Contact: Rima Runtzel, President, Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst,
559-642-0313 bgco@sti.net

BGC announces 11th Annual Christmas Tree Live Auction partners

Oakhurst, CA – October 18, 2012 This year’s premiere holiday event, benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst and other local charities, will be held on Sunday December 2nd in Bass Laker Event Center’s Lake View Room. Doors open for the silent auction, raffle, hors d’oeuvres and complimentary champagne at 3 p.m. Bidding for the Live Auction begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person or four for $100, advance purchase only, and can be purchased at the Event, or through their Online Auction website at www.BiddingforGood.com/BGCOakhurst
The most unique aspect of this annual event is the number of groups involved and the many charities who benefit from it. Each of the live auction items are created by a different organization or business. The Boys & Girls Club receives 25% of the winning bid and the contributing organization’s choice of charity receives the remainder. Some groups allocate 100% of their item’s winning bid to the Club.
“We love to be involved in this event each year. It is always so fun to see all the trees, wreaths and the silent auction items. I enjoy the festive atmosphere, visiting with friends and the delicious food. I especially love how this event benefits the Boys & Girls Club and many other wonderful organizations that meet the needs of many in our mountain community. Attending this event is the perfect way to start off the holidays,” said Jill Althizer of Helping Hands Pregnancy and Parenting Center, a long time Live Auction partner.
“We have had many new organizations seeking to join in this opportunity and are happy to announce the final list of groups who are invited to participate in and benefit from this great event,” said co-chair Rima Runtzel.
Bass Lake Event Center – Full Sized Tree to benefit Boys & Girls Club
Children’s Museum of the Sierra – Wreath
Coarsegold School 4th Grade Class – Full Sized Tree
Cornerstone Counseling Center – Table Top Tree
Disney 49 Ears – Wreath
H.O.L.I.D.A.Y.S. Hallmark Ornament Keepsake Club– Full Sized Tree to benefit Children’s Museum of the Sierra
Friends of Ahwahnee Hills Park – Full Sized Tree
Helping One Woman (H.O.W.) Group – Table Top Tree
Helping Hands Pregnancy & Parenting Center – Full Sized Tree
Jim Smith – 5’ Carved Bear to benefit Boys & Girls Club
Manna House – Table Top Tree
Mountain Area Artists – Full Sized Tree
Mountain Bear Fan Club – Full Sized Tree & Wreath
Mountain Lions Club – Table Top Tree
Oakhurst Feed & Pet Supply – Cork Wreath to benefit Mountain Lions Club
Oakhurst Lutheran Church – Table Top Tree
Oakhurst Sierra Rotary Club – Full Sized Tree to benefit Boys & Girls Club
Positive Living Center – Table Top Tree
Redwoods In Yosemite – Full Sized Tree to benefit Boys & Girls Club
Rivergold School 1st Grade Class – Wreath
Sierra Lions Club – Table Top Tree
Sierra Sunrise Rotary – Full Sized Tree
Soroptimist International of the Sierras – Full Sized Tree
Stephanie Samuels – Full Sized Tree to benefit YHS Scholarship Fund
Wild Wonderful Women & Friends – Full Sized Tree & Wreath
Yosemite High School FFA Boosters – Table Top Tree & Wreath
“Supporters of each participating organization are their best bet at getting the highest bid for their Live Auction items. We encourage those supporters to attend and to bid high!” said Runtzel.
Helping One Woman (H.O.W.) will be decorating a table top tree for live auction. “The Oakhurst chapter of HOW was established just this year .We have experienced amazing support from our community and have been able to provide help to several local women. HOW is thrilled to be included in this year’s holiday tree auction, and to share this wonderful event with other local non-profit groups. We look forward to a fantastic, successful auction, and to continued growth in the new year,” said Patti Fuentes.
Children’s Museum of the Sierra has participated for many years and plans to bring plenty of their own supporters to the event. “The auction really showcases the cooperative spirit between the various non-profits throughout the region and we are excited to be one of those entities taking part. We have a couple of entries that we think people will be really excited for, and will want to have in their home to celebrate Christmas, said Jarrod Lyman, Children’s Museum President.
This is the sixth year that an online venue has preceded the event. Through the website, supporters who might not be able to attend the event, because of geographical or any other type of conflict, can bid on items that are available exclusively online November 19-30. The online auction also offers informative biographies about the many charities involved in the event.
Committee members are currently collecting item donations to be featured in the online and silent auctions. For more information about donations or becoming a sponsor, email the auction committee at bgco@sti.net or call co-chairs Donna Smith, 683-7213 or Rima Runtzel, 642-0313.
For more information about Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, visit www.BGCOakhurst.com

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As some of you know, our Mission is to, “…inspire and assist all young people, especially those who need us most.” In line with that Mission, we offer a discounted membership of $10 per year to those families who qualify.  We look forward to another exciting year and all the support our community will bring.

Thank you.

J. Doss

Beneath the towering giant mammoth sunflowers, children can be seen (and heard) discovering the perfect, ready to harvest cucumbers or the three varieties of squash that are the result of their skillful gardening practices. Another child is quick to point out that she believes a gopher ate the marigold flower she planted. Hmmm… Do we need to put the trap out again? Across the garden, another child announces that he thinks one of the watermelons may be ready for harvest. The corn tassels are buzzing with busy bees, butterflies are regularly visiting the stunning purple blooms of the butterfly bush, and the occasional hummingbird zooms in to partake of the garden’s treasures. Time seems to slow down and allows for a moment to pinch off a sprig from the herbs, and simply enjoy the fragrance. Mint appears to be a summertime favorite. There is a lot going on at the Boys and Girls Club garden.

Earlier this year this ground lay fallow, except for a few hearty strawberries and struggling grape canes. All that changed in April when garden designs were drawn up and presented to the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst (www. bgcoakhurst.com) by a local organization aptly named “Tend the Earth” (www.tendtheearth.net). The intention was to create an edible garden that was designed to inspire and educate children about growing edible gardens using sustainable, organic methods and practices. The Boys and Girls Club Garden Project was born. Coincidentally, a previously scheduled volunteer day slated to happen one week later helped to make the construction of the garden design a reality, and ready to be planted. Once the chance of late spring frost was no longer present, Boys and Girls Club members and staff began casting organic, non GMO seeds to attract bees and song birds, planting organically grown summer annuals, tender herbs and fruit trees.

By mid-July, the fruits of the labors began to emerge. First to appear were the hearty summer squash, followed by the cucumbers. Sweet cherry tomatoes, peppers and watermelons joined the summer harvest in August. In spite of the incredible heat for days on end, the Boy and Girls Club garden continued to deliver the abundance in a variety of ways. Not only was food being produced for members and staff to enjoy, something else was happening; a bonding with this beautiful community garden seemed to have formed. Children could not wait to tell of their discoveries, or tattle on the most recent pests (aphids, deer, raccoons, etc.) that intruded on this slice of heaven! How dare they, and what do we do? It was apparent a partnership with and caring for this cultivated piece of earth mattered. Vegetables and flowers harvested by children became treasures to be cradled and loved with names bestowed upon them. I was personally introduced to a cucumber named “Muffin” as well as an overgrown zucchini called “Maxwell” that had a face etched into it. A beautiful connection with nature on the garden was evidencing itself! Well, except for that darn gopher. Hmmm… Now where is that gopher trap?

As we all grew this inspiring community garden together, we shared in the magic that was the result of many hands (big and small) coming together in community to create and amazing space for abundance, beauty and sheer joy, as well as good healthy food! One can see the aliveness of this garden from across the play yard, but there is more going on here than meets the eye! Beyond the obvious benefits of Boys and Girls Club members learning valuable life skills on the garden, the opportunity to experience a deepening relationship with nature presents itself again and again.

Overview: The community garden at the Boys and Girls Club was designed with the intention to inspire and educate those interested about the importance of reconnecting with Nature all the while learning valuable life skills in creating local resilience.

“Tuesday morning bright and early about twenty members of the Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary Club got to enjoy breakfast and get the inside scoop on what is going on at the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst these days.

After Club President Dale Miller opened the meeting and stumped the members with his weekly trivia questions, President Elect Susan Macaulay introduced the BGC Board President Rima Runtzel and Unit Director J. Doss.

Rima took a few minutes explaining how the summer program compares to the school year program. Throughout the year computer and reading programs are offered at the Club but during the summer, with attendance smaller at about 30-40 students per day, students have…” [Read full article]

“For over 12 years, our mission has been and will continue to be to serve our communities’ children, especially those who need us most,” said Rima Runtzel, Board President.

After much deliberation and analysis, the Club’s Board of Directors has determined that it can best fulfill its mission by participating in a one day furlough for staff each month.

“It is the Board’s fiduciary responsibility to direct our resources so that we can serve as many children as possible with the very best programs and facilities,” said Runtzel.

Beginning August 20, 2012, hours of Operation when school is in session will be Monday through Friday, after school until 6:00 pm, with the furlough taking place the fourth Monday of each month. Hours of operation are subject to change. Updated calendars will be available at www.BGCOakhurst.com.

In addition to free play and weekly drop-in activities, the following programs will be offered:

Power Hour (Homework Assistance) 2:30-3:30pm Tuesday – Thursday

Among the available research on the importance of after-school homework assistance is a recent study conducted by the U.S. Justice and Education Departments. In Working for Children: Safe and Smart After-School Programs (2000), experts reported, “children who are left alone when school ends have more difficulties with their class work than those who participate in after-school programs. Not only is the latter group of students more likely to succeed academically, they are also much more self-confident.” Other studies have linked after-school homework assistance programs to improved behavior at school and an overall increased interest in learning.

At Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, members are encouraged to complete their homework before they begin to play. In addition to “Homework Helpers,” Power Hour offers tips for establishing essential communication with teachers and parents. Research has shown that parental involvement is a must if children are to develop good homework habits. Power Hour also provides incentives for Club members, rewarding them with “Power Points” and charting their academic progress on a colorful poster that is displayed prominently in the Club.
This highly successful homework assistance program helps young people come to view homework as an opportunity to learn to work independently, complete projects on time and feel positive about their accomplishments.

Power Hour’s long-term goals are to ensure that youth graduate from high school, pursue postsecondary educations and become life-long learners.
Stinky Sock Reading Club Mondays 3:30-4:00pm

Garden Project Mondays 4:00-5:00pm

An organic garden has been planted at the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst to teach club members about healthy nutrition through organic gardening, along with lessons on water and soil conservation. In addition to lessons learned, the club members are looking forward to the end result of sharing the tasty rewards at harvest time.

Triple Play 3:30-4:30pm Tuesdays, Preteen & up; Thursdays, elementary grades.

Oakhurst’s Triple Play program is funded by the Community Grant Program of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians and The County of Madera.

Triple Play aims to improve young people’s knowledge of healthy habits, good nutrition and physical fitness; increase the numbers of hours per day they participate in physical activities; and strengthen their ability to interact positively with others and engage in healthy relationships. The program is built on the premise that a healthy child is one that is strong in three areas: Mind, Body and Soul.

SMART Girls (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training)Tuesdays 4:00-5:00pm

In response to the growing need to provide young women with the necessary skills to “say no” to drugs, alcohol and premature sexual activity at an early age, the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst has offered SMART Girls since 2009.
The goal of the SMART Girls program is to help girls develop healthy attitudes and lifestyles. To accomplish this, the program addresses health and social issues that are specific to female Club members. It is intended to help girls make positive decisions at this critical stage in their development.

In “It’s Your Body,” female Club members examine the physical and emotional developments that occur during adolescence, media influence on attitudes and behaviors toward females, development of personal values in dating relationships, and eating disorders.

The second component, “Take Care of Your Body,” focuses on girls’ specific nutritional needs. It provides Club members with basic cooking skills, ways to ensure physical fitness and exposure to community agencies that deal with female health issues.

“We are pleased to have a program that improves relationships between young women and the older significant females in their lives. We think it’s important for a young woman to establish a positive relationship with an adult female, a relationship that can foster self-esteem and a ‘can-do’ attitude,” said J. Doss, Unit Director.

CareerLaunch Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm

CareerLaunch is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s career exploration and job readiness program for teens. Clubs are uniquely positioned to make a difference in the future workforce by providing members with opportunities to explore a variety of career options, to make sound educational decisions and to practice job readiness skills.

Club Tech Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm

Club Tech was created by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Microsoft in 2000 to technologically enable Clubs worldwide, transforming Clubs from “swim and gym” to “point and click” destinations. Partnering with longtime supporter Microsoft, BGCA provides technology program access to some 4.1 million youth served through Club membership and community outreach at nearly 4,000 Clubs. By leveling the virtual playing field, kids of all ages and circumstances now have access to the same resources and skills to help them discover their world, expand creativity, perform better in school, and eventually take their technology know-how into the workplace.

“Technology has changed the way our children learn and play, and we are pleased to provide them with the proper training through the Club Tech program,” said Doss. “With technology being so prominent in the everyday life of today’s youth, we know that these skills are key to our children’s success in school and their future workplaces.”

Passport to Manhood Thursdays 4:00-5:00pm

Passport to Manhood is designed for young men, ages 11-14 and addresses such issues as ethics, decision making, wellness, fatherhood, employment and careers, cooperation and conflict, diversity, relationships and self-esteem. The 14-session small-group program will use role playing, peer discussions, games and art projects to explore values, attitudes and behaviors necessary for a healthy transition from adolescence to adulthood.

At the beginning of the program, participants are given “passports” to detail lessons learned on each leg of their journey. After each program session, the group facilitator signs and “stamps” each member’s passport with the date. During each session, the young men will establish standards related to the values promoted in the session. These standards become a code of conduct by which all members agree to live. During a graduation ceremony planned by the youth, the graduates present and recite their code of conduct and are recognized for taking critically important steps toward manhood.

CareerLaunch Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm

CareerLaunch is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s career exploration and job readiness program for teens. Clubs are uniquely positioned to make a difference in the future workforce by providing members with opportunities to explore a variety of career options, to make sound educational decisions and to practice job readiness skills.

Club Tech Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm

Club Tech was created by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Microsoft in 2000 to technologically enable Clubs worldwide, transforming Clubs from “swim and gym” to “point and click” destinations. Partnering with longtime supporter Microsoft, BGCA provides technology program access to some 4.1 million youth served through Club membership and community outreach at nearly 4,000 Clubs. By leveling the virtual playing field, kids of all ages and circumstances now have access to the same resources and skills to help them discover their world, expand creativity, perform better in school, and eventually take their technology know-how into the workplace.

“Technology has changed the way our children learn and play, and we are pleased to provide them with the proper training through the Club Tech program,” said Doss. “With technology being so prominent in the everyday life of today’s youth, we know that these skills are key to our children’s success in school and their future workplaces.”

Art Fridays 2:30-3:30pm

Torch Club (Student Leadership) – Fridays 3:30-4:30pm

This small-group leadership development program, sponsored by Staples, is targeted to youth ages 11 to 13. Within some 1300 Torch Clubs across the country, members elect officers and plan and implement their own activities and community service projects. Each Torch Club receives an official charter from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The Boys & Girls Club Oakhurst is committed to enabling all children to participate in our youth guidance and development programs. This is done by keeping membership fees affordable for everyone… just $40 per week with waivers for qualifying families. This is only possible thanks to contributions from generous individuals and businesses.

For more information about what Boys & Girls Clubs do, or to volunteer, go to www.BGCOakhurst.com.

The Boys & Girls Club depends on your support through our many events, fundraisers, & contributions. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Although some adults were not pleased with the increase and called it a financial hardship for them, other parents and concerned community members voiced support that the change was necessary in order to keep the club open.

Implementation of the new membership structure began Jan. 1, and although attendance has decreased, the decrease has not been as dramatic as some predicted.

“We expected, due to the increase, that we would lose some memberships, but it has not been as much as many predicted,” said Rima Runtzel, board president. “The truth is we couldn’t afford to give 120 kids per day the quality of programming that we are committed to. I am pleased with the number of kids that are still attending on a regular basis.”

Average daily attendance for the month of January was 60 members with a high of 72. Prior to the rate increase, the average daily attendance was between 90 and 100.

Runtzel has announced that due to families asking for an alternative to the monthly fee because their children do not attend the club every day, a “punch card” is now available as a more flexible option.

Here’s how it works:

1. A parent purchases a BGC punch card for $40.

2. The card will give a family access to the Club for 14 days (under $3 a day) throughout a 12 month period.

3. The card can be used by any child of the same family, but cannot be shared with other families without staff approval.

4. Once the 14 days have been used, the family can purchase a new punch card.

“The parents spoke and we have answered,” club Director J. Doss. “We will never turn a child away. If a parent needs help or a few days to get money together, they just need to let the staff know. No child will be turned away, ever.”

Club members who qualify for any low income programs such as the school Free Lunch Program discounted PG&E and Life Line telephone rates, continue to pay the $10 per year membership fee.

“The fee increase alone is still not enough to sustain the club,” Runtzel said. “The community is encouraged to take part in the “Supporting Member Program” which provides ongoing funding.

Yosemite Bank is currently holding a raffle for a 40-inch, Samsung flat screen HDTV to raise funds for the club. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the bank, the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce office, Sierra Tel Business Center or at Sierra Telephone.

Details: (559) 642-4600, BGCOakhurst.com.”

Via Sierra Star

We will be closed Friday April 6th & Monday April 9th. 

We will be open Tuesday, April 10-Friday, April 13, 12pm-6pm