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Impact
OUR KIDS, OUR STORIES, OUR COMMUNITY WINTER 2023
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
I am so proud of the incredible work being done within our Clubs and the growing collaboration we are enjoying with our partners, parents, and most importantly, our kids. While it is clear that we have a lot to celebrate as we look back over the winter, I’d like to share something more personal… This year my son, Bennett, began his own journey with the Club One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is observing the innovative activities and initiatives that our dedicated staff members are spearheading. Whether it's the Redwood Middle School Coding Class, the NVLA battery-powered Love Bugs project, or the Canyon Oaks production of Wicked, each endeavor reflects the unwavering commitment of our staff to positively impact the lives of our children. These achievements deserve to be celebrated as they highlight the profound personal investment our staff members make in the well-being and growth of our kids, including mine.
Because of my work with the Club, I am often reminded of the profound impact this organization has had on my life. From my early days as a member, bouncing between various Clubs, including Napa, to my transition into adulthood where I assumed the role of a staff member, my relationship with the Club has evolved significantly. Over the years, I have had the privilege of taking on increasing levels of responsibility, from managing club sites to leading the Napa Valley organization.
However, it wasn't until this year, when I brought my son to the Napa Clubhouse for his first day, that I realized there were still new dimensions of the Club for me to explore. As I sat in my office, filled with anxiety over his Club experience, I grappled with questions of whether he would enjoy it, whether he would be accepted, and whether it would hold the same significance for him as it did for me. It was a day filled with anticipation and trepidation, but ultimately, seeing him fall in love with the club brought me immense relief and joy.
Watching my son forge his own path within the Boys & Girls Club has provided me with a fresh perspective on the work we do. As I witness him building his own community and immersing himself in club activities, I am reminded of the fond memories I hold from my time as a staff member. The camaraderie among the team, the creativity in crafting new activities, and coming home at the end of my day to find notes of thanks and Legos in my pockets.
However, perhaps the best personal aspect of this new reality has been the realization that I
am no longer known simply as "the Boss of Boys & Girls Club" but rather as "Bennett's dad." This new layer of connection and meaning has taken me by surprise and filled me with a profound sense of joy.
As I reflect on my 17 years of employment with the Club, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible gift of seeing my work through a new lens. It is a testament to the transformative power of this organization and the profound impact it has on individuals, families and communities.
In closing, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to each and every member of our Club community – from our partners at Napa Valley Unified School District, to the dedicated staff and passionate volunteers, to the supportive parents and enthusiastic children. Together, we are making a difference, one child at a time.
Greg Bouillerce Executive Director
Greg Bouillerce
Each semester, the Canyon Oaks Clubs’ Drama Club challenges club members to learn new music from different popular Broadway shows. Our members worked on the production for 15 weeks with a final performance taking place at Canyon Oaks on December 13th. Families were invited to watch.
Unidos Members enjoyed a wonderfully sticky situation in the creation of their own group gingerbread houses. Members worked together to create masterpieces.
NVLA Club Members enjoyed creating Holiday themed art all month long. Texture was the element of art we focused on. We used several different materials to imply texture as well as adding 3D elements to create texture. Club members used oil pastels, tempera paint, and several other materials to create their mixed media art.
Our Gardening Club took action! After learning about photosynthesis, our gardening club worked as a team to prep our garden boxes. This included pulling out any weeds as well as adding rich soil to the boxes. After doing so, the club took time to put together a list of vegetables and fruits that they would like to grow! Stay tuned for planting this Spring!
Who we Serve: If we were to consider all of the youth attending the Club, their age, household, economic status, and time spent in our programs and condense it into ONE story here is how that would read: The typical member at the Boys & Girls Club lives and attends school in Napa or American Canyon. They live in a family of four with a sibling who likely also attends the Club and parents who work full-time. Collectively, their household earns less than $80,000/year. They live in a home that is rented jointly by family or friends. Despite shared resources, money is tight and this often disrupts basic needs like nutrition & housing. As a result, their parents often work multiple jobs and rely on the Club for care when school isn’t in session.
The average household income of members attending the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley is less than 80k/year!
If you were to summarize the average Club Member’s entire year (after school, Spring, Summer, and Winter breaks) into one 24 hour period here is how that time would be allotted.
Club School Home Sleep
If you were to take all the children attending afterschool programs in the county of Napa, and combine them into a village of 100… 67 of them attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. 18 of them attend programs run by Napa County. 15 of them attend other programs.
With representation from every major ethnic group the Club is more diverse than the whole of Napa County, 52% of which is populated by individuals of Caucasian descent and 38% by individuals of Hispanic descent. –US Census
If we apply the median Household income in Napa to the typical family we serve, of their $7,000 monthly income, $6,500 goes to basic needs like Housing, Transportation, Utilities, Groceries; leaving just $500 to spend on other essentials like child care. 70% of the households we serve live below this income threshold and receive full scholarships to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.
Embark on a journey through the Winter season with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley! In this montage video, you'll witness children engaging in activities like returning to school, exploring new programs, making new friends, and much more. Our dedicated staff have been working tirelessly to create a safe and supportive environment for all of our children. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as we showcase the incredible Winter season at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more amazing moments with you in the future!
Want to learn more about the 12 locations operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley? Dive into “our locations” section of our website to get site specific information and a map of all the sites we operate! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: ! Watch the Video!
At the Club, it's not just about after-school activities – it's about building lifelong relationships that span generations. From the moment they walk through our doors, children find a second home, a place that occupies that unique space between school and home. Imagine a journey that begins in elementary school and continues through the challenging years of high school, all while surrounded by a supportive community of peers and mentors. This is the essence of the Boys and Girls Club experience – a journey of growth, friendship, and endless possibilities.
And nowhere is this sense of community more evident than at our recent Friendsgiving celebration. As 60 amazing teens and alumni gathered to celebrate, the bonds forged over years of shared experiences were palpable. Laughter, gratitude, and the joy of giving back filled the air, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Are you ready to learn more about the programs offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley?! Check out a full list of programs we offer by following the QR Code to the right or just click: !
“The Art of Community” Art Show
"The Club is important to me because it's a safe space where I can be myself and make new friends with people who support my dreams."
- Teen Club Member
“All aboard!” called Napa Valley Wine Train managers donning Christmas stocking hats as they paced up and down the decked halls of the rail cars on Wednesday night. They were putting the final touches on the train's departures to the North Pole otherwise known as the Yountville fire station while kids eagerly looked at holiday lights out the windows and sang along to “Feliz Navidad” streaming through the loudspeakers.
Throughout the holiday season, these kinds of evening excursions to Santa’s workshop are not unusual for the Wine Train. In fact, it will make a total of 14 trips this month to the North Pole, nine whole miles north of the city. But Wednesday's trip was a special one, because this ride was a second annual event in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley to offer members and their families no-cost tickets on the glitzy railroad.
Erin and Dan Grech and their three children, Jack, Annie and Nellie, were among 289 people – including 162 kids – aboard the special Santa Train ride. The Browns Valley family became members of the Club through Jack’s school. Erin Grech said when she first heard about the opportunity to ride the Wine Train from Jack’s first-grade teacher, she was surprised. “I thought it was just like coming to the station and drinking hot cocoa,” she said. But when she learned her family would get to have the full Santa Train experience, “it was a no-brainer. I grew up in Napa, and I’ve never been on the Wine Train,” she said. “So it
was really cool to have this offered to us through the Club, we didn't really expect anything like this. Actually, being a tourist in your own town for once is kind of nice.”
Jack, Annie and Nellie excitedly shared that they’d even heard a rumor going around Santa himself might be making an appearance on their train. They turned out to be right. This year’s event featured all of the Wine Train’s signature “Santa Train Jolly Journey” staples: caroling, coloring books, hot cocoa, chocolate chip cookies and special visits from both Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the hour-and-a-half ride from downtown Napa to Yountville and back. But this year, the Clubs added an extra surprise to the event.
After telling Saint Nick their holiday wish lists on the train all of the kids were greeted back at the McKinstry Street station by tables lined with gifts for each of them.
Greg Bouillerce, the Club's executive director, said the Yountville Chamber of Commerce, along with Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel Winery and Napa Valley Lodge employees, all helped to donate over 160 gifts for those in attendance.
The Club's first Santa Train event came together last winter when the Wine Train brought back its seasonable Santa Train experience for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Bouillerce said the Wine Train team approached him about the partnership, looking for ways to give back to Napa locals.
“There are a few different versions of Napa the one we market to the international tourist community and then the one our locals experience,” he said. “A lot of our families are priced out of the market to participate in experiences like the Wine Train, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity to offer.”
The Wine Train's general manager Nathan Davis said that especially around the holidays, he hears stories daily from families who have traditions surrounding the locomotive, a staple of Napa Valley tourism since 1989.
“We have people who are bringing their children that used to come with their parents,” he said, especially now that the Santa Train experience has been running for 30 years.
Davis said he and the Wine Train team are passionate about making the excursions accessible to more Napa locals and plan to continue working with the Boys & Girls Clubs for years to come. “We love the Boys & Girls Club mission, and we want to continue to have events like these to dig into our community and give back,” he said.
The vibrant spirit of creativity within the Napa Valley community was brightly displayed on a national stage as a masterpiece produced by local Club 1515 Teen Center artist's secured a prestigious accolade. Teens from the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley's Club 1515 Teen Center recently completed a project in partnership with Blake Barrios, a talented artist with deep ties to our region. The final product of that collaboration, a large 7'x4' painting titled "HeArt of the Dragon" recently achieved an extraordinary feat by clinching third place in the teen visual art category at the National Fine Arts Competition at Boys & Girls Clubs of America Headquarters in Atlanta Ga.
What began as a collaborative masterpiece, placing local teen artists on a national stage, has now been transformed into an opportunity for those artists to support and elevate local programs offered by the Club. The winning artwork, a captivating depiction of a koi dragon, was produced exclusively by Club teens and is now featured as a label for a limited release of Rebellium Wines, the proceeds of which will go to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. " I didn't really know what to expect when I visited the Club on that first day, but it became clear really quickly that this was going to be huge. The teens were ambitious, committed, and determined. While it was fun for me to share technique and
process, I was inspired to watch how they put those skills into practice."
For the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley, this achievement marks a significant milestone in their ongoing mission to foster creativity and talent among local youth. The organization, known for its dedication to empowering young minds, has blossomed in large part due to expanded support from the Napa Valley Unified School District. "The district got a taste of who we were and what we wanted to do for teens by coming to our Youth of the Year events and watching videos of the magic that was happening within our walls. Last June, they committed to an unrestricted investment of $180,000 and that support has given us bandwidth to engage with people like Blake but also created opportunities for us to expand offerings like our e-sports and leadership programs; all while serving more teens than ever before," said Greg Bouillerce, the Club's Executive Director. Indeed, the journey from local artists to nationally recognized talent is a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship, and community support.
The HeArt of the Dragon, which is now on display at Color Theory, who donated supplies to help with the project, in downtown Napa, will move to Jessup Cellars where it will be prominently featured for the Boys & Girls Clubs Fine Arts Show. The Boys & Girls Clubs Fine Arts Show, an exciting free and public event, will take place on May 16th from 5pm to 6PM with the artwork left on display at Jessup Cellars through June.
The Boys & Girls Clubs Fine Arts Show is more than just an art display. It is a celebration of the hard work and dedication that our communities youth have put into their artwork, and it provides an opportunity for children to showcase their skills and talent to a wider audience.
If selected, children’s artwork from this local event will go on to compete at a national level. This provides members with an exciting opportunity to compete against other talented artists from across the country, and to receive recognition for their hard work and talent.
In a world where artistic expression often goes unnoticed or underappreciated, this recognition from Boys & Girls Clubs of America is cause for celebration not just for the teens, but for the entire community.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley is proud to announce the impending launch of its new Pop-Up Stem Lab. “Why isn't there a robotics activity at my child’s afterschool program?” As a parent who sends their child to the Boys & Girls Club, it can often be difficult to grasp why some activities can only be found at specific locations. As a provider, this often boils down to a lack of space or talent. With the rise of school-based programs, Clubs across the state have been trying to find the best way to reframe activities like robotics, esports, and fine arts to suit the context of school locations.
The Pop-Up Stem Lab, developed by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley might be a watershed moment for Club’s throughout the state of California. Intended as a standalone accessory to school based locations, the trailer will travel to school–based Boys & Girls Clubs locations where offer additional enrichment opportunities. Upon completion of its stay, it will then transition to a new school location where the curriculum will be repeated. Additionally, this asset is being prepared to serve in times of crisis. In emergent situations the unit can be deployed to relocation zones to provide support to displaced children and offer secure charging and internet access for families as they figure out their next steps.
The Pop-Up Stem Lab will position the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley to address key needs in the Napa Community and elevate programs across all locations. This concept represents a flexible approach to the development of an ecosystem of support for the Napa Valley Community. If successful, the pilot could be scaled to include other areas of enrichment including Esports, Fine Arts, and Culinary Arts. Thank you City of Napa, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirts, and the Depatie Family for your generous support of this pilot project! We’re excited to see it in action!
Read the Proposal
On Wednesday February 7th, seven youth finalists from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley shared their stories of bravery and hope to a devoted audience at the Uptown Theatre in downtown Napa. Every year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley recognizes outstanding youth at an annual event called Youth of the Year. “This is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for our organization,” says Jaime Gallegos, Director of Operations for the Club. “It’s a unique opportunity for us to celebrate our incredible youth and a chance for people to see firsthand how the Club impacts our local community.”
Each year, thousands of teens across the nation participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events. In Napa and American Canyon, each nominee spends weeks preparing to tell their story on stage but there’s a whole lot more than storytelling behind the program. Finalists draft a series of essays on the topics of their Club experience, what matters to them most, and overcoming obstacles. They interview with staff, mentors, and judges. They contribute hours of community services and collect letters of recommendation from people they respect. At the February 7th event, our teen finalists had the opportunity to share their Club journey.
The event opened with a keynote by Abel Guillen, Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the California Department of Education and former Youth of the Year at the Columbia Park
Watch the Video!
Boys & Girls Club in San Francisco. Abel spoke to his experience and what the Club meant to him.
“I was surrounded by friends, many of whom took a different and darker path. I went to Berkeley, but when I initially applied, I thought that Berkeley was an east coast school. That’s how far away I was from the college experience. But the Club continued to push me and because of their support, I went to Berkeley on a scholarship and that led me to a career with the California Department of Education. We’re here to wrap our arms, collectively, around these kids and teens to help them reach their full potential.”
“My first day at the Club was impactful, because it's where I began to understand what it meant to look to the future rather than to dwell on the past,” recalled Melody Kondor.
“I felt like an outsider, but the Club changed all that. The staff created a place of belonging for me outside of school.” agreed Audrey Aliga.
For Edmundo Gonzalez “the Club became an open door to a level playing field. It became my way forward and a place I will always call home.”
“Every day you're greeted by a smile from the staff. It was a happy and safe place after a long day at school.” recalled Madilynn Davis.
“I got to participate in so many art projects that my hands ached by the end of the day, yet, I couldn't wait for the opportunity to come back for more,” continued Mikayla Grogan.
For Laizah Coronado, “The Club was the spark I needed to become the hero of my own story. They helped me find my shine, my skills, and gave me opportunities to take ownership of life I wanted to live.”
“The Club became my source of comfort and empowerment, a space where I could be myself, and for the first time, feel truly seen and heard through the transformative power of the Club.” said William Perez.
“That's the magic of this place,” concluded Greg Bouillerce, the Club’s Executive Director. “It's built on the idea that if you meet kids where they are and push them to be more, that great futures are the result. We've seen what that magic can do and what it can mean for the kids and teens who grow within our walls. That is the power of the Club experience. Not quite school, not quite home, but still more than the sum of its parts…”
Congratulations to all seven candidates and a special thanks to everyone who made the event special. You can learn more about this event, including the full event video, at www.begreatnv.org/events/yoy.
The spirit of the season came alive at the third annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley Merry Meritage Ice Skating event, a magical day filled with laughter, joy, and holiday spirit. Hosted by Meritage Resort and Spa, with the support of Kaiser Permanente as a sponsor, this extraordinary event brought 300 Boys & Girls Club kids from across Napa and American Canyon together for an unforgettable Winter Wonderland experience.
Set against the backdrop of the festively adorned Meritage Resort and Spa grounds, the Merry Meritage Ice Skating rink offered an exclusive opportunity for children to participate in an experience normally limited to visitors. The event, made possible by the generosity of Meritage Resort and Spa and a funding commitment by Kaiser Permanente, was a truly unique and heartfelt experience for our members.
Children immersed themselves in the holiday magic, enjoying not only the ice skating but bottomless hot chocolate, privately prepared boxed meal service, and playing in the magical “snow” machine. The merriment reached its pinnacle with a special story time featuring none other than the beloved Santa Claus.
Greg Bouillerce, Executive Director, expressed his profound appreciation for the event's success and the significant role played by companies like Meritage Resort and Spa and
Kaiser Permanente in fostering community connection. He stated, "This event goes beyond this moment we’re all enjoying on the ice. It's about creating opportunities for families who might otherwise struggle to find the time or resources to participate in such magical experiences. Meritage and Kaiser have made the true spirit of the season a tangible thing by opening their hearts and making a difference in the lives of these children."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley Merry Meritage Ice Skating event began three years ago as a collaboration between local businesses, Meritage Resort and Spa and the Boys & Girls Club. Since that time it has become a testament to the power of collaboration, kindness, and community engagement. Thanks to the dedication of Meritage Resort and Spa and Kaiser Permanente, this annual celebration continues to be a beacon of joy, bringing smiles to the faces of children who deserve nothing less.
We hope you enjoy the video and pictures captured at the event and that you are as inspired by the generosity of these companies as we are and strive to create more opportunities for shared moments of magic, compassion, and connection in our community. The Merry Meritage Ice Skating event not only marks a festive tradition but also serves as a reminder that, together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need us most.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley and Napa Expanded Learning introducing the ESports Program for our Elementary and Middle School members. This innovative initiative aims to engage young people in a positive and constructive manner by channeling their interest in gaming to cultivate essential skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making.
In our inaugural year, the ESports Program has made a significant impact, reaching 21 schools and engaging over 200 students within the Napa Valley Unified School District. We held two district-wide tournaments for each age group and aim to continue expanding our reach and impact each year, positively influencing more young lives in our community. We are immensely proud of the success of our ESports Program. Check out the video below! Watch the Video!
Are you ready to learn more about the programs offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley?! Check out a full list of programs we offer by following the QR Code to the right or just click: !
"The Club is important to me because it's a safe space where I can be myself and make new friends with people who support my dreams."
- Teen Club Member
Children form the backbone of the community, learning its stated values as they grow, increasingly understanding which are aligned and which are contrary based on their own experiences, and one day passing that mix down to their own children.
For the health of the larger community, according to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley's executive director Greg Bouillerce, there needs to be a place where young people not only learn the value of kindness, collaboration and community, but see those older than they practice it in real time. What we show young people, he said, is reflected back on us later on. Providing them with fun experiences, teaching valuable skills and, most importantly, building community is vital.
“Support of the Boys & Girls Club really boils down to one question: What kind of community do you want to build?” said Bouillerce. “By providing a nurturing environment where children witness and participate in acts of kindness and collaboration, we are not just shaping individuals; we are molding the collective character of Napa Valley.”
Joel Navarro and his twin brother Eric initially got involved with the Club as mentors, helping middle schoolers with their homework as freshmen at Vintage High School. Eric soon became a regular at the Club, not only volunteering but also taking part in programs designed for teenagers. Joel, now 22, said he started coming about a year later.
“When I started going to the Teen Center, I really wasn’t in a good place, mentally or emotionally,” he said. “But they were there for my good days and my bad days, giving me a second home, a safe space.”
Navarro graduated from San Francisco State last May with a bachelor’s degree in communications and business management, but he says a couple of incidents made him rethink what he wanted to do with his life. First, he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and while he’s recovered, “going through that experience made me think about life in a different way.”
And second, he witnessed a car crash this past March near SFSU. Instinctively, he said, he ran toward the car to help, and was able to assist getting the passenger out. They had to wait for firefighters to rescue the driver, who was pinned inside by the force of the crash.
“I was covered in blood, but unfazed,” said Navarro. ‘If anything, I was able to perform really well in stressful situations.”
Because of those two things, he said he decided in July to return to school to get a second bachelor’s degree in nursing. He’s currently taking some of the prerequisites at Napa Valley College and is looking to return to his alma mater to complete that degree.
Navarro who won the club’s Youth of the Year competition during his senior year at Napa High said his time at the Boys & Girls Clubs helped him develop his compassion for others and honed his confidence.
The Club has been around for a long time, founded as the Boys Club of Napa in 1953. (It
was opened to girls in 1981.) Much of its funding comes from California as well as other governmental sources. The nonprofit also gets significant support from E. & J. Gallo, the Napa Valley Vintners, Kaiser Permanente, and many other business and sponsors.
“The club is in a really interesting time in its history,” said Bouillerce, who was named executive director in August 2020. “We’re getting more grants, but less local giving.” But, he says, some of the most impactful things his group does are funded by individual donors- events like the Halloween carnival, back-to-school parties, and trips to the Meritage Resort and Spa.
“There is a perspective that there are two Napas,” he said. “The first is the one visitors see, and the second is the Napa we all exist in.”
Doing things like ice skating at the Meritage or taking a trip on the Wine Train are part of the “aspirational Napa” that a lot of club members — due to family finances — would be unlikely to experience otherwise.
“These are all shared experiences that allow us to build deep relationships with our kids,” said Bouillerce. “What drives success as an adult has a lot to do with the ability to build strong and lasting relationships, not just with peers but with mentors as well.”
During the previous fiscal year, which went from July 2022 to June 2023, the Club raised about $110,000 in unrestricted funds. Though the current year is about half over, the amount raised currently is about $30,000. Getting additional funds, he said, will help tremendously toward keeping these vital programs growing and thriving. And demand is growing. Bouillerce said the Club served a bit more than 2,000 kids during its 2019-20 fiscal year, a figure that jumped to about 5,300 in 2022-23. He said he expects that figure to get as high as 6,000 by this June.
“Supporting the Boys & Girls Club isn't just an act of philanthropy; it is a conscious decision to craft a community that values compassion, inclusivity, and mutual support,” he said. “The dividends of this investment aren't measured in financial terms but in the immeasurable impact on the lives of children who will, in turn, become the stewards of the Napa Valley community.”
Meet Ronnie Cabral, a testament to the transformative power of the Boys & Girls Club experience. In this heartfelt testimonial, Ronnie reflects on his time spent at the Club in 2004, where he found not just a place to spend his after-school hours, but a nurturing environment that helped shape his path towards success. From those formative years at Valley Oak, nestled beside the Club, to his current roles as a luxury Senior Living consultant, self-defense business owner, and devoted partner supporting his wife's endeavors, Ronnie credits much of his journey to the lessons and support he received during his time at the Boys & Girls Club.
Watch the Video!
Are you ready to learn more about the programs offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley?! Check out a full list of programs we offer by following the QR Code to the right or just click: !
What an unforgettable night at the Napa Valley Crab Feed 2024! After four years of virtual events, it was incredible to see over 700 of our community members come together for our first live, in-person gathering since 2020. It was an absolute madhouse in the best way possible. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, friendship, and the joy of being together again. But the magic didn't stop there – thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised over $150,000 for local kids! This wouldn't have been possible without the support of Mechanics Bank, our dedicated title sponsor. Their commitment to our community is truly inspiring. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make this night a roaring success!
Thank you to Mechanics Bank, our title sponsor!
Want to learn more about events like this one? Check out our “News & Events” on our website to learn more! Just follow the QR Code or click: !
When most people think of coding they think long bands of numbers or HTML script. Thanks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, our middle schools are thinking about how coding can be used to make games. That’s right, we partnered with CODE REV to provide our members with the incredible opportunity to dive into the world of coding this January! Through this partnership, members learned the fundamentals of coding and unleashed their creativity to independently create their own Pong games! Now, we invite you to experience their amazing creations firsthand. Click the link below to play their Pong games on Scratch, and be amazed by their talent and ingenuity!
Are you ready to learn more about the programs offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley?! Check out a full list of programs we offer by following the QR Code to the right or just click: !
Play Now
"The Club has been so important for our family. We couldn't be more thankful for their work and the kids are having so much fun!"
- Browns Valley Site Parent
Do you like music? Do you remember the song that reached into your soul? The music that left you feeling seen or heard? For me it was in the 5th grade when I heard a song for the first time. The song resonated with me in a way that I couldn’t explain. Within the harmonies and rhythms I felt a sense of validation and connection, as if the music was the counterpoint to my thoughts and feelings. In the melodies and lyrics I discovered an escape that promised understanding and acceptance and my personal haven emerged through the transformative power of music.
My experience with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley can be described in the same way. Like music, the supportive community at the Club became my source of comfort and empowerment, shaping a space where I could be myself, and for the first time, feel truly seen and heard through the transformative power of the Club.
My name is William Perez and I've been attending the Boys & Girls Clubs for 5 years. The teen you see today isn't the kid I was five years ago. I found my voice at the Club because of the community of friends and staff who helped me commit to myself. This experience helped me become a communicator. It helped me to create and express my ideas. It gave me opportunities to meet professionals in the areas I'm passionate about. It's also the place where I can put away all my worries and bring out my inner child for a few hours. Through daily participation in programs and activities, the Club has helped open me up to new opportunities, helped me find my voice and has motivated me to do more than ever before.
My first memories of the Club were in 5th grade during Summer Camp. If you've ever been to the Club during the Summer you know that every hour is back to back engaging activities. I will always remember “hour of code” in the technology lab, “cup stacking” competitions in the game room and learning to draw comics in the art room. On top of the activities and being surrounded with so many friends everyday, I always remembered the sense of safety I felt while at the Club. But I only found that safe harbor because of my sister Evelyn. She was the one who introduced me to the Club as she was a member of the teen center. Growing up I saw her and her close group of friends do so much and I wanted to follow in her footsteps as a volunteer, an artist and a leader.
As a middle schooler I struggled to make friends. I was severely bullied in school and I struggled with mental health. The Club was my safe place and the Club's Teen Center embraced me and allowed me to spend time being mentored by my sister and her friends. Spending time in the Teen Center I was able to connect with positive people that
I could look up to. They showed me that I had value and how to maintain a positive mindset even while navigating bullies. The Club gave me the opportunity to participate in many activities. I volunteered at the annual Halloween carnivals, I helped put together monthly family dinner events, and I supported teen nights. One of my core memories from that time came in my 8th grade year when I was finally able to attend my first annual Overnight Lock-In Challenge. I got to interact with over 40 other teens, play in a variety of competitions and have fun making lasting memories as a kid. This would go on to be my last memory of the Club before the Pandemic.
The Pandemic was a really difficult time for me. I struggled with deep depression and even when the world started to open up I found myself self-isolating from the world. I had all of these habits that just reinforced this unhealthy state-of-mind and the cause was clear. I had lost two of the most important things in my life: my sister had left for college and I couldn't go to the Club.
It was the Club that saved me. I eventually worked up the courage to return, and when I did, I found old friends and staff unveiling a mural they had put together in the alley leading to the Club. That day was a second start. I was hopeful and motivated. I chose to go back to school in person because of it. A few weeks later, I was back at the Club, but now as an active member of the teen center. I have gone from being completely isolated to participating as a volunteer in Keystone. Since then I’ve started my own band with my friends, joined the national fine arts program, and participated in various teen night outs.
This year, the most impactful program I have participated in is the collaboration with professional artist Blake Barrios. We are working on a collaborative art project that has been recognized nationally by musician and actor Lenny Kravitz, creating artwork that will go on to help fundraise for my community. The project has been a dream for me as it has helped me make connections with people who have built lives around what I love to do. They’ve shown me that these things are attainable and that’s huge.
My name is William Perez, and when you look at me, you may see the quiet teen with hair draped over his face, but the man I am today is so different from the one I could have been; the one sitting alone at home. The Club is the place that connected me to the most important part of this transformation story, a community. The Community I’ve found has been a key part in rebuilding the person I want to be. Something special happens when you spend time with great people. At the Club it's not just a room full of ordinary youth and adults, it's a place filled with people who have shown me that the journey to success is long but if you keep going forward the best is ahead. I was isolated, silenced, and depressed but now I am surrounded by a mixture of the volunteers, musicians and artists that I look up to. Today I'm connected, engaged and motivated to build that same kind of community for others. I will continue to use my voice and talents to reach those who feel like I did so that we can create opportunities for the next generation together.
Introducing "Club Shorts" - where we interview Boys & Girls Club members, exploring their dreams and unique perspectives. Watch these insightful videos, be inspired by their resilience, and get to know our remarkable youth. Join the conversation and experience their inspiring stories. Watch now to be part of their journey!
Do you love video story telling? Do you want to know more about the kids who attend our clubs or how they feel about their experience here? Check out our YouTube Channel to learn more! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: !
At the Club, we're immensely proud to shine the spotlight on our invaluable partner, the Napa Valley Wine Train. Their steadfast commitment to our cause exemplifies the true spirit of community engagement and corporate responsibility. Throughout the month of June, the Wine Train's generous donations, sourced from a portion of their proceeds, significantly bolstered our programs and initiatives, ensuring that we continue to make a profound impact on the lives of youth in our community. Beyond financial support, the Wine Train's dedication extends to active participation in our annual fundraisers and workforce development panel discussions, demonstrating a genuine investment in the future of our youth. Their unwavering support serves as an inspiration to us all, showcasing the power of collaboration in creating positive change. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Napa Valley Wine Train for their continued partnership and unwavering commitment to our shared mission. Together, we are transforming lives and building a brighter future for the youth of Napa Valley. Cheers to the Napa Valley Wine Train!
Want to learn more about the community campaign? Visit “our community sponsors” on our website to learn more! Just follow the QR Code or click: !
Support our Community Campaign and help us continue connecting kids and families in Napa Valley. Your support ensures that our free monthly events like this one can thrive. This year, we face a challenge: the Fine Arts Show, Stem Showcase, and Great Futures Road Trip have NO sponsors. If you're interested in a title sponsorship opportunity, check out events by visiting our website at www.begreatnv.org! We can't do it without you!
February 7, 2024
June
October 31, 2024
March 25, 2024
June 25, 2024
November 16, 2024
April 22,2024
August 10, 2024
November 19, 2024
Are you ready to learn about or support events like the this one? Check out “Our Events” at BeGreatNV.org to see all of our Public, Private, and Fundraising events and Click “Sponsor this event.” Just use the QR code or visit us at www.BeGREATNV.org
October
December 11, 2024
Youth of the Year
March Madness Fine Arts Show Stem Showcase
May 29, 2024
Graduation Night Great Futures Road Trip Back2School Block Party AC Halloween Carnival
5, 2024
31st, 2024
NCH Halloween Carnival Friendsgiving Merry Meritage Santa Train
A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air
Addison Doporto
Alex D Burchett
Alfredo Pedroza
Amanda Frances Fisher
American Giving Foundation
Andres Viera
Andrew White
Arnold Zissman
Barbara Bird
Becca Lynch
Bell Products, Inc.
Ben Roy Benjamin
Elizabeth Martinez
Bernard Guzenske
Bill Carden
Billie Abbott
Bob Barbarick
Brain Newcomb
Brandt Mori
Brett Hanson
Brianna Danielson
Brien Mahoney
Cameron Crebs
Carmen Reyes
Caroline Shafir
Carolyn Ellis
Chad Ullrich
Cheryl Wolfe
Christine Butler
Cindy Ramirez
Clinton Huey
COAD
Concetta Lewis
Cory Wagner
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Courtney de Jauregui
Cynthia Meza
Damon Savoia
Danica Bakker
Danielle Chicione
David Hopper
Deborah Boisot
Deja Harrington
Donate For Charity Inc.
Donna Antraccoli
Donna Scoates
Dutch Bros Coffee
E M Downer Foundation
E&J Gallo Winery
Edgar Mondragon
Elizabeth Vianna
Eric Dandurand
Erica Ruddock
Escrip
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Food Shed Napa Valley LLC
Foster Clark
Frontstream
Gene Diaz
Georgia Taylor
Give Lively Foundation Inc
Goldman Family Fund
Marin Community Foundation
Grant Long
Greg Bouillerce
Hammond Blessed 25th
Heather Savage
Heather Teague
Horne Services
Imoye Francis
James Lopez
James Norris
Janice K Maher
Jay Ryder
Jeff Prather
Jeni Kandel
Jenn Friedel
Jenna Curcio
Jennifer Hall
Joann Cruz
John Coleman
John Dermody
John Zieser
Johnathan Quinn
Jonathan Karpuk
Jordan Shuler
Joseph Castro
Judy Thomas
Julia Newberry
Julie Cole
Julie Foss
Kaiser Foundation
Health Plan Inc.
Kappmeyer-Isaacs Charitable
Karen Barletta
Karly Crockett
Karolina Zydziak
Kasey Krupa
Katherine Donabedian
Kathie Weis
Kim Gallagher
Larry Posner
Laura Vaughan
Linda Price
Lindsey Graff
Lon Gallagher
Lorraine Machado
Marcia Garcia
Matt Wildberger
Maxence Compagnon
Mayda Avila
Michael Depatie
Michael Waterworth
Micki Alise Hambro
Mike Desimoni
Miner Family Winery
MOD Pizza
Morgan Stanley Gift
Nancy Thomsen
Napa Bookmine LLC
Napa Select Vineyard Services
Napa Community Foundation
Napa Valley Wine Train
Natalie Wren
National Philanthropic Trust
Nicole Munoz Huschka
Nikolas Harding
P.E.O Sisterhood
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Priority Wine Pass
Rachel Ako
Redwood Credit Union Community
Fund
Robert Lee Hudson Foundation
Robert Meanza
Ronald Bettinelli
Rose Law Firm of Napa Valley
Roxana Herhuay
Ryan Hodgins
Ryan Stiefvater
Scribe Winery- Scribe Community Fund
Shirley Hansen
Starbucks Foundation: Neighborhood Grants
Fund State Farm Insurance Stephen Kestler
Sue Negrini
Susan A. Stevens
Susan Burchill
Susan Crooke
Susan Hamilton
Tamra Yoder
Target Corporation
Terence Chang
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
The Bennington Napa Valley
The Boris and Vera Bogart Foundation
Therese Fisher
Thomas H. Gibson
Thomas Ma
Timothy Regan
Todd Blaettler
Tom LeMasters
Troy Gittings
United Way California Capital Region
United Way of the Wine Country
Vollmer Family Foundation
Will Phelps
Zoe Strohm
We love sharing data points and since July 1, of 2021, the Club’s publications have reached over 50,000 people locally. Over 9,000 individuals have spent significant time clicking through our magazines, resulting in thousands of unique clicks to our website or social media pages. That’s important because, as you know, Napa is a small community and when people visit our website or review these publications, they want to know who is helping to make this work possible. Whether you’re a parent, a participant or a sponsor, that continues to be you; so, THANK YOU!
