Paddles went up for Trips to Paris, Hawaiian Islands, NYC and VIP Tickets to Coachella and Stagecoach
By Ashley Hudgens
Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley (BGCofCV) helped kick off its 50th year celebration with the organization’s biggest annual fundraising auction yet. All proceeds of the event support the efforts of local Boys & Girls Clubs as they work to give valley youth a safe haven where they can grow and learn.
The fête, held on Saturday, March 14 at the Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells, was an enchanting night celebrating art in Paris. A stunning array of auction items drew more than 625 supporters. Mark Nickerson of Primetime International was honored as the “Champion of Youth” for his commitment to youth in our valley.
Attendees were swept off to Paris with live music from BGCofCV’s Heatwave Jazz Band. The silent auction was followed by a three-course dinner. At the highly anticipated live auction, bidders brought home incredible items while supporting life-changing youth programs. The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation matched donations during the auction in the amount of $125,000.
This year, attendees bid on one of the most impressive lists of auction items in the event’s history, including:
- Four night stay with Broadway/event tickets in New York City
- Accommodations in Paris, the French countryside, Maui, Kauai and more
- Rose Bowl and Rose Parade tickets
- Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Helicopter Ride Along
- VIP passes to BNP Paribas, Coachella and Stagecoach
- Sammy Hagar signed guitar package
- Premium Angels tickets
- Private cruise in Newport Beach
- Rounds of golf at spectacular courses
- Spa and wellness packages
- Fine wine, and much more
Sponsored by Mathis Brothers Furniture, the auction raised funds vital to the operation of BGCofCV’s five clubs serving more than 7,800 members across the Coachella Valley. Raffle winner, Jan Hawkins also took home a $10,000 Mathis Brothers gift certificate.
All proceeds from the Grand Auction support BGCofCV. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley, to donate or volunteer, call 760-836-1160, or go to www.bgcofcv.org.
