For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area near their annual event goal, with the majority of funding coming from local businesses via sponsorship and ticket purchases. The Club invites residents to join the effort by attending the 3rd Annual A Toast to Great Futures on April 27 at 7PM at the Nekoosa Community Center.

(Contributed Photo)

“With on-going resources dedicated to the capital campaign for a new facility, we were hopeful the community would respond to needs of the annual event. The response has been tremendous”, commented Zach Coleman, owner of Richard’s Liquors and Boys & Girls Club board member. “The donations to this year’s event have far surpassed previous years,” continued Coleman.

The Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Kent Anderson, shared that the funding received through A Toast to Great Futures directly supports the operating and programmatic expenses the Club incurs annually.

“Our event fundraising goal of $50,000 contributes to almost 10% of the annual operating budget the Club currently has. Meeting, or exceeding, the event goal will allow our staff flexibility and growth in programming at all of our sites”.

It’s not too late to support the event. Contact Sam Hodgson, Development Director, at 715-818-6125 or shodgson@bgcwra.org to join the growing list of event sponsors and attendees! Tickets can be purchased at the following locations through April 26th. Based on availability, tickets will be sold at the door as well.

Ticket Locations:

• Boys & Girls Club – Pitsch Center,501 17th St. S., Wisconsin Rapids
• Richard’s Liquors,3033 8th St. S., Wisconsin Rapids
• Wisconsin Rapids Floral & Gifts, 2351 8th St S, Wisconsin Rapids

Presenting Sponsors: The Dental Suite, LLC, StrongBridge Wealth Advisors, Aspirus, Richard’s Liquors, and the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Vineyard Sponsors: Miron Construction and Riverhill Dental – Dr. Karla McDonald, DDS

Barrel Sponsors: Wisconsin Rapids Kiwanis Club, ERCO Worldwide, Nekoosa Lions Club, NextHome Partners, Gottschalk Cranberry Inc., Liam’s Park, Steckbauer Builders, Pelner-Williams Plumbing, Home Run Electric, LLC, Bank-A-Count Corporation, State Farm Insurance-Kari Van Ert, Ho-Chunk Nation

Bottle Sponsors: Altenburg Dairy, Golden Eagle Log and Timber Homes, Lake Arrowhead – SnoBlast Association, McCain Foods, Modern Woodmen of America, Nekoosa-Port Edwards State Bank, Spectrum Insurance, Reach Business Lenders, Renaissance, Ron’s Refrigeration, Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC, Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc.

About the A Toast to Great Futures

Enjoy an evening of socializing for a great cause, while trying premium wines and craft beers, paired with catered appetizers from Great Expectations. The evening would not be complete without a raffle, silent auction, and an event favorite – the wine and whiskey raffle. 100% of funds raised benefit the over 2,100 youth that receive services and programs provided by the Club annually.

About the Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area

The Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area provides before and after-school programming for youth ages 6-18 in Wisconsin Rapids, Nekoosa and Port Edwards. The mission of Boys & Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Club focuses programming efforts on three key outcome areas: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. The Club serves over 2,100 youth throughout South Wood County each year through membership and additional outreach programs for non-members. Learn more by visiting bgcwra.org and facebook.com/bgcwra. The Boys & Girls Club is a proud partner program of the United Way of Inner Wisconsin.