The whimsy and fun of a Wizard of Oz-themed spring fundraiser for local children who participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, will be held Friday, March 22 at the Radisson Hotel ballroom in Santa Maria.

The hotel will be transformed into the Emerald City, featuring Oz-related details. The clubs’ Youth of the Year Abraham Carrillo-Galindo will talk about his experiences as a Boys & Girls Clubs member.

The night’s auction will be led by celebrity auctioneer Todd Ventura, and Sunny Country’s Jay Turner will serve as the emcee for the evening. Guests can bid on trips, visits to local restaurants, household items, and wine.  

The Have a Heart Paddle Raise will be an opportunity for guests to make a donation to support Boys & Girls Clubs members who are part of the Keystone Club leadership program, in which the teens are raising money to attend the national conference this summer.

The goal is to raise $10,000 to fund 10 local teens for this important learning experience.  

Individual tickets are $150 each, and tables of 10 are available for purchase

Event sponsors are Allan Hancock College, Ogden Wealth Management, Dignity Health, American Riviera Bank, Santa Barbara Foundation, PETS Hospital and Urgent Care, Torchlight Marketing, and Namu Love Photography. 

For more about the event and to purchase tickets, visit www.centralcoastkids.org or contact Kelly Brickey, events manager, kelly.brickey@centralcoastkids.org or call 805-354-7421.  

Founded in 1966, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast provides after-school tutoring, mentoring and access to healthy activities. Located in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, there ae 23 club sites in Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Creston, Guadalupe, and Shandon.

For more, call Kelly White O’Neill 805-354-7433, email Kelly.whiteoneill@centralcoastkids.org, or visit centralcoastkids.org.