Richard Antenucci, insurance representative from DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance, collaborated with Matt DiBuduo, Mike DeFendis, and another generous donor to fund this major facility project. Cost Less Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning stepped in and donated labor costs as well several monetary donations that resulted in a brand new air conditioning system at the Pinedale Club.

“I made some calls to my friends who agreed to support this project," said Richard Antenucci, "I’m very blessed to have great friends who always step up to help with special projects and this one was no different."

The 2nd Annual Grand Slam with Granville resulted in thousands of young people reading books this summer. Club members all over Fresno County competed to be a top reader—top 10 readers from every Club saw the Fresno Grizzles play against the Stockton Ports on August 27th.

Jorge, age 9, took this challenge seriously, reading 21 books in just two months. His excitement was contagious and evident throughout the night. Just when things could not get more exciting, he caught a foul ball! Read more about Jorge’s experience!

It’s back-to-school season, and we are helping kids have the best school year ever! At Boys & Girls Clubs, we do whatever it takes to help kids and teens succeed by providing safe places, mentors, meals and meaningful life experiences. Kids know they can be themselves at the Club, make new friends and have fun, and build their skills to be successful in school, career and life.

Long-time partner, Ross Stores, continues to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the month of August. Ten locations across Fresno County are accepting donations for Boys & Girls Clubs, and Ross Stores are matching every dollar! So far, funds have exceeded our expectations—every store is reaching their goals.

With only five more days of fundraising, members are determined to get the word out. Come say hello! More importantly, get to know our kids. This way, when you give, you really know the impact your gift is making.

On Wednesday, July 6, Bank of America visited the Clovis Boys and Girls Club, presenting us with a $25,000 check. This generous donation will fund the Career Launch Program in five clubs: East Fresno, West Fresno, Clovis, Selma, and Oakhurst Club.

“It’s a good way for us to teach the kids sportsmanship and leadership. It also gives them an opportunity to co-exist with gang members and people they do not typically interact with. We have never had a problem with violence during a baseball season,” said Fidel Martinez, BGC JJC Unit Director.

Many of our members, especially those in rural areas, have never been outside their hometown. On June 29, we took 100 members (six different Clubs) to the Monterey Bay Aquarium thanks to several grants and special event donors. More than half (51) of the members had never been to an aquarium.

“I have 26 years of experience at the Club and have taken numerous field trips but the look on kid’s faces when they see the ocean for the first time still astounds me,” said Kim Ozuna, Sanger Unit Director.

We are very grateful for our staff’s passion in making sure youth have a safe, educational, and fun experience everyday no matter the location. Field trips really do open eyes to new places, new possibilities, and greater futures.

The $1,500 Quenzer Scholarship has been awarded to Sebastian Rosales Valdez from the Oakhurst Club and Elijah Ruiz from the Juvenile Justice Campus.

Both Sebastian and Elijah are well deserving of this scholarship and have bright futures ahead of them. Congratulations!

BGC Week recognizes the invaluable service Clubs bring to communities-- paving the road for great futures that are within reach of every young person who enters our doors.

Clubs all over the nation celebrated BGC Week by participating in daily themed activities, partnering up with local business to give kids and teens amazing celebrations, and giving all members a place to be themselves & have new experiences.

Sometimes we don’t see the impact the club makes— we just hope our words and actions, as well as the programs we help the young people that come through our doors reach their full potential. Once in a while members surprise us by showing us their appreciation in ways we didn’t imagine. This was true for the Harris Farms Boys & Girls Club when Juan (age 7) showed up after school proudly holding his first place school project.

The Boys & Girls Club indoor soccer season started in March of this year and the communities that surround participating Clubs were beyond excited. The final game was on Saturday, May 14th and the awards banquet was held the following Tuesday, both at the East Fresno Club. Every soccer player received a participation medal. Three special players were chosen to receive the Golden Ball Award—these are large, gold, soccer ball-shaped trophies awarded to those who showed good character and leadership throughout the season.

The winners of the 2022 Golden Ball Awards are Francisco (age 10), Iker (age 11), and Nathan (age 12).

“The Club taught me to always try your best and never give up. That is what I told my team too,” said Nathan.

On April 19th, many Boys & Girls Club supporters had dinner at a local McDonald’s restaurant to raise money for the Clovis Club.

“I think it’s pretty cool that we were able to raise so much in one day. The Club could really use this,” said a Clovis teen.

25 years ago, the Del Rey Boys & Girls Club staff decided to have an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids coming to the Club. They hid 100 eggs in the park and had a great time bonding with members. Little did they know, the event would catch the attention of multiple community members wanting to help put a smile on kid’s faces during Easter. Fast forward to 2022, the Del Rey staff hosted over 200 people and 7 vendors, and hid 5,000 eggs at their Annual Easter Event-- in the same park where it all started.