Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada Luau Press Release
Nearly 600 people attended Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada’s 29th Annual Luau on Sept. 10 at the MAC, making it a night to remember.
Live Hawaiian music by local band, Hoaloha, entertained guests as they enjoyed a pig roast buffet by Carson City BBQ, Hawaiian Shave Ice by Island Breeze Events, an exciting live auction and mingling with friends.
This year, the Club’s Art Department went above and beyond with their decorations, designing a photo backdrop and several palm trees to give that extra authentic touch. The Club’s staff, members, and the entire community of Carson City and Carson Valley came together for the luau.
“It was wonderful to see such an enthusiastic crowd of supporters of the Club in one room. Year after year, we continue to grow and we couldn’t do it without the support [of] our community, generous donors, club families, and staff,” Alex Walden, a board member for the Club said.
“We’ve got big goals for the future and the Annual BGCWN Luau is critical to move forward with providing the best for our members! A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made it possible!”
Another highlight of the evening was The Bob Crowell Community Ambassador Award, created by Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada (BGCWN) to honor an individual or a couple in our community who exemplify 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 reward a couple who continuously embody Bob’s heart and soul, go above and beyond in our community, and have captured the hearts of many, Larry and Susie Messina.
Mayor Bob never skipped a beat and was always willing to support the Club and its members. There is no greater way to recognize what he did for the Boys & Girls Club, and our entire community, than honoring his memory with this award.
At the event, there was an outpouring of donations toward the Club’s Stand Up For Kids (SUFK) fundraising campaign. Most donors pledged around $950, which covers the cost of one child’s membership fees for the entire year.
Over 250 of their current family households receive financial assistance with the Club, and SUFK helps their efforts to reach more youth in our community. The funds raised through The Luau allow the Club to continue offering high-quality programming year-round.
Everyone in attendance helped support their mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Brett Zunino, the CEO of BGCWN, discussed the luau goal as well as a future look at the Club as a whole.
“Together, we are helping make a difference. As a community, we raised nearly $200,000 which will move us closer toward our expanded vision over the next 2 years to: [1] Increase our membership by over 570 kids, 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 kids in before & after and 330 more kids attending our programs when school is out for summer and breaks [3] and we are very confident we will be near completion of our new Carson Valley site,” Zunino said.
“Because of the community’s generosity, we will reach more kids than ever! Together, I want us to capture all the opportunities we have available to impact thousands of children’s lives, to strengthen the family unit, and to change the landscape of our community. On behalf of the team and the kids, we are forever grateful!”
Local businesses and members of the community not only sponsored the luau, they donated their time and energy inviting other community members to attend and donated some fantastic items to their auction and raffle.
Every attendee contributed to the success of the Luau and should be celebrated. The BGCWN gives a thank you to their major sponsors: SlotWorld & Bodine’s Casino’s – the Headline 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 keep attendees hydrated in between delicious Mai Tais made by volunteers from Rice Street Events.
If you would like to donate to BGCWN head to bgcwn.org/donate.
