Three Boys and Girls Club fundraisers over the next three months appeal to different segments of the community, but all benefit an organization challenged by growing demand for its services, Executive Director Pam Estes said.
“The number of kids who need us has grown so fast that we’re just trying to keep up. Now we need more support than ever so we can be there for all of the kids who need the Club,” she added.
The End of Summer Bash, with a bounce house, dunk tank and martial arts demonstrations and lunch, takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Aliso Creek Plaza Shopping Center, 30824 S. Coast Highway.
Business neighbors of the shopping plaza along with United Studios of Self Defense sponsor the fundraiser. Z-Pizza, La Sirena Grill, and Starfish will donate lunch, while other local businesses have donated silent auction items that will be sold to the highest bidders.
Back by popular demand, the Second Annual Night at the Ranch will be held Friday, Sept. 25, sponsored by club alums and Laguna locals Leif Hanson and Steve Blue.
Guests will enjoy a farm-to-table dinner, live and silent auctions and live music with singer and songwriter, Donovan Frankenreiter. Tickets are $200 per person.
On Thursday, Oct. 1, the Seventh Annual Girls Night Out culminates with the raffle of a gold and diamond Addison Taylor Fine Jewelry pendant valued at $7,500. Just 200 $100 tickets will be sold. Tickets for the women-only soiree in the home of Holly Wilson are $125.
Tickets can be purchased for both nighttime events online at bgclagunabeach.org. or by calling 949-494-2535 x 103.
Special events are the club’s largest funding source, contributing to 38 percent of the club’s $2.5 million budget in 2014, said Estes, who continues to seek less volatile and diversified funding sources. The second largest revenue source is program fees, at 36 percent, while foundations, individuals, corporations and government combined contributed 26 percent, she said.
Community contributions fund half of the budget, which pays for 25 full time and 25 part time staff that work directly with children, Estes said. “Our goal now is to develop a new strategic sustainability plan that is more balanced and built on a culture of philanthropy,” Estes added.
Pastor Returns to a Former Pulpit
Michael Montgomery of Indiatlantic, Fla., will preach at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services Sunday, Aug. 30, at Little Church by the Sea, 468 Legion St.
Montgomery served the church as pastor in the 1960s and also ministered elsewhere locally for several years.
He and his wife Mary make periodic summer visits and will be in the area through Sept. 5.
Save a Life or Three
The public is invited to join the Hearts of Montage blood drive from 7 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, in a ballroom at Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 S. Coast Highway. Valet parking will be complimentary for all donors, and fresh fruit and cookies will be provided.
Sign up at: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code MontageLB or email Laura Rudd at [email protected] or call Hearts of Montage at 949-715-6208. Donors must bring a photo ID.
Other drives take place nearby. In Dana Point, blood can be donated at the Ocean Institute on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.
Citizen Academy Enrolls a New Class
The Laguna Beach Police Department is accepting applications for the upcoming 12-week citizen’s academy that starts Thursday, Sept. 10.
The citizen’s academy meets Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and is designed to provide the public with a better understanding of the police department and to help foster better communications between police personnel and citizens.
The course includes instruction and practical exercises in homeless outreach programs, crime scene investigations, firearms training, traffic stop scenarios and more. The course also includes a tour of the police station, fire station and a trip to the Orange County jail.
Residents or those who work in town and are 18 or older with no felony convictions may apply by Aug. 31 to Ross Fallah at 949 497-0701 or [email protected].
Local Recognized by Soroptimists
Laguna local Katie Bond, founder of the Peace Exchange, was recently named a recipient of the Ruby Award from Soroptimist International of Laguna Beach.
The award honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through professional and volunteer work.
The Peace Exchange supports women by establishing fair trade cooperatives. For more information visit: thepeaceexchange.com.
Checkpoint May End an Endless Summer
Police will deploy a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits Saturday, Aug. 22 beginning at 8 p.m. until an hour after bars close.
The following weekend LBPD will conduct saturation patrols, where extra cops are on the road between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Salon Mark’s its First Year With Fundraiser
Laguna Beach salon Belo Blow Dry Bar recently celebrated its one year anniversary with a summer beachwear trunk show to help raise funds for Global Girls Leading Our World, dedicated to empowering girls in vulnerable communities.
The event featured ANI Bikinis, Bikini Bird and Wendy Stillman Jewelry and a wine tasting by Banfi Vintners. “Laguna Beach has been amazing to us during our first year of business,” said owner Patricia Musselman.
