Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim Cypress raise $265,000 at its “Moving Forward” Gala

By Madeline Zuckerman

This year’s Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress’ Annual Gala & Auction “Moving Forward” was magical in every way, as 300 loyal supporters gathered on March 23rd, at the stunning new OCV!BE ARTIC in Anaheim. The event raised an impressive $265,000, and honored The Anaheim Ducks for their many years of support for the Clubs’ free and low-cost summer and after-school program activities for children and teens in Anaheim,

Cypress, and surrounding areas. Aaron Teats, Club President of The Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club, was present at the Gala to accept the Award. This event also honored five Outstanding Youth Achievement Honorees including Club Members Gabriel C., Joseph S., Jamison R., Anthony H., and Michelle M. for their inspiring achievements.

“Thirty years ago, The Anaheim Ducks became residents of our great city,” said Chuck Emanuele, Event Co-chair and Chairman of the Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress. “Not only did they build a championship hockey team, but they have built a legacy of caring for our community and the children who grow up here. The Ducks have supported the Club throughout the years through generous financial contributions, ticket donations, and partnership efforts. We are proud to be friends and partners with The Anaheim Ducks. Tonight, we honor them with the Champion of Youth Award.”

The glittering evening commenced at 6:00 pm, and included an elegant VIP Reception for major donors, a three-course scrumptious dinner, silent and live auctions, a golden opportunity drawing, performances and participation by the Club’s King Choir and Teen DJ Club, and live entertainment and dancing by the extraordinary Angel Force Band, comprised of award winning artists from world renowned bands, who come together to entertain, engage, and educate the community about their Stop Suisilence Program, which raises awareness about the military suicide epidemic. Band members performing at the Gala included Frank Simes, Danny Beissel, Steve DiStanislao, Kit Potamkin, and Jamie Hunting.

The evening’s emcee, Henry DiCarlo, KTLA’s Morning News Meteorologist and Host of KTLA’s “Off The Clock” Afternoon Talk Show, then introduced event Co-chairs Chuck Emanuele and Dr. Terrisa Ha, who welcomed guests.

“Thank you for continuing to support this incredible Club,” said Terrisa Ha, Event Co-chair and Club Board Member. “It takes all of us together as a community, to give children the opportunity to experience all the life changing programs our Club has to offer!”

The duo expressed the Clubs’ heartfelt gratitude to Presenting Sponsors Karen and Charles Williams and Extron, and then thanked all Gala sponsors, and acknowledged local leaders in attendance from Anaheim, Cypress, and Villa Park.

Gala Event Sponsors included Karen & Charles Williams, Extron, Disneyland Resort, Related California, OCV!BE Artic, The Anaheim Ducks, Yamaha, Hafner Vineyards, LA TIMES, KTLA, Angels Baseball, US Bank, Dave Skorupinski & Ginger Osman, Bonnie and Jon Peat, Banc of California, Republic Services, OC Firefighters, Madeline Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations, Inc., Erika Gary, Chuck & Jan Emanuele, Craig & Christine Nelson, Sheri & Guy Whitney, Anne & Val Mallari, Workers Union Local 50, So Cal Gas, Terrisa & Joe Ha, Anaheim Public Utilities, Goldman Sachs, Mama’s Comfort Food and Cocktails, ACME Berwick, Pacific Premier Bank, Barry & Cathy Hofstetter, SA Recycling, Kiwanis Club of Greater Anaheim, and Apollo Printing and Graphics.

Gala Media Sponsors included LA TIMES, Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor and KTLA, Exclusive TV Media Sponsor.

Erika Gary, Boys & Girls Clubs’ Interim CEO, presented an update on the Clubs’ recent achievements. “Your support and continued dedication help us provide life changing services and programs for thousands of local youths,” she told attendees. “ I am proud to announce last year through our Club’s services and community outreach efforts, we have impacted the lives of over 7,000 youth. We partnered with our friends at AT&T, to build the first Connected Learning Center in Orange County at our Manzanita Clubhouse, closing the digital divide for kids and families in Anaheim. Our Club Members represented our organization at NBA Math Hoops and MLB STEM tournaments, where our members showed off their math skills; and with the support from Club staff throughout our 18 sites, our Club won Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Creative Video Marketing Award. Due to the fact that we have an excellent support system in all of you, we are able to continue to grow and continue to help kids and families thrive!”

After a rousing rendition of “Lift Me Up” from the Club’s King Choir, Gary presented Anne Hertz-Mallari with the Service Youth Award, for her 17 years of dedicated and caring service to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress and the youth they serve.
Then it was time for an exquisite dinner from OCVIBE ARTIC, featuring Napa Cab Short Ribs, Skillet Seared Salmon, and Vegetarian Gallet. Dinner was topped off by a delicious Chocolate Flourless Tart and Bread Pudding.

Jay Fiske, auctioneer extraordinaire, stepped to the podium for some fun and excitement to crown the gala evening! Fiske began the fundraising with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress’s unique Fund a Need appeal, asking supporters to sponsor a child and/or a worthwhile Club program. Then came the auction of generously donated prizes including luxury trips to Maui, Mexico, Bali, Palm Springs, and Huntington Beach; suites at an Anaheim Ducks game and at a Ringling Bros. Circus; Chairman’s Seats at an Angels game ;premier tickets to a Dodgers game; and much more.

Upon conclusion of the live auction, the highly-talented Angel Force Band once again took to the stage for more great music and dancing to close the magical night with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress. And to top it all off, each guest was presented with a bottle of Chardonnay from Hafner Vineyards at the conclusion of the evening!
SAVE THE DATE OF SUNDAY, sept. 29, 2024 for the Club’s highly-acclaimed ACE OF CLUBS fundraising event at The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim.