Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren hosts inaugural Great Futures Gala

Ole! It was a "Fiesta for the Future" on Saturday (Sept. 27) evening, as the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren hosted its inaugural Great Futures Gala. Two hundred guests came out to support the Club and enjoy an evening filled with Latin food, auction festivities and Salsa dancing.

The outdoor celebration was held at the home of Jeremy and Stephanie Riffle, located in Van Buren's Scott Farm. White tents were set up along the picturesque property, with tables adorned in brightly colored cloths and decor situated underneath.

Dinner and drinks were served from the home's large deck, with the menu featuring steak and chicken fajitas, tacos and several sides. Guests also enjoyed the fiesta's signature Mojito, as well as delicious cupcakes and individually wrapped bags of jalapeño flavored popcorn.

"We are very excited to be hosting our inaugural Great Futures Gala," said Cindy Faldon, BGCVB Executive Director. "The planning committee chose our event name because we know that great futures start here at the Club. We want this event to reflect that and for our supporters to know that by being part of the gala, they are investing in the lives of our local kids."

The gala serves as the official launch of BGCVB’s 2015 annual campaign, which helps raise crucial dollars to support the Club and its various programs. During the program, organizers announced that the Club had received the first official gift of its annual drive–a $1500 contribution from GFWC-Women's League of Van Buren. Viki Kilgore, president, explained the group's decision to help lead the campaign.

"Women's League is proud to be a long-time partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren," said Kilgore. "Our club has supported BGCVB's SMART Girls programs both financially and with volunteers and been involved in numerous Club activities and events. We are proud to make the first official gift of the 2015 campaign and hope that it will inspire other organizations, businesses and individuals to do the same.”

Organizers also announced that the Club had been awarded a grant from the Walmart State Giving Program in the amount of $33,591 to purchase industrial kitchen equipment. The funds will allow the Club to better prepare and serve food to its members during its afterschool and summer meals program.

Following the announcements, auctioneer Tim Dunn kicked off the live auction. Seven packages were up for grabs including a "Natural State Golf Excursion," which offered rounds of golf at courses across the state, as well as a "Razorback Road" bundle that included tickets to football, basketball, and baseball games, a tailgate tent, coolers, and more.

The spotlight then turned to the dance floor, where professional Salsa instructor, Barbie Bell Nolte wowed the crowd her Latin Bachata routine. She and her partner Antonio Hermez then invited guests to make their way to the floor to learn a few steps of their own.

Tickets for the gala were $60 and included dinner, drinks, and the opportunity to bid in the live auction. Proceeds from the event support the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren, whose mission is "to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens."

The Club offers after school, summer, and sports programs, averaging more than 200 members on a daily basis. BGCVB also serves  nutritious meals and snacks each day, and sponsors a number of self-esteem and academic programs designed to build confidence and instill values in members, such as SMART Girls and Passport to Manhood.