Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress had plenty to talk about at its “Celebrate Our Success” Reception recently, hosted and underwritten by Chef Bruno Serato at The White House Restaurant in Anaheim. The informative event commenced with a gracious toast by Chef Bruno Serato, Owner of the stunning and elegant White House Restaurant, who reminisced about his close collaborative relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress over the past 18 years. Then Anne Hertz-Mallari, Club CEO, took to the podium to welcome all guests and declare, “I am thrilled to share that in less than two years, our Club has more than doubled in size!”
Indeed, this Club on an annual basis serves 2,700 members at its 18 Clubhouses, with an additional nearly 2,400 youth served through the Club’s community outreach events and special programs. Through the clubs inclusive approach to providing services and programs each year, more than 5,000 youth have been positively impacted.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress has provided caring guidance and support to thousands of kids and teens for over three decades, in order to help them grow into confident, capable adults. The Club realizes that young people today need their help more than ever. The Club’s professional mentors provide experiences and opportunities that help create confident, healthy, motivated, and educated young people who have a plan for the future and a path for achieving their dreams. It is the Club’s belief that when young people have exposure to inspiring ideas and incredible opportunities, as well as, the tools to build their self-confidence, they can take on anything! Serving some of the most vulnerable youth in our communities, Boys & Girls Club of Anaheim-Cypress provides free and low-cost after-school and summer programs for young people ages kindergarten through 12th grade. These Club members have access to invaluable academic support, hands-on science programs, service clubs, college readiness programs, and workforce development programs, all of which help young people to graduate high school with a definite plan for their future.
“Almost all of the children in our Anaheim Clubhouses and many of the children in our Cypress Clubhouses live below the poverty line,”said Anne Hertz-Mallari. “When a child attends our programs, that child is more likely than their peers to abstain from risky behavior. Instead, they get what I wanted for my own kids every day — a healthy snack, time and help to do homework, some fun, healthy outdoor sports, a chance to explore their creativity through art, science and music, and a hot meal at the end of the day.”
She also pointed to “the hundreds of kids each year who receive shoes, clothing, jackets, school supplies, groceries, etc.” through the Boys & Girls Clubs’ partnership with organizations such as Each One Teach One and the Angels Baseball Foundation. Hertz-Mallari then went on to inform guests of the numerous other impressive accomplishments this Club has experienced over the past year, including:
• The opening of 9 new Clubhouses, each at a Magnolia School District Elementary School, to serve children and families in Anaheim.
• The opening soon of 5 additional Clubhouses in Cypress, four on elementary school campuses and re-opening one on the campus of Cypress College.
• Partnerships with ATT and Disney to expand the Club’s STEM and Workforce Development programs.
• The 100% elimination of fees for the Club’s Teen programs, which has the Club on track to double its regular teen attendance this year.
A special surprise during the event was the announcement of Jon E. Peat, past Board Chair, receiving the prestigious Maytag Dependable Leader Award, which was presented by current Board Chair Chuck Emanuele. This coveted Maytag Award recognizes Boys & Girls Club employees and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to serving young people. This Award also provides a $20,000 grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress. Over the course of nearly two decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Maytag have presented more than 110 Boys & Girls Clubs youth development professionals with a Maytag Dependable Leader Award and a $20,000 grant. Throughout this partnership, Maytag has provided nearly $10 million to help deserving youth reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Maytag partnered nationally with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to recognize exemplary Club professionals and volunteers from across the country with the Maytag Dependable Leader Award.
Jon Peat is a former Raytheon executive and former Mayor and Councilmember of Cypress, who has spent his life giving back to the community in so many ways. As Boys & Girls Club Board Chair, Jon facilitated and oversaw the successful merger of the Anaheim and Cypress Boys & Girls Clubs, which has resulted in new opportunities and benefits for youth in both of these communities.
“John is a dependable, wise, visionary leader who lives his values and demonstrate strong character through his engagement in community organizations, his church, and as a civic leader,” said Anne Hertz-Mallari. “When John joined the Board 15 years ago, he implemented a strategic planning process that helped us succeed as an organization and develop a highly engaged Board. John has been and continues to be an integral part of the community and of our Club. He continues to make the world a better place by setting the course, inspiring others, and reliably following through on his commitments and promises. This distinguished Maytag Dependable Leader Award is very well-deserved.”
“Thank you so much for this recognition,“ said Peat. “I am very proud of this Club, and in the awesome staff and volunteer leaders who are responsible for the successful growth of the Club.”
The celebration continued as Board Chair Chuck Emanuele invited all guests to support the Club’s “MOVING FORWARD” GALA & AUCTION, the Club’s ONLY major fundraising event of the social season, scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at one of Orange County’s newest venues, OC V!be Artic in Anaheim. This Gala & Auction will honor the Anaheim Ducks on their 30th year, and celebrate Outstanding Club Youth Achievement.
As Board Chair Chuck Emanuele said, “It is our Club’s one and only major fundraiser of the year, and we would greatly appreciate your support. It’s always a great time for a great cause! I invite you and a guest to join me as an Event Sponsor to help underwrite our valuable programs and services for youth in our community. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $30,000 and are immediately available.
For Gala sponsorship information, please contact our Philanthropy Office at 714-491-3615 or email the Club at Info@theBoysandGirlsClub.org