Your donation—a simple act—has a big impact for Club kids.

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, but even more so for Boys & Girls Club kids and their families.

As jobs were cut and schools were closed, many families had difficulty buying groceries, finding childcare and accessing Wi-Fi and devices for kids to continue their education.

The simple things mean everything for kids who are struggling right now: A healthy snack, a device to participate in school, an adult who will be there no matter what.

Now, we need your help to give kids the simplest gift of all — a fresh start in the new year.

In these overwhelming times, your donation provides kids access to food and everyday necessities they need to survive, and the life-changing programs and mentorship that will allow them to thrive.

Help us do whatever it takes to ensure kids have access to the simple things that mean the most, now and always.

What Club Parents Have to Say:

“I have been taking my kids to the Club—they temperature check them, they wear their mask the whole time they are there, they hand sanitize every hour, they’re fed snacks and a meal, and they social distance. When they do play games they are six feet apart. Also, they help my kids with school—that blew me away. BGCS has people there who are assigned to help the kids log into school and make sure that they are paying attention to their teacher. They manage them the whole time and then help them with their homework. It is amazing.” -Visalia Club Family

“I love the fact that the staff continue to try and come up with new activities all the time. They go above and beyond to make sure that EVERY student has the materials they need to be able to participate. As a single mother I have struggled (and as I type this tears fill my eyes.) I have done everything in my power to make sure my daughter has everything she needs. However, I know not all parents are able to do that (and sadly some choose not to). Yet, your team makes sure they all have the supplies so no child is left behind. I love and appreciate that and think it just goes to show what a positive impact this program has for so many students.” - Porterville Club Mother

Make Your Year-End Gift Today

Thanks to our supporters like you, we have so much to be thankful for this year!

A Message from our Executive Director, Galen Quenzer:

DEAR FRIENDS OF THE CLUB,

Thank you so much for investing in Tulare County kids by supporting Boys & Girls Clubs. Kids are having a really hard time during this pandemic. Their isolation and lack of a normal routine is causing emotional distress. Mental health therapists in Tulare County are booked up for months. Kids are suffering educationally as well, forced to attend school from a distance and struggling with computer and Internet issues.

Parents are also having a hard time - as they try to teach their kids, work out tech issues, provide 24-hour care, all while also trying to go to work.

In response to these stresses on our community, Boys & Girls Clubs in Visalia, Ivanhoe, Exeter and Strathmore are now open and serving kids in a safe, responsible way. It is so good to once again hear kids laughing and playing in the gym. It is impressive to see our staff assist 50 kids spread throughout the Club, “going to school,” helping them connect to their teacher and keeping them on task.

In addition to the kids now attending a Club in person, an additional 295 kids are participating in our virtual programming. Kids are eager to get online and see their friends and mentors from the Club, get help with their homework, have someone to talk to about their anxieties, and have fun with online art programs, fitness activities and cooking classes.

In our desire to meet the needs of kids and families during this unique time:

We have expanded our hours so we can help kids go to online school and help parents go back to work. Clubs are open from morning to evening.
We have upgraded our Internet and wifi technology to allow for 60 or more people to be online at the same time.
We have purchased masks, thermometers, sanitation supplies, signage and extra program supplies to keep kids and their families safe.

THE RESULT IS A $50,000 INCREASE IN EXPENSES.

At the same time, as many of you know, we have had to curtail our fundraising events, resulting in an expected $120,000 loss in revenue this year.

Our board of directors has committed to doubling their giving to $110,000 this year. Can you join them and help us continue to serve those kids who need us most during this stressful time? Our community is strong and generous. Each year, you have helped Boys & Girls Clubs help the most vulnerable kids in Tulare County. Your help is needed more than ever this year.

Last year you gave significantly. Thank you so much! Would you consider increasing, and possibly even doubling your gift this year?

WHETHER YOU ARE ABLE TO INCREASE YOUR GIFT THIS YEAR OR NOT, WE APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO FOR KIDS. WE LIVE IN A WONDERFUL, GENEROUS COMMUNITY – THANKS TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

Sincerely,
Galen Quenzer,
Executive Director

Help Tulare County’s Youth and Accrue Tax Benefits

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The CARES Act’s Charitable Giving Provisions

Universal Charitable Deduction

The CARES package includes a temporary universal charitable deduction. This deduction will allow all taxpayers to claim an above the line charitable deduction for cash donations up to $300 through December 31. Donations to donor advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible for this deduction.

Adjusted Gross Income Limitation

The law also lifts the cap on annual deductions for cash contributions for those who itemize, raising the cap from 60% to 100% of adjusted gross income. The cap for corporations has been increased from 10% to 25%.

What this Means for You

Kids need your help now more than ever. For many, childhood has been suspended. The Club is a source of stability, consistency, and fun for kids and teens. We are providing meals, homework help, mentorship, academic enrichment activities and the chance to have fun with friends and trusted mentors.

Your gift helps us maintain and grow these programs. And with these new tax incentives, there has never been a better time to support the Club.

*Information provided above does not substitute for the advice of your tax advisor or attorney. Please see your tax advisor or attorney for full advice on implications of the CARES Act.

Make a Holiday Contribution

FLIP THROUGH THE SECTION BELOW TO SEE WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO!

Woodlake Club members Nathan and Jovanni felt compelled to do something special for their local fire station. They appreciated the station's hard work during the floods and decided to show their gratitude by handing out treats and thank you cards. With the help of Club staff, they reached out to Emmanuel Llamas at City Hall, who was able to give them a list of organizations and teams that helped during the floods. Nathan then took it upon himself to design the thank you cards and handwrite a message for every team. The treats were provided by Sara Caudle, a staff member's daughter, who baked and beautifully decorated five dozen cupcakes. Finally, all the Club's work came together, and members were able to show their big thank you. Members Nathan and CJ were accompanied by staff to the fire station, police station, public works, and city hall, where they handed out the cupcakes and thank you cards. Woodlake Unit Director, Erika Villa, was overjoyed to see her members' plan come to life, saying, "I am proud of our members for taking the initiative to show gratitude to those in their community!” #bgcsequoias #TulareCounty #bgclubs #woodlake #woodlakeca #woodlakecalifornia

As families gather for Sunday soccer games at Hester School in Farmersville, Reading Corners will be available for siblings of the players. Children will have a supervised place to read books or be read to. Sports Reading Corners is a project of Lea Conmigo (Read with Me), Farmersville. Lea Conmigo is a collective effort of a dozen organizations, with the goal of children being able to read at grade level by the third grade. #bgcsequoias #tularecounty #bgclubs #farmersville #farmersvilleca #farmersvillecalifornia

The Ivanhoe Boys & Girls Club was selected to receive a $13,500 grant from United Way of Tulare County. United Way provides support to numerous Community Benefit Organizations throughout the county. Thank you, United Way staff and volunteers, for caring about and serving our community! #bgcsequoias #greatfutures #tularecounty #bgclubs

Richard Torrez, Tulare's very own Olympic Boxer, recently visited our Tulare location! Club members from across the county attended to hear Torrez speak about his experience as an Olympic athlete and his path to get there. Members were incredibly excited to hear that Torrez was once a Club kid at the Tulare Club himself! Torrez said, "I grew up here for about 3-4 years, […] so when I made the connection that it was this Club that I would be speaking at, I jumped at the opportunity." Torrez touched on some of the many lessons he's learned through life so far, one of them being the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. He explained to members, "You need a strong foundation, and a strong foundation is your surroundings." Needless to say, our kids and teens were very inspired by Torrez, and at the end of his visit, members were thrilled to get his autograph! We want to thank Torrez for taking the time to visit the Club and impacting our members by sharing his positive message. Read more via the link in our bio! #bgcsequoias #GreatFutures #tularecounty #bgclubs #tulare #tulareca #tularecalifornia

👉 We are so excited to share that our Silent Auction supporting the Tulare Club is now open! Text the keyword, COMIX to 71760. 📲 How to get to COMIX Online Silent Auction: #1 - Text "COMIX" to 71760 using your mobile phone. #2 - A Text message with a website will be sent to your phone. Click on the link in the Message. #3 - Complete Registration. Enter your information and tap "Register" to enter the Online Auction. #4 - Start Bidding! You will be directed to our Online Auction Page. #5 - Click the "Auction" button to see a list of all our auction items. --> Click on any item of your choice to bid --> Click your amount to bid on --> Click "confirm." #6 - You can then, Click on the "My Bids" button to see a list of items you have current bids on. #7 - Click the "Donate" button to donate to our Tulare Club! If you do not plan to attend the event but still want to support the Tulare Boys & Girls Club, you can register to bid through the online silent auction or donate to the Club. #bgcsequoias #greatfutures #tularecounty #bgclubs

Thank you, LMG Ag Products, for your generous donation! Through their social media fundraiser and with your help, $4,000 was donated to our Clubs. Thank you for participating in this campaign and supporting our mission! #bgcsequoias #tularecounty #bgclubs #greatfutures

At the Woodlake Club, members learned about car maintenance, the parts of a car, and how engines work. They got hands-on with this model engine, which they were able to put together like real mechanical engineers! This project was a part of our Passport to Manhood program, which guides members through their journey into adulthood and prepares them with the soft and hard skills needed to succeed in life. #bgcsequoias #aplacetobecome #tularecounty #woodlake #woodlakeca #woodlakecalifornia

Our Strathmore Love Our Kids 5k Fun Run was a blast! Supporters and Club members joined us at Porterville Veterans Park to support the Strathmore Club. Runners of all ages cheered each other on, re-energized with a snack, and then were awarded for their achievements in various categories. We would like to thank all of you who donated, volunteered, and participated in the run. It is because of your enthusiasm and involvement that we were able to have a successful event and raiser over $17,500 for our afterschool program in Strathmore! Thank you to our major sponsors: Central Valley Auto Transport, Inc., Setton Farms, The County, Beneficial State Bank, Family HealthCare Network, Paragon Personnel, E.M. Tharp, Inc., Jim & Patricia Holly, Starr & Yonok Warson, Christina Miceli, Farmers Insurance Agent, Pine, Pedroncelli & Aguilar, Inc., and Dr. Suorsa & Dr. Miller Optometry. Thank you to the following businesses who provided prizes, healthy snacks and more for our runners: Adventure Park, Costo, DEFY, Epic Print & Promo, McDermont Field House, Miller Brothers Printing, Savemart – Porterville, Starbucks – Lindsay, Target – Porterville and Visalia, Walmart Distribution Center, and Wonderful Pistachios. Thank you to our amazing co-chairs, Gail Grasmick and Adele Sanchez, for all their hard work on the event! Your involvement and support has a great impact and it is very much appreciated! #bgcsequoias #greatfutures #tularecounty #bgclubs #strathmoreca #strathmorecalifornia

Farmersville's Tricks to Fix members just finished building this beautiful picnic table! This project was made possible thanks to Pat Hunt Construction, who so generously donated all the lumber. Also, Club members recently sanded three Little Free Libraries (which you may have seen in our previous post) and gave them a colorful paint job. These libraries are placed throughout Farmersville. Young people can take books from the Little Free Libraries and add books from their homes they no longer need. We can't wait to see what project this group will take on next! #bgcsequoias #aplacetobecome #TulareCounty #bgclubs #farmersville #farmersvilleca #farmersvillecalifornia

From a mock interview to a real job! Ashton, one of our Visalia Club members, recently received a job offer from Taco Bell. It all started with the Career Launch program, where Club Director Kristy taught this group the basics of resumes, first impressions, and an overall successful job interview. Then as an exercise, members had mock interviews at Taco Bell. Well, Taco Bell management was so impressed with Ashton's interview, they called the Club and offered him a position! Now, Ashton will start his orientation this month. Congratulations, Ashton! Thank you, Taco Bell, for your support in preparing our Club members for their futures! #bgcsequoias #greatfutures #tularecounty #bgclubs #visalia #visaliaca #visaliacalifornia

Denzel Washington, BGCA's National Spokesperson, helped celebrate the grand opening of the 5,000th Boys & Girls Club. He toured the new Club (located in South Elgin, Illinois) and interacted with the Club kids, inspiring them as he was once inspired. Denzel knows the Club's impact on a child—he says that he has never forgotten about his experiences at the Boys & Girls Club. In this interview, Denzel told GMA that when he first walked into the Boys & Girls Club, he was a nervous 6-year-old kid. "What am I now? I'm still that 6-year-old, wide-eyed kid who's curious about life," said Denzel. For the past 30 years, Denzel has been the spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club of America. Over that time, he has inspired numerous young people by relating to them and being an example of what they can achieve. Denzel and the alum pictured above are just a few of the countless success stories that have come from the, now, 5,000 Clubs worldwide! Watch the full story via the link in our bio! #bgcsequoias #greatfutures #tularecounty #bgclubs

These Woodlake Club teens got an inside look at 4Creeks Inc.! 4Creeks is a design-oriented firm that runs six core disciplines under one incorporation: engineering, surveying, planning, construction, architecture, and utilities. Not only did members get to tour the 4 Creeks office, but they also got to speak to several individuals in the company with different roles—one of them being CEO Danielle Avila! Danielle was very inspiring—she encouraged our teens to explore higher education and to be open to the opportunities that arise in life. Additionally, the teens were very curious to learn from 4Creeks' professionals, asking questions such as "What's the most challenging part of your job," "Are you proud of your career," and "What motivates you?" Overall, our members walked away with a better insight into the career opportunities available to them. Thank you, 4Creeks, for being hospitable and organizing this impactful experience! #bgcsequoias #greatfutures #tularecounty #woodlake #woodlakeca #woodlakecalifornia

Woodlake Serve Squad is at it again! Seventeen members recently visited the Woodlake Fire Department to help fill sandbags in preparation for the stormy weather. Members were happy to know that they could help with the recent flooding by volunteering for this task!

Our Club members are always up to the challenge! The NFL has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the #BGCSkillsChallenge, where Club kids around the country participate in their own Pro Bowl Games Skills competitions. Here, you can see our members taking on the following challenges: precision passing, longest jump, four square, and flag tag. Great job, members, for stepping up and putting your skills to the test! #ProBowlGames #OurProBowl

Teamwork! Woodlake Club members just completed this challenging candy-themed puzzle as a part of their Power Hour homework time. Members would work on this puzzle once they finished their daily assignments, continuing where they left off the previous day. They enjoyed gathering around the table with their friends and taking on this brain game as a team. As a reward for completing this challenge, staff handed out the treats pictured in the puzzle. Unit Director Erika Villa said, "Our members look forward to building more puzzles and making it a fun team-working experience!" #bgcsequoias #TulareCounty #bgclubs #woodlakeca #woodlakecalifornia #woodlake

Visalia Club members recently visited the Ross Dress for Less on Mooney Blvd. to represent the Boys & Girls Club! Ross holds an annual checkout fundraiser in support of our Clubs, and the Visalia Club wanted to be there to show their appreciation. Members Ximena, Bryan, and Giselle handed out cupcakes to the Ross team, and every time a customer donated, they cheered with gratitude or did a funny dance. They also helped by putting away shopping carts and handing out flyers at their booth. Visalia Club Director Kristy Galvan said, "This was a great opportunity to give the Ross team a glimpse of who we serve in our community. At the end of the visit, the managers thanked us for going out by giving each member a 10-dollar gift card. All in all, the event turned out great, and it will be something we look forward to next year." #bgcsequoias #aplacetobecome #TulareCounty #greatfutures #bgclubs #visalia #visaliaca #visaliacalifornia #rossdressforless

Join us for our 2023 COMIX Fundraiser! Along with Johnny Sanchez, we will get some big laughs from Geoff Keith and Patrick DeGuire. You don't want to miss out! We have sponsorships available for those who would like to show extra support to the Tulare Boys & Girls Club. Please visit bgcsequoias.org/tularecomix to view all the sponsorship opportunities we have available. #bgcsequoias #bgclubs #tularecounty #tulare #tulareca #tularecalifornia

Pictured above is Luz, a former Tulare Club Member. In a speech she gave at one of our events in 2017, she said, "The Club has done many things for me; it changed me, helped me improve myself, and made me happy because it gave me a family..." This spring, Luz will graduate from CSU, Fresno, and receive a bachelor's degree in Criminology-Forensic Behavioral Sciences. Luz is one of many Club Kids across America who has gone on to do incredible things with their lives. We appreciate it when they return to our Clubs to share their stories with our younger club kids, inspiring them to be confident in their endeavors. Whether you attended a Club in Tulare County or elsewhere, we welcome you to join the Boys & Girls Club family. Please visit bgcsequoias.org/alumni. We'd love to connect with you to see how the Clubs have impacted your life and invite you to share your success to inspire our current Club members, supporters, and fellow alums. Also, if you know someone who is a Club alumnus, tag them in this post! #inspiregreatfutures #bestafterschoolprogram #bestafterschoolcare #BGCAlumni #tularecounty

The Exeter Club held a Black History trivia contest to celebrate Black History Month. They stepped up the competition by inviting the Strathmore Club, BGCA administration, and community members. The trivia questions focused on influential individuals in Black History and Entertainment. Club members had a blast and were thrilled with the competition, but most importantly, they learned more about the significant impact that African Americans have had on our country. #bgcsequoias #aplacetobecome #greatfutures #TulareCounty #exeter #exeterca #exetercalifornia

Woodlake Club teens are on a roll! With the guidance of Serve Prep Coordinator, Teresa Farfan, the teens have participated in several community service projects. They volunteered their time by walking dogs at Valley Oak SPCA this time. The teens enjoyed being in the company of these delightful animals, and we are sure the feeling was mutual! Teresa Farfan is passionate about mentoring our teens and instilling the importance of community service. She said, "This service project was a win, win. The kids could do something kind for the SPCA by walking the dogs, and we had time to talk and bond as a group.”