Highway 39 hosts ‘80s event
By Loreen Berlin
The Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park held its annual fundraiser event recently at the “Highway 39 Event Center” in Anaheim; hosted by Owners Michael and Kim Keener.
This was the 2nd Annual “Rock into the Night – Kickin’ it Old School Back to the 80’s.”
It was a great evening of fun, music, food and friendship of adults dressed in 1980s apparel raising money to continue the amazing work being accomplished with kids at the Club – with the statement: “Happy to join hands in support for the Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park.”
CEO Todd Tout said the past year has been a busy one at the Club with membership growing by 31-percent; that’s a good thing – helping kids become responsible leaders of today, tomorrow and the future.
“Our membership not only grew, but our strong Community Partnerships also grew,” said Trout. “We are the only Youth Development program operating in Buena Park and we continue to provide a safe after-school program and a ‘second home’ for so many in need.”
Trout acknowledged the significant impact the dedicated “Partnerships” have on the youth and teens in the community. “Thank you for helping provide the opportunity for our members, so they can participate in the Club’s daily Academic Success, Character and Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyle programs – thank you for your continued belief in our Mission and for your investment in our future leaders leading the way today.”
Many great sponsors made the event possible; they include Premier Chrysler of Buena Park; Erika Records, ADESA Multi Packaging Solutions, Buena Park Police Association, Ganahl Lumber, Applied Air Conditioning; Domino Plastics, Prime Resource, EDCO Disposal, YH Advisors, Simpson GMC/Buick of Buena Park, Penn Air Control; Highway 39 Event Center, Royal Business Bank, The McAuley Family members; California Bank and Trust, along with many Silver, Platinum and Bronze supporters as well.
The Boys & Girls Club “Youth of the Year,” Erandy Sotelo, 16, and Trent Byers, 12, gave brief statements about their membership. “My favorite thing about the Club is that they support me and are there when I need them. I look up to my mom because she is the hardest working person I know… I would never want to be famous but I would like to be rich to give money to charities and help the world,” said Sotelo.
Byers said, “I look up to my mom because she works as a physical therapist and helps people. She is also very supportive of me and I want to become a physical therapist when I get older; I love helping people; especially those who need my help and I also want to work at the Boys & Girls Club. If I were famous, I would be famous for starting a charity to help the underprivileged get a voice in government.”
Trout said the Club’s Character and Leadership program works to provide members with educational resources and opportunities to become responsible, caring citizens. “Through leadership skills and participation in community service activities, our future leaders are leading today. More than 400 teens took part in, beach clean ups and beautification projects; recycling, food drives, community service and outreach to 110 dialysis patients.”
During 2018, 402 Boys & Girls Club members received full and/or partial scholarships to support their participation in the Club’s activities. “This year, we expect to provide the same, if not more opportunities to our community in need, with the help of fundraising efforts and the continued support of our generous sponsors,” he said.
“You know that smile on your face and that warm feeling in your heart? That’s the feeling of knowing you just helped children of our community. Follow that feeling, keep giving and they’ll keep growing. Thank you; with all of my love, Erika Records President and CEO Liz Dunster, Boys & Girls member of the Board of Directors.
“Thank you for joining us in support of the members and families we serve; without you, our mission would not be possible.” Todd Trout.
For Buena Park Boys and Girls Club information, call 714-522-7259 or visit www.theplaceforkids.org.
