2011 Youth of the Year Gala

For our seventeenth annual gala, we are honoring our Youth of the Year finalists at our first ever
Youth of the Year Gala.  Come be a part of the excitement as the 2011 Youth of the Year is announced on Thursday, February 24th at 6:00 PM. In addition to the announcement, we are planning a fantastic evening including dinner, a live and silent auction, and performances from the kids showcasing the talents and skills they have learned at the club.

This year our fundraising goal of $75,000 will provide our members with opportunities in education, technology, music, athletics and most importantly, friendships. The programs we provide not only keep the kids safe, but also help make the community a safer place.

Please call 201-1890 ext. 107 for more information including a listing of sponsorship opportunities and ticket information. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Smiles for Kids Gala Committee, and the youth of our community, thank you in advance for your support!

 

2010 Smiles for Kids Gala

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas supporters swelled with pride, excitement and generosity at the sixteenth annual Smiles for Kids gala February 25th at the Boys & Girls Club on Opportunity Drive.  Friends of the Club raised funds to support the vast array of programs offered and allow us to continue to serve our kids who need us most in the Wichita area. The event’s theme was BE TRANSFORMED…INTO TOMORROW’S LEADERS as we focused on the kids and their futures.

"We are excited about the tremendous success of this gala event," said Jeff Jacobs, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Club. "In addition to operation funds, the Smiles for Kids gala provided a wonderful venue to showcase the Boys & Girls Club and afforded visibility for the more than 275 supporters living in the Wichita area."

Visibility took a literal meaning February 25th when the children took stage.  There were six performance groups – Kindergarten & 1st Grade Group, Lollipop Band, Steel Band, Samba Band, Junior Dance Company and Senior Dance Company.  Supporters enjoyed great food and an outstanding live auction.  Combined with sponsorship dollars, more than $40,000 will go toward programming and operation expenses. In 2009, more than 2,200 young community members were served.

The gala could not have happened without our generous sponsors: BKD, Cessna, Coleman, Cox Media, Fugate Enterprises and Koch Industries.

"Boys & Girls Club supporters never cease to amaze me with their generosity and loyalty to this great organization," said Melissa Hennen, gala committee chair.

The 2010 Smiles for Kids gala was supported by a committee of Wichita-area volunteers, including Chairperson Melissa Hennen. Other committee members included Sharon Van Horn, Susan Niswander, Jeff Redden, Dave Sproul, Samantha Alexander, director of development and Lindsey Wasinger, director of marketing.

Thank you again to all of those that attended the gala for your commitment to the club and our kids.