On Friday, September 16th, the 3rd Annual Night at the Ranch fundraiser benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach took place beneath a stunning night sky at The Ranch in Laguna. According to co-chairs Steve Blue and Leif Hanson, more than 250+ guest attended the event which grossed over $200,000.
Will and Kelly Boyd
Guests were greeted with signature cocktails and participated in the silent auction, while D.J. Rob Kaechele played some beats during the sun-set. After the fun-filled cocktail hour was completed and the silent auction closed, guests were escorted down to the 9th fairway for dinner, music and a live auction.
During dinner guest were treated by musician and ukulele player, Tiamane Gardner. The Club’s Board President, Paula Arnold took the stage shortly after to welcome everyone to the event, as well as thanking community and event sponsors, along with the auction donors who supported this year’s event.
Every year the event honors local Club alumni who have influenced the Club and the community with their service and dedication. This year’s honorees went to Beau Bianchi and Kelsey LaRoche, both who have attended the Club as kids. Beau and Kelsey both spoke on how their experience growing up with the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach impacted both their lives and made them who they are today.
Their speeches were both humbling and inspiring and all were touched by the love and passion they had for the Club. To finish off the exceptional evening, Pato Banton entertained guests with his reggae/soul influenced music where everyone danced until the last moment possible. “Steve and Leif scored another home-run and we couldn’t be more grateful. The money that was raised will touch so many of our kid’s lives through programs we might not otherwise have been able to offer,” said Pam Estes, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. Overall, the event was successful in both its fundraising and guest experience goals! Leif Hanson had this to say: “Next year, we hope to have even more fun and raise even more money for the Club….We can’t wait to do it again!”
About The Club
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach occupies three sites in Laguna Beach; Canyon Branch, Bluebird Branch and Lang Branch. Together, they offer a nationally recognized and award winning year round Out-of-School enrichment program that focuses on the whole family. From preschool to parenting classes, The Boys & Girls Club offers an array of services that focus on; academic success, good character and citizenship, healthy lifestyles and creative expression. Being an indispensable asset to the families of our community is a Boys & Girls Club time-honored tradition. For over 60 years, The Boys & Girls Club strives to support the youth of Laguna Beach through out of school recreation that celebrates the whole child.
For more information about The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, visit: www.bgclagunabeach.org or call (949) 494-2535.
Submitted By:
Jason Gupta
Resource Development Associate
Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach
