Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada celebrates seven years

With the onset of summer, the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada is looking to the community for financial support to fund the programs the club offers.

"It's just our way of giving people the opportunity to support the club," said Executive Director Cathy Blankenship.

Mayor Ray Masayko declared June the official Boys & Girls Club month, to be dedicated to raising money locally.

Blankenship said the club has an $850,000 yearly budget and she hopes to raise $250,000 in Carson City.

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the club which provides a place for children to go after school and during the summer for an annual fee of $10.

"It's a good place for kids to have the opportunity to participate in a lot of fun activities that are adult-supervised," Blankenship said.

Last year, about 1,600 children were enrolled in the program with an average daily attendance during the summer of about 500.

Dorrie Kingsley is sending her daughter Alisha back to the Boys & Girls Club for a second year.

"There's a lot of activities to keep her busy there," Kingsley said. "All of the kids have a lot of fun there. Every time I walk in, the kids are all laughing and playing."

She said she also likes the hours.

"It accommodates a busy schedule for parents," Kingsley said.

The center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months and stays open until 7 p.m. during the school year.

Carie Ostrander, 18, started going to the club from the beginning seven years ago.

"The seven years I've been in the program have probably been the most valuable and worthwhile in my life," Ostrander said. "I learned job skills, I learned how to handle peer pressure, I learned how to be competitive and I learned how to be confident. Those are things I'll carry with me forever."

Earlier this year, Ostrander received a $25,000 scholarship when named Boys & Girls Club Member of the Year for Nevada.

Saturday, she left for Anaheim, Calif. where she will compete for the Pacific Region Youth of the Year. The winner of the region will win $10,000 and will be able to attend a congressional breakfast in Washington, D.C.

"I'm very excited," Ostrander said. "I'm really looking forward to it. It will be a big thing for our club."

You Can Help:

If you would like to make a donation, call Cathy Blankenship at 882-8820