For the third consecutive year, Willmeng proudly supported the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley (BGCEV) by sponsoring and attending the organization’s Night of Champions Gala and Auction at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. This year, the event raised more than $500,000, and will allow the chapter to serve more than 25,000 youth in eight communities throughout the East Valley.
Special guest Dan Majerle, Olympic Gold Medal Champion and Phoenix Suns Alumni, spoke about the importance of supporting and encouraging children to never give up, no matter their circumstance. Comedian Frank Caliendo had everyone going with impressions of notable entertainment and sports icons, and the event was hosted by radio personality, Mayor Dave Pratt. The evening included dinner, drinks, dancing and a live and silent auction.
“A memorable moment of the evening was the cheerful reception by the some of the kids from the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley, who also ran around all night selling antelopes and handing out medals to those who donated,” said Sonia Fitzgerald, SOQ Coordinator and Graphic Designer. “The best part of the evening was watching the live auction. The auctioneer was spectacular, and seeing everyone get excited about contributing to such a worthy cause was heartwarming.”
According to BGCEV, students that are unsupervised after school are more likely to be involved with or become victims of crime. The organization acts as a positive resource to children through quality afterschool programs that develop self-esteem, character and healthy lifestyles.
Read about the 2016 event on a previous Willmeng blog.
