The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam’s Annual Spring Benefit Auction, held Saturday, May 3, set a record for highest attendance ever at a single club event and also for gross income since the organization began holding two auctions annually – during fall in Sweet Home and spring in Lebanon.
In keeping with the auction’s theme of “Lights, Camera, Auction,” Board President Tom Oliver said “the all-star cast included over 400 friends of the Club who helped to generate of $232,000 Saturday night. This includes an all-time high in the “Sponsor a Kid” item of more than $68,000.”
Kris Latimer, BGCGS executive director, said the $68,000 will cover the costs associated with providing the club’s after-school program for 45 local children for an entire year.
“We are so grateful for the support shown by so many through their participation at auction,” Latimer said.
The cost for one child for a year in the after-school program is $1,503 and more than 400 children attend on a daily basis.
“We still have a long way to go to ensure opportunities, programs and services for children and families remain strong, but the success of this event sure built great momentum,” Latimer said.
Highlights of the evening included a red carpet welcome for the “all-star cast” complete with paparazzi and live music, a silent auction with over 200 items, and the excitement of the live auction which included a bidding war over an Alaska fishing trip that, in the end, sold for over $9,000, and a similar battle over a pheasant hunt, which sold for more than $4,000.
More than 3,000 children join the BGCGS annually, and on average families pay just over $20 for access to more than 4,000 hours of programs and services which have been designed to increase academic achievement, citizenship and health. Another 2,000 children and adults benefit from access to programs, services, and facilities every year.
For more information, contact Kris Latimer – Executive Director at 541.258.7105 or [email protected].