Underwriting support from:
Junior League celebrating Christmas with Club members.
The sun streaming into the games room in the Steil Club on Straight Ave. NW
Club members enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner with Boys & Girls Clubs.
Time is often a commodity taken for granted. The average person wants to do a bucket list full of things but usually ends up not being able to find the time. With the economy as it is today, there is no better time to commit the time to making a difference.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth (BGCGRYC) depends on its volunteers to help keep the two Clubs and Camp O’Malley alive and flourishing. One way to accomplish this is through the development of successful fundraising events such as the First Annual Steak & Burger Dinner (see separate article for more details).
BGCGRYC knows that financial contributions are not always in everyone’s budget, but time can always be found here and there to lend a hand. In the upcoming months, BGCGRYC will begin planning its 2010 fundraising events and is looking for dedicated volunteers to make these ideas become realities.
In 2010, BGCGRYC is hoping to hold six fund- and friend-raisers to help support the at-risk youth of Grand Rapids. The events include:
The Power of Change (Early 2010): Canisters will be distributed to local churches, and families will be asked to take one home and collect their change for an entire month.
Hundred Holes Challenge (Summer 2010): 40 golfers will be recruited to play at least 100 holes of golf in one day. Players solicit $25/hole.
Ambassador’s Club (Summer 2010): 100 individuals will be recruited to become members of the Ambassador’s Club and invited to attend an event at Ambassador Peter Secchia’s house on Lake Michigan.
Ambassador’s Club (Summer 2010): 100 individuals will be recruited to become members of the Ambassador’s Club and invited to attend an event at Ambassador Peter Secchia’s house on Lake Michigan.
Cardboard Boat Race (August 2010): Businesses and groups will create cardboard boats for a fun weekend filled with races down a local venue like Reed’s Lake.
2nd Annual Steak & Burger Dinner (October 2010): Donors and Club members share a dinner together where the Club member receives the steak and the donor receives the burger. Businesses and individuals sponsor a table of 9, 3 of whom are club members.
Ultimate Dine-Out (Winter 2010): Restaurants contribute gift certificates to give away in a raffle. The winner will receive a package where they can have one night out a week for a year! Packages can also be developed for 2nd and 3rd place winners as well as contributors.
Ultimate Dine-Out (Winter 2010): Restaurants contribute gift certificates to give away in a raffle. The winner will receive a package where they can have one night out a week for a year! Packages can also be developed for 2nd and 3rd place winners as well as contributors.
Each event requires a planning committee of 10-15 people (including event chair) that will work with the BGCGRYC Special Events Coordinator to help organize and facilitate them. The time commitment is different for each event but averages about one hour every other week until the month of the event, when more time is needed. Planning begins about five months prior to the event date.
This year, instead of thinking about changing a life or helping someone in need, dedicate your time to making your goals come true. Serve on a special event planning committee to help BGCGRYC support the youth of Grand Rapids. The lives you will be helping are the future.
For more information on how to get involved, contact Sara Schneider at [email protected] or (616)233-9370x108.
Article written by Sara Schneider
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