Showing Up for the kids in our community – Boys and Girls Club Heroes Night 2024
Whether you see it or not, there are heroes all around us. They are our neighbors, co-workers, family members, and people you’ve never met. The identifier is that they are the people who take the time to do something “more” that makes a difference and makes the world better, whether for just one person or an entire community.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. In the case of the BGCE, they come in the form of a community that is hundreds strong. Once a year, 700+ community members gather for an extraordinary event.
In March 2024, the Boys & Girls Club El Dorado County, Western Slope (BGCE), which serves more than 500 children across five clubhouses throughout the county, held its annual Heroes Night at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. This fundraising event is the most significant and impactful of the year, garnering support from a wide-reaching community. The event included a social hour, multiple raffles, dinner, and a live auction.
On this date, over 700 community members showed up in sponsorship of the BGCE mission to continue doing good work for the children throughout the county. The Patrick K Willis Company, Inc. (PKW), American Recovery Service (ARS) team is grateful to share that they are part of that community.
As they have done many times before, members of the ARS team and close affiliates occupied multiple tables at this year’s event, taking part in the silent raffle and sharing in this upbeat and impactful night. As a new addition for 2024, several members of the ARS Team took it one step further in assuming the task of overseeing the ever-popular Dessert Auction. The time spent planning and coordinating with BCGE, their representation and assistance at the live event, and the stellar selection of beautiful and delicious desserts resulted in a swift sell-out and a great win for the BGCE.
For nearly 15 years, PKW and ARS have contributed and participated in supporting the BGCE as our flagship charity. Each year PKW contributes as a lead sponsor, and with that, numerous members of the ARS team show up to do their part. Assisting in coordinating activities, taking part in the charity raffles, and connecting with a larger community to show that there is true strength in numbers.
ARS CEO Dave Copeland stated, “‘Showing up,’ as they say in the Club, is a big part of the success. We make it our mission to always show up for the BGCE year after year. We are humbled by the opportunity to assist this worthy cause and are truly grateful that our relationship with the BGCE has flourished. Clearly, our staff are very engaged with the philanthropic culture this partnership has created.”
Sean McCartney, CEO of the BGCE, shared that this year’s event was the most successful ever. In addition to the generosity displayed by the community, a particular highlight of the event was the announcement of the new Gordon Vicini and Jim Carter Boys & Girls Club Alumni Scholarship set to start in the spring of 2025. It will assist club alumni in continuing their education at a four-year college or trade school. This next level of support will help usher former club kids as they take the next step in their education. Mr. Vicini and Mr. Carter have played vital roles in the growth and success of the Club over the years. As such, this is a fitting element to their legacy in the community.
He said, “Mr. Pat Willis, Mr. Dave Copeland, and the entire PKW team have been instrumental in assisting us in providing quality service to kids and families in El Dorado County for over a decade. Because they have created a culture in their company that genuinely wants a better community, we see that happen daily at our club sites, thanks to their continued support. Thank You, PKW, for believing in our Club and championing our mission to help ALL kids reach their full potential!”
Additionally, the Club announced plans to start construction on the Diamond Springs Community Park & Teen Center, which will provide a safe and positive place for our teens and ample opportunities to engage in many sports and activities.
With the overwhelming success of this annual event, it is important to note that anyone can be a hero, and they don’t have to wait to make an impact. Whether it’s time or money, showing you care and taking action is as simple as reaching out.
If you’d like to learn more about BGCE, its programs, and opportunities to provide support, check out its webpage at https://www.bgce.org/s/
