Funds raised during the Sweetheart Auction help send kids on field trips to local parks. Photo submitted.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley held its single largest fundraiser of the year, the Sweetheart Auction on February 7. Considered a tremendous success, the funds raised account for 18% of the Club’s annual $1.2 million operating budget and all proceeds go directly to fund the afterschool programs and services the Club provides to over 400 Sonoma Valley children every day. The Club provides the critical means for parents who live and work in and around Sonoma Valley to ensure their children engage in meaningful and constructive activities during the critical after school hours of 2 – 7 p.m. and all day during the summer months and school holidays. Boys & Girls Club reaches out to children in need, giving them support, guidance and hope for the future. The Club keeps dues low and does not turn a child away because of inability to pay.
The Fund a Need portion of the auction raised over $76,000 for Summer Camp. Each day during the summer, the Club serves more than 200 children a day from 7 am -7 pm, providing them with a fun, safe, educational and affordable summer camp experience. Campers get free breakfast and snacks daily as well.
The Club offers Wet Wednesdays during Summer camp!
Face painting, obstacle courses, tug-of war, and other games make the Club’s summer carnival a memorable and fun experience for the children.
Members are taken on several field trips throughout the summer. Last year’s campers visited the Aquarium, Fort Point and Crissy Field, Sugar Loaf State Park and Jack London State Park.
Last summer, the Club was able to send 8 kids to Camp Mendocino for 10 days thanks to the Summer Camp Fund a Need. BGCSV members participated in a wide variety of activities and for many it was their first time camping experience. They met kids from all over the Bay Area and have memories that will last a lifetime. Activities included Adventure Ropes Course, Mountain biking, Nature Education, Archery, Horseback Riding, Art Projects, Swimming, and more. This year we plan on sending 10 more lucky children to Camp Mendocino, a Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco run camp in the redwood forest.
