“It’s a really important fundraiser for us,” said Executive Director Kait Dawson. “It’s great for us as a community to bring all of our funders and sponsors together to the same place.”

The evening will include cocktails, a silent auction and dinner, with a live auction to follow. Seats for the dinner are available for $77 each, while tables of eight are $600. Dinner options include filet of sirloin, chicken piccata, or a vegetarian option of manicotti.

The gala is an impactful night that not only brings community supporters together to support local youth, but also highlights the Club’s staff and children to show the impact of its programming. Members of the Club will be in attendance at the annual gala to usher attendees in.

“It’s important. It’s nice for them to see what the kids have been doing,” Dawson said.

Wally, Carol, and Tyler Gotowka of the Lawley Tradition Agency are the recipients of the Friend of the Club award. Also pictured is Cory Gotowka.

As part of the annual tradition, the Club will be recognizing individuals who have had a major impact on its success over the years.

Wally, Carol, and Tyler Gotowka of the Lawley Tradition Agency are the recipients of the Friend of the Club award. Carol Gotowka is a past board member who had a hand in the annual golf tournament, while taking a major role with the Club’s annual holiday party.

Adam Sellari, Kirk Frey and Sharon Frey of Kirk’s Jewelers are set to receive the Service to the Club award for advocating on behalf of the Club and frequent donations to the Club.

Charlotte and Michael Herlong of Fresh and Fancy Floral Design Studio will be receiving the Great Futures award for their consistent support of the Club through the donation of products and services.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County has served our community’s children for the past 30 years. Core programs engage youth in activities with adults, peers and family members enabling participants to enhance their self-esteem and develop to their full potential.

Adam Sellari, right, Kirk Frey and Sharon Frey of Kirk's Jewelers will receive the Service to the Club award.

After moving from its previous location at School 4 in Dunkirk, the Club is now located at the St. Hyacinth’s School on Lake Shore Drive East. The Club has endured a transition period over the past year, including switching locations and Executive Directors, but Dawson said the Club has now settled in and things are going smoothly at its new home.

“Our building has been lovely. We’ve had a great time so far,” Dawson said. “We’re getting our feet back under us.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County is a state-licensed afterschool childcare program. The Club receives grant funding from the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS) of NY State — the largest award in the Club’s existence — to cover staffing and programming costs.

Fundraisers such as the annual gala provide the Club with funding to support additional needs, such as scholarships for area youth in need. Thanks to the LEAPS grant covering staffing costs, the Club’s fundraising opportunities can now directly support the needs of families in the community. One of those ways is through the Great Futures Scholarship, which supports children with the Club’s summer program.

Tickets are available by contacting the Boys & Girls Club at (716) 366-1061. Additional sponsors for the dinner are greatly appreciated.