Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast is thrilled with the success of their Swirls, Sips and Sunflowers fundraiser held Sept. 11 under the oak trees at the Paso Robles Event Center. Overall, the event raised more than $155,000, well over the initial fundraising goal.

The event was the result of the work and perseverance of staff and a volunteer committee who had to pivot at the last minute, changing to an outdoor venue rather than let rising COVID-19 numbers thwart their plans.

“As much as this event is necessary to raise important funds for our kids, it was also a celebration for all that we have accomplished during these very difficult times. Our donors and supporters planning to attend the event needed to be celebrated and thanked so the thought of canceling was just not an option,” said Kathryn Scott, director of events for Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast.  

The event’s four-course tasting menu featuring a roasted beet popsicle as an amuse bouche, braised short ribs with potato and shiitake gratin as the main course prepared by Chef Jeffrey Scott and accompanied by wine pairings donated by J. Lohr and Pear Valley Estate wines. Beer drinkers were satisfied as well, thanks to a donation of a variety of beverages from Firestone Walker Brewing Company.

The live auction featured trips, dinners, and unique offerings like a wild boar hunt or wine tasting via helicopter ride.

Highlighting the evening was a passionate speech by Leo Castillo, father of three club members, who recounted how Boys & Girls Clubs have impacted his life and his children’s.

After losing one of his children to cancer this summer, Castillo acknowledged that the place Boys & Girls Clubs have in his family’s life has changed: the continuous support by club staff to his other children and himself after this tragedy made him realize that membership in Boys & Girls Clubs brings the love, support and compassion all children — and their families need.

More than just an afterschool program, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast is an organization that wraps children in safety, love and mentorship. Castillo challenged all attendees to support the organization’s cause because, in his experience, there is no other place doing more for kids in the area.  

Auctioneer Todd Ventura, and mistress of ceremonies Gina Fitzpatrick commented on the bravery Castillo showed in sharing his story.

Ventura said that in all his years as a professional auctioneer he had never heard a more compelling story of support from an organization. He also said one of his dreams was to auctioneer an event that had at least a 50% participation in the Fund-A-Need portion of an event.

At the Swirls, Sips and Sunflower event, 51% of attendees contributed a donation which brought in a total of $46,150 during that portion.

“This organization has done more than most during an unprecedented time of loss, grief and fear,” said Michael Boyer, CEO. “We have greatly increased our budget in order to serve kids through all day programming during the pandemic.

“We finished a capital campaign to build a much-needed new facility in Paso Robles, and we have embarked on an ambitious five-year strategic plan to further increase our budget and expand to 20-plus club sites throughout the Central Coast.”

Boyer told attendees the club is stronger than ever and by supporting the organization, they are ensuring that all children, especially the ones that need them most, will have access to services to help them succeed, feel safe and flourish.

Major supporters of the event include Pear Valley Winery; Pacific Premier Bank; JED Nicholson, Attorney at Law; Connect Home Loans; and Nielsen & Associates Insurance Services. 

Upcoming events include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Fall Carnival in Santa Maria, Oct. 17 at Santa Maria Country Club, and in Paso Robles, the Crush It! Golf Tournament,Oct. 25 at Hunter Ranch Golf Course. Find information, sponsorships and tickets for the events at www.centralcoastkids.org/event-calendar/.

Founded in 1966, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast provides after-school tutoring, mentoring, and access to healthy activities for kids ages 6-18. Located in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, there are 13 club sites in Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Atascadero, Shandon and Paso Robles.

For more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, call Kelly White O’Neill, 805-354-7433, email Kelly.whiteoneill@bgccentralcoast.org or visit centralcoastkids.org.