador Award, established by Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada (BGCWN) to honor an individual or couple in our community who exemplifies the character and humility of Mayor Bob Crowell. himself.
In the 3rd year of this award, the Club and the Crowell family were honored to recognize a couple who continually embody Bob’s heart and soul, go above and beyond in our community and have won over the heart of many, Larry and Susie Messina.
Mayor Bob never skipped a beat and was always ready to support the Club and its members. There is no better way to recognize what he has done for the Boys and Girls Club, and for our entire community, than to honor his memory with this award.
At the event, there was a wave of donations for the club’s Stand Up For Kids (SUFK) fundraising campaign. Most donors have pledged around $950, which covers the cost of one child’s membership fees for the whole year.
Over 250 of their current family households are receiving financial assistance from the Club, and SUFK is assisting their efforts to reach more young people in our community. Funds raised through the Luau allow the Club to continue to provide high quality programming throughout the year.
Everyone present supported their mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those most in need, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Brett Zunino, the CEO of BGCWN, discussed the purpose of the luau as well as a future look at the club as a whole.
“Together, we help make a difference. As a community, we have raised nearly $200,000 which will bring us closer to our expanded vision over the next 2 years to: [1] Increase our membership by more than 570 children, bringing our total to 2,200, [2] increase our average daily attendance from 310 to over 600 members, which includes 70 more teens, 320 more children before and after, and 330 more children participating in our programs when school is out for the summer and holidays [3] and we are confident that we will be nearing completion at our new Carson Valley location,” Zunino said.
“Thanks to the generosity of the community, we will reach more children than ever! Together, I want us to seize every opportunity that comes our way to impact the lives of thousands of children, strengthen family unity, and change the landscape of our community. On behalf of the team and the children, we are eternally grateful!
Local businesses and community members not only sponsored the luau, they volunteered their time and energy by inviting other community members to attend and donated fantastic items to their sale. at auction and in their raffle.
Every attendee contributed to the success of the Luau and should be celebrated. The BGCWN thanks its main sponsors: SlotWorld & Bodine’s Casino – the main sponsors; RISE Carson City – the Kahuna level sponsor; Bently Nevada, Southwest Gas, Nevada News Group, LP Insurance, Carson Tahoe Health, Miles Construction, Renown Health, Briggs Electric, Environmental Protection Services, Local IBEW 401 – Maui Level Sponsors; VT Accounting Associates, Allison MacKenzie Law, Paradiso Communities, AT&T, Lumos & Associates, United Federal Credit Union, Carson Valley Medical Center, Qualcan, Silver State Government Relations, Carson City Motorsports and Enterprise Holdings Foundation – the Oahu level sponsors. Liquid Death donated refreshing water to hydrate attendees between delicious Mai Tais prepared by Rice Street Events volunteers.
If you would like to donate to BGCWN, go to bgcwn.org/donate.