Boys & Girls Clubs of North County set record by raising over $125,000

FALLBROOK – On the evening of Saturday, April 29, the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County raised more than $125,000 at its Black & White Ball held at the Pala Casino Resort and Spa. The impressive total established a new record for the fundraising event.

Some 240 caring community members showed up to support the Club’s largest fundraiser. Little Tommy from KyXy served as the celebrity emcee for an evening that featured premier silent auction items, and a live auction that included a beautiful ring and necklace set from The Collector, a premier rental property in Big Bear, and a trip to Philadelphia to see Billy Joel live.

The highlight of the evening this year took place when club member Addy Vilardi stood in front of all 240 guests to tell them what the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County means to her. She explained how the club has offered her the chance to make new friends, have fun, open the door for opportunity and provide hope for a bright future.

“We are so appreciative of the amazing support the community gives to our kids through this event,” said Allison Barclay, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County. “It’s always a great opportunity to get together and honor those that have given us so much. We wouldn’t be here every day for the youth of Fallbrook without the generosity our supporters.”

Each year this fundraiser provides the club with the opportunity to recognize some of its most valuable and longtime supporters. This year Jackie Heyneman was awarded the “Volunteer of the Year” for her instrumental role in creating a Junior Urban Forestry Program that provides club members with an opportunity to learn about plants and serve our community.

The club also recognized Mike Stromsoe with the “Helping Hands” award for the endless ways he and the Stromsoe Insurance Agency have supported the club throughout the years.

The evening’s final award, the “Champion of Youth,” is presented to an individual that has provided exceptional service to the club and is the highest honor the club can bestow on an individual. This year the award was presented to the late Otis Heald, for his dedication to the children of Fallbrook and the years of support he provided the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County. Otis’ son, Eric Heald, accepted the award on behalf of his father.

To find out more about how the Boys & Girls Club helps the kids in our community, visit us at www.bgcnorthcounty.org.

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