Community raises $100,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress was thrilled to host a very successful Ace of Clubs fundraiser at the award-winning Ranch Saloon in Anaheim. The event helps the Club to provide free and low-cost afterschool and summer programs for at-risk children and teens in Anaheim, Cypress and surrounding communities.

Long-time friend of the Club, award-winning KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo, was the master of ceremonies. Guests enjoyed live music, cocktails, passed appetizers and a delicious meal, while enjoying poker, a beautiful silent auction display created by Dr. Terrisa Ha and Kim Erickson and exciting live auction.

The live auction included four of the best possible seats at Angel Stadium – front row seats next to the Angels dugout, donated by Chairman of the Angels, Dennis Kuhl, a long-time member of the Club Board and former Board Chair. Dennis Kuhl was extremely instrumental in opening the Manzanita Clubhouse which transformed one of the highest need neighborhoods in Anaheim.

Anaheim Council members donated their highly sought after Ducks tickets, in a premium suite at Honda Center. The Club works closely with the Anaheim City leaders to identify and meet the needs of the community. Their input greatly influences the strategic growth of the organization.

And bidding was exceptionally competitive to win a fantastic evening of live music, premium wine and a customized steak or ribs BBQ for 20 all hosted at your home or business. This package was donated by three major supporters of the Club. Rutan and Tucker Attorney Alex Angulo, sponsored the Band. He is a member of the Board of Directors and provides legal expertise as needed. Board 1st Vice Chair and Chair of the Resource Development Committee Chuck Emanuele provided the wine. Chuck is a key member of the Executive Committee and helps guide our vision for long-term sustainability. And long-time Club friend and supporter Charles Williams is providing and cooking the BBQ meal on his superstar BBQ. Charles helped fund key elements of Club growth including the Transportation program and the Bandai Teen Center. He is a regular volunteer and a key advisor to the Club.

The Event was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors. The Presenting Sponsors were Jon and Bonnie Peat. The Peats are passionate advocates for youth and families in Cypress and surrounding communities. A long-time board member, Jon is currently serving as the Chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress, as well as, Chairman of the Area Council of Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Orange County. Jon is a founding member of the Champion Baseball program for special needs children, and with his wife Bonnie, are also founding members of the Champions special needs ministry at SeaCoast Grace Church. Jon is a past-president of Cypress Youth Baseball. In addition to her service with the Champions ministry at SCG, Bonnie is also deeply involved in our community, serving as the President of the Board of Trustees for the Cypress School District and as the President of the GFWC Women’s Club of Cypress.

The High Roller Sponsor was Disneyland. Disney has been involved with the Club for many years. Senior Vice-President Patrick Finnegan helps guide the organization as a member of the Board of Directors. Numerous Disney cast members mentor and inspire Club teens who attend the Bandai Teen Center in Cypress and the John Machiaverna Teen Center in Anaheim. Disney also helped to establish our John Machiaverna Scholarship program. Boys & Girls Club graduating seniors and alumni can apply for scholarships to attend community college or trade schools. The Scholarship program is named in honor of the Clubs’ former CEO John Machiaverna.

VIP Sponsors included Anaheim Public Utilities, Goodman, Pacific Western Bank, Workers United Local 50, Orange County Professional Firefighters Association and Anaheim Firefighters Association 2899.

Additional Sponsors included Angels Baseball, Emanuele Family Trust, Dr. Terrisa and Joe Ha, Anne Hertz-Mallari and Jesus Mallari, Republic Services, Dave Skorupinski and Ginger Osman, Sheri and Guy Whitney, Charles and Karen Williams, Dr. Elisa Yoo, Brian and Gina Beelner, Thomas and Diane Kieviet, Kiwanis of Anaheim, Jeff and Linda Morin, and Rutan & Tucker.

The 150 event attendees included Assembly member Sharon Quirk Silva, Fullerton Council member Jesus Silva, Anaheim Council member Stephen Faessel, Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Trevor O’Neill, Cypress Mayor Paulo Morales, Cypress Council member Scott Minikus, Former Cypress Mayor Rob Johnson, and Anaheim Union High School District Trustee Anna Piercy. These community leaders are strong advocates for the Club and the families served by the Club.

Commenting on the event, Jon Peat said, “We are very grateful to the many community members and businesses that joined us in helping the Club succeed in their vital mission.” Last year the Club served nearly 1,200 youth at seven clubhouses and two teen centers in Anaheim and Cypress. During that same period of time, the Club distributed meals and groceries to nearly 150,000 people at food distributions. During the holidays, hundreds of families were provided with toys, clothes and gift cards along with holiday groceries. In 2022, the Club will open eight additional clubhouses to serve more youth and their families with free and low-cost services.

For further information about how to help local families in need, please contact the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Jeff Morin at [email protected], or Chief Executive Officer, Anne Hertz-Mallari at [email protected].