Media Contact:
Sabrina Leon
Sabrina@serendipitconsulting.com
623.695.9411
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF METRO PHOENIX HOSTS “THE BIG EVENT” TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR PHOENIX YOUTH
BGCMP’s Connect Volunteer Group Invites Community to Attend Ninth Annual Fundraising Gala
PHOENIX (APRIL 12, 2018) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix’s (BGCMP) Connect board invites the public to join its 9th annual charity celebration, “The Big Event.” Taking place on Saturday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m. at the Camelback Esplanade, the event will feature a buzzing social scene, delicious local dining from TEN & Dieci, live entertainment from Jay Allan & the Uncommon Good, Bruce St. James as master of ceremonies, auctions, and more. Guests will come together to raise awareness and funds that will directly benefit the deserving children of BGCMP.
The Connect board is a group of emerging professional leaders who commit their time, talents and resources to benefit the thousands of youth who are impacted by the work of BGCMP. For more than 70 years, BGCMP has provided engaging and educational out-of-school time programs, activities and events for the Valley’s children. The nurturing and fun environment at BGCMP aims to help youth and teens reach their full potential in life as productive, caring and responsible members of the community. All proceeds from The Big Event support these programs.
“We are honored to support the thousands of youth who are served by Boys & Girls Clubs’ out-of-school-time programs. Last year, The Big Event exceeded our expectations and we are looking forward to another year of growth and fun!” said Holly Linder, event chair and Connect vice president. Linder is a CPA of Linder Klauer. “Without the loyal support of this community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do – provide the resources and support for BGCMP’s youth to become the best versions of themselves and better yet, make a difference in our local community and world.”
Cyrus Martinez, BGCMP’s 2018 Youth of the Year, will be in attendance to share his personal story. Martinez joined the Sands Branch in Glendale three years ago after his family moved here from California. Overcoming mental health obstacles of his own, he has now become an active leader in the community by volunteering in sports leagues, mentoring younger members and offering them counsel, serving as president of the Keystone Club, as well as investing more than 700 hours in community service. Martinez plans to graduate from Deer Valley High School and attend Arizona State University to study sociology in hopes to help other youth who are affected by mental illness.
To ensure Phoenix and West Valley Club kids have a safe and supportive place to attend after school, the Connect volunteer group raised more than $116,000 through “The Big Event” in 2017. Over the years Connect has raised funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Phoenix through major events such as The Big Event, Hearts-4-Clubs and Birdies & Greens Golf Tournament.
The evening is for adults age 21 and older. Tickets are $100 per person including all-inclusive food and drink and can be purchased online at https://www.bgcaz.org/tbe/. Additionally, corporate sponsorship and donation opportunities are available for those unable to attend but still wishing to support the cause.
The Big Event sponsors include Canyon Plastering, Serendipit Consulting, Cenpatico Integrated Care & Health Net of Arizona, Leslie’s Poolmart, MidFirst Bank, Retail Me Not, AZ Precision Security, EY, Gordon & Rees, Insight Enterprises, Inc., Isaacson & Walsh, P.C., Jaburg & Wilk, Linder Klauer, Stacy LaFrance, and Starkweather Roofing, Inc.
For more information about The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix and “The Big Event,” or to learn how to get involved, visit www.bgcaz.org.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix provides after-school and summer programs in some of the Valley’s most deserving neighborhoods. Our programs focus on four key areas: Academic Success, Be Great-Do Good, Healthy Choices, and Fun with a Purpose, providing youth with the tools they need to enjoy childhood and become productive, caring adults. Last year, more than 11,000 youth and teens benefited from programs through our 13 clubhouses, community outreach services and Dental Clinic. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix, like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BGCMP, follow us on Twitter, Instagram LinkedIn and YouTube @BGCMP or visit www.www.bgcaz.org.
###
