The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica (BGCSM) will celebrate 70 years of providing services to the greater Santa Monica community with its annual Auction and Dinner tonight, Nov. 14, at the Fairmont Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica.
The annual event is the single largest fundraiser for the club and will provide attendees with a fun evening filled with silent and live auctions, volunteer recognition and a special performance by Louis Price of The Temptations.
OneWest Bank (through its acquisition of certain assets of First Federal Bank of California), a founding supporter of the Club, is the presenting sponsor.
Paul Gaulke, BGCSM Chairman of the Board of Governors, said the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica has a 70-year tradition of providing youth the tools and support they need to live a fruitful life.
“We focus on developing the whole child, and empowering them to develop a quest for life-long learning through opportunities that foster academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles,” Gaulke said. “Our members are faring well – with a 100 percent high school graduation rate. The continued success of our programs and services would not be possible without the support of our community of incredible donors, sponsors and partners.”
Joseph Otting, President and CEO of OneWest Bank added, “As the hometown bank, OneWest Bank believes in the mission of the club and values the services provided to the greater Santa Monica community. Through the direct involvement of my wife Bonnie and the bank’s ongoing support of the Money Matters program, we can see the difference that the club is making each and every day. OneWest Bank is proud to be a presenting sponsor for this year’s evening.”
As the single largest fundraiser for the club, attendees will have an opportunity to bid on items valued at over $60,000 such as; 7 nights in Bali, a 7-day stay in Paris with use of an apartment by the Notre Dame Cathedral, a Pebble Beach getaway, the Staples Center Suite for 14, and a private jet to Las Vegas.
The evening will honor 70 years of creating great futures, celebrating with BGCSM’s most ardent supporters and community philanthropists.
The BGCSM “BGC MVG Steppers” group will perform an encore performance this year, with a “Step Through Time” routine, and a presentation by BGCSM Youth of the Year, Gaby Hernandez.
