Located on school campuses throughout Conejo Valley and the Las Virgenes School Districts, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley are considered an essential service that is open until 6 p.m. every weekday after school, during breaks and on pupil-free days.
“We offer differentiated programs and out of school opportunities for Pre-K through 12th grade,” explains Mark Bagaason, Interim CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. “Many children take advantage of the afterschool programs, which operate from immediately following the school bell to 6 p.m.”
In the Las Virgenes School District, Wednesday is popular because of early dismissal. In the middle school clubs, many members engage in lunch “because it is a great way to make friends when you are new to the area,” he says. At the elementary schools, “our Kinder Club is a great place for young members to continue their education.”
As far as enrichment is concerned, “we offer a wide variety of programming. Some of our most popular programs this year are STEM, the Arts, Power Hour, Social-Emotional Learning, SMART Girls and Sports.”
These differentiated programs and opportunities are made possible through annual fundraising efforts, like the 20th Annual Stand Up for Kids Gala on September 10 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.
“This year, we are excited to have Andrew Whitworth, L.A. Rams alumni, Two-Time All-Pro left tackle, and 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award recipient as our honoree,” Bagaason says. Additionally, “our Gala will feature stories from our kids, a fabulous silent auction and a live auction with trips, experiences and unique items all donated for the benefit of our Club kids.”
This year’s fundraiser will enable even more kids to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley, which was named one of the top 100 Boys & Girls Clubs out of the 4,000-plus in the country.
“No child is turned away due to an inability to pay,” Bagaason emphasizes. “In addition, your investment will help to provide valuable supplies and materials and unique opportunities and experiences for our club kids.”
Above all, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley “seeks to enhance the lives of young people and their families by providing a positive and safe environment that cultivates academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship,” he adds. “Our clubs could not exist without support of donors—and without the support of the community, there would be no Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley.”
The 20th Annual Stand Up for Kids Gala will take place on September 10 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. For tickets or more information, contact Dawn Pettersen at 818.706.0905 ext 107 or via email at dpettersen@bgcconejo.org. For more information, visit bgcconejo.org/gala/.
