Vista, CA- A dazzling crowd supported the Boys & Girls Club of Vista at their signature event, the Diamond Gala “Casablanca” on Saturday, May 14th, 2016 at the Cape Rey Hilton in Carlsbad. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a sumptuous meal, casino style gaming and music from crooner Roman Palacios.
Guests were greeted with a warm welcome from the “diamonds” of the event, Club Members that later shared their stories about how the Boys & Girls Club of Vista impacts their young lives. There was also a moving testimony from Mark Arenas, the 2015 Youth of the Year. Mark arrived at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista through their Smart Moves program for “at risk” teens and now maintains a 3.6 GPA, mentors younger kids, volunteers in the community and plans to attend UC Santa Cruz in the fall as a Human Biology Major.
The keynote speaker and emcee for the evening was Anne State, three time Emmy award winner and anchor of 10News “The Now San Diego”. Anne added an upbeat tone and heartfelt appreciation for the kids and the club. Joe Bradley and his team led the live auction for the evening in a lively manner. The formal program concluded with Anne State awarding the Annual “Have a Heart for Kids Award” to Sue McLeod. The award is given to one individual who has dedicated themselves to youth in our community. Sue is the co-founder and corporate secretary of Got Your Back San Diego, a privately funded meal program that provides food for local children when school is out and on the weekends.
The event raised over $65,000 in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista.
Sponsors for the evening included US Bank, Tri-City Medical Center, Forte for Children, The San Diego Union Tribune, Wells Fargo and Rancho Tree Service & Maintenance.
About the Boys and Girls Club of Vista …Since 1963, the Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s mission is to inspire and enable all kids ages 6-18 to help them reach their full potential as responsible and productive citizens. The Boys & Girls Club of Vista serves over 2000 youth ages 5-18 provides outcome-driven programs that emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
www.bgcvista.org
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