BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF OXNARD AND PORT HUENEME HOSTS 16^th ANNUAL DON FACCIANO KIDS AUCTION ON NOVEMBER 19, 2005!
October 6 , 2005

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is hosting their 16^th Annual Donald K. Facciano KidsAuction “Building for Kids” on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 6:00 pm at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is hosting their 16^th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction “Building for Kids” on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 6:00 pm at the Courtyard by Mariott. Tickets are $100 per person, and $1,250 for a corporate table. This year's auction “Building for Kids” is celebrating the construction industry on the Gold Coast and will feature something for everyone, whether you are looking for a dream vacation or a one-of-a-kind experience. The goal this year is to raise $225,000 for the youth of Oxnard and Port Hueneme .

Some of the featured items include a one-week exclusive (only 55 couples on the entire cruise) cruise of your choice for two people to the Carribbean, featuring fine dining, lounges, dancing and spas, donated by SeaDream Yacht Club “Its Yachting, not Cruising!” Also featured is a seven-night vacation in Maui , an off-shore oil rig tour for 10, Lasik procedure, and much more. Go marlin fishing in Cabo San Lucas for six. These are just some of the live items that are featured, there are many, many more! Donations, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available. Please contact Carole Power at (805) 815-4959 x 205.

The Boys & Girls Club of your Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has served the youth of Oxnard and Port Hueneme for 51 years, providing programs for more than 6500 boys and girls in the areas of drug and alcohol prevention, delinquency intervention, health and fitness, career exploration and educational enhancement. More information about the Club and its programs can be found by visiting the website at www.positiveplace4kids.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard & Port Hueneme Announce the fourth Annual Harley Davidson Raffle for Kids!
October 5, 2005

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has teamed up to raise money for Kids with their annual charity Harley Raffle. Raffling a 2006 Fat Boy or $10,000 cash (winner's choice,) proceeds from the raffle will be used to support the agency's youth development programs and services.

Ventura Harley-Davidson returns for the fourth year as the presenting sponsor of the raffle for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme

The raffle tickets are $30 each, with only 1500 tickets to be sold. Tickets are now available at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Oxnard and Port Hueneme and from any board member. The drawing will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at the 16 th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction at the Courtyard by Marriott - Oxnard . Winner does not need to be present to win.

To purchase a ticket(s) or learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs, please call 815-805-4959 x 205, or visit the Harley Raffle website.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER OXNARD AND PORT HUENEME INSTALL its 51^st BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
August 29, 2005

•  AWARDS GIVEN TO COMMUNITY LEADERS AND CHAMPIONS FOR YOUTH

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme recently installed its 51st Volunteer Board Officers and Directors at its annual dinner and installation on Thursday August 25th, 2005.

District Attorney Greg Totten installed the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors and its officers for 2005-06.

2005-2006 officers are President Dean Maulhardt, Quality Packaging and Supplies, 1st Vice President Lorraine Clark, Law firm of Lowthorp, Richards, McMillan, Miller, Conway &Templeman , Treasurer, Kim Gibas, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, Secretary, Dr. Yvonne Bodle, Retired, Executive Committee members: Don Facciano , Ventura County Taxpayers Association, Retha Hux , City National Bank, Mike Montoya , Southern California Edison, Tony Volante, City Councilman Port Hueneme, Jeff Zook, Coastal Architects, and Immediate Past President Richard Duarte, Youth Advocate

New Board members: Eve Acosta, Rio School District Trustee, Lorenzo Castillo, Realtor; Sher Heard, First American Title, Carolyn Herrera, REMAX Gold Coast Realtors, David Newsome, Shea Properties, Steve Seemann, Shea Homes.

Other Directors installed for 2005-2006 include: Chris Chambers, DR Horton , Debra Dettenmayer, Soares, Sandall, Bernacchi & Petrovich; John Dokken, Verizon, Russ Goodman, Sares Regis Group, Bill Hagelis, Colliers Seeley International, Dr. Tom Holden, Drs. Holden, Knapp and Langsford, Steve Kinney, EDCO, Van Martin, John Laing Homes, , R. Blinn Maxwell, Attorney, Susan O'Brien, Sotheby's International Realtors, Greg Ramirez, Wasserman, Comden, Casselman & Person, Jonathan Severn, Applied Merchant Systems West, Carmen Ramos-Soriano, City National Bank, Edmund Sotelo, City of Oxnard, Chris Wood , Madera Corp., MC Ron Van Dyck, NBVC, Peter Zierhut, Haas Automation Inc,

Awards were Presented to D.R. HORTON as Corporate Champion of the Year, The Jeremiah Milbank Society Founding Members, Corinne and Joe Burdullis. Program Excellence Awards: to the Youth Empowerment Program , Power Plus Program, Family Support Program, Gang Prevention Program , and the Technology Program. Volunteer Awards were presented to Lois Measures , Kathy Raffaelli , and Volunteer of the Year Award to Pat McCarthy. Most Valuable Staff Members Awards went to LaVonne McCullough and Greg Barnes. Van Martin was given the Rookie Board member of the Year, Board Member of the year was awarded to Chris Chambers , the President's award to Carmen Ramos-Soriano. A special National Medallion from Boys & Girls Clubs of America was presented to Don Facciano for 19 years of Outstanding Service to youth.

In addition, National Service to Youth awards were given to Board members and Staff with 5 or more years of service to the Boys & Girls Clubs.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme exist to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential through specialized programming and services. With three full-service Clubs, Ten School Sites and one low income housing project they serve over 6500 youth ages 6-18 years of age. Program areas offered to youth include Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, Computer Training and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. For more information, visit www.positiveplace4kids.org or call 805-815-4959

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER OXNARD AND PORT HUENEME CELEBRATES NATIONAL KIDSDAY!
August 7, 2005

•  Congresswoman Lois Capps to present with a Very Large Check at National Kids Day at 12:00. Photo Opportunity available

•  Research Shows Value of Spending Meaningful Time with Kids

When/Where

Aug. 7, 12:00 Thousands of Parents/Kids Participate In National KidsDay Event at Martin V. Smith Branch in Oxnard

Visuals: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme Leads Parents/Kids in Community Event

What: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme will join thousands of other Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide in celebration of National Kids Day on August 7, 2005. Research shows that millions of Americans recognize the link between spending “meaningful time” with their kids and the tough issues facing youth, but say they don't have the time, skills, or resources to do as much for their children as they feel they should.

In Oxnard , thousands of parents and kids will gather at 1900 West 5 th street for a full day of family activities. The event runs from 10:00AM-4:00PM.

NKD Official Day: As the campaign builds, with the goal of adding National KidsDay to the national calendar by 2006, state officials will be encouraged to support the effort. In 2004, 30 state governors signed proclamations declaring NKD in their states. NKD was launched nationally by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and KidsPeace in 2001 to foster stronger relationships between adults and children by educating them on the importance and value of spending “meaningful time” together.

Nationwide, more than 1,000,000 kids and their families are expected to participate in more than 1500 events.

NKD's Purpose: All families experience the pressures of contemporary life, regardless of economic status, ethnicity, cultural background or location. These pressures directly affect the amount of meaningful time they are able to devote to their children.

NKD provides the opportunity for every adult to take a break, celebrate and renew their commitment to the nation's children.

Research: NKD research shows parents want to spend more meaningful time with their children and reveals “meaningful time” can have specific, positive outcomes:

•  Education: Half of parents said that they don't have enough time or wished that they had more time to participate in their children's educational enrichment by reading to them, taking them to cultural events or helping with homework. Positive Outcome: Spending just a few hours a week helping kids with their schoolwork can significantly improve their grades.

•  Physical Activity: More than half of parents (54%) said that they had little or no time to spend engaged in physical activity with their children, but wish that they had more time. Positive Outcome: Joining a child in a small amount of physical exercise each week can reduce their risk of obesity and diabetes.

•  Family Meals: While parents assigned great importance to eating together with their kids (9.3 out of 10), nearly four in ten (36%) eat a home-cooked meal with their kids less than an average of once per day. Positive Outcome: Eating meals together several times a week can reduce a child's risk of smoking, drinking or doing drugs.

NKD Supporters: Boys & Girls Clubs of America and KidsPeace lead the National KidsDay effort, with support from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Association of Children's Museums, the Association for Library Service to Children, Blockbuster, Major League Baseball, YMCA and Youth Service America. Locally Blue Cross of California is a key sponsor.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER OXNARD AND PORT HUENEME JOINS CAMPAIGN TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL KIDSDAY AS “OFFICIAL DAY” ON THE NATIONAL CALENDAR!
June 30, 2005

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has joined a national effort to establish National KidsDay as an “official day” on our nation's calendar. The effort is backed by research showing that millions of Americans recognize the link between spending “meaningful time” with their kids and the tough issues facing youth, but say they don't have the time, skills, or resources to do as much for their children as they feel they should. In Oxnard, National KidsDay will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday, Aug 6^th and 7^th , 2005 -- with thousands of parents and kids participating in events at the Martin V. Smith Branch located at 1900 West Fifth Street.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and KidsPeace created National KidsDay (NKD) in 2001 to foster stronger relationships between adults and children by educating them on the importance and value of spending such meaningful time together. All families experience the pressures of contemporary life, regardless of their economic status, ethnicity, cultural background or location. These pressures directly affect the amount of positive, quality time they are able to devote to their children.

National KidsDay provides the opportunity for every adult to take a break, celebrate and renew their commitment to the nation's children.

In Oxnard , thousands of parents and kids will gather at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme Martin V. Smith Branch at 1900 West Fifth Street for a full day of family activities that celebrate meaningful time on Saturday August 6^th and Sunday August 7, 2005! The National Kids Day Boxing Classic event will take place on Saturday August 6, 2005 at 12:00 pm at the Martin V. Smith Branch in the Boxing Area! This event will feature our own local youth USA sanctioned boxers! The first bout will take place at 1:00 pm! VIP Tickets for this event are $25, which includes a ring side seat, a souvenir T-Shirt and a Box Lunch, T-Shirts are available for $10, and General admission for the event is $6. The National Kids Day Carnival will take place on Sunday August 7, 2005 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Martin V. Smith Branch. This event is free and open to the public! It includes a picnic, carnival, talent show and open house!

“National Kids Day has continued to grow since it was created in 2001,” Tim Blaylock, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme . “Our goal is to have the President declare National KidsDay an ‘official day' on the national calendar by 2006, the 100^th anniversary of the founding of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme needs additional sponsors for the event, so if you are interested please contact David Solo at (805) 815-4959 x 214!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER OXNARD & PORT HUENEME ANNOUNCE THE “FORE THE KIDS” GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS.
June 29, 2005

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme conducted their 13^th Annual “Fore the Kids” Golf Classic to a sell-out field of 170 golfers. Local and Southern California regional golfers gathered to generate funds for the community's youth at Spanish Hills Country Club on Monday, June 20.

Netting in excess of $45,000 golfers received a new pair of FootJoy Green Joy golf shores, three Hole-in-One contests, a putting contest, a raffle and a Live Auction that included a golf trip to Hawaii, accommodations and golf at the new Wynn Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, a case of wine, and two cruises.

Tournament winners in the Low Gross category, boasting a score of 53, were Team Automotive Racing Products, represented by Tim Goodwin, Greg Kountz, Bob Logston and Barkley Martin. First Place , with a net team score of 53 was Team Deardorff-Jackson. Chris Deardorff, Doug Lowthorp, Jeremy Resnick and Larry Tanji. Second Place , with a net team score of 53 was Team Port of Hueneme, Pete Wallace, Jerod Wallace, Mario Coccia and Chris Briney. Third Place , posting a yet another net team score of 53 was Team Applied Merchant Service, Jonathan Severn, Tom Manchester, Jeff Wong and Brim. Men's Longest/Straightest Drive was captured by Billy Hester, with the Women's Longest/Straightest Drive being won by Geraldine McCloskey.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme would like to thank the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers for making this a successful event. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to support the Club's youth development programs and services.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER OXNARD AND PORT HUENEME SEEK SPONSORSHIP AND TEAM/Players FOR 13^th ANNUAL “FORE THE KIDS” GOLF CLASSIC
May 16 , 2005

Today the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme announced it will be hosting the 13 th Annual Fore the Kids Golf Classic, honoring Carl Lowthorp and Bob McMillan. The Charity tournament will be held on Monday June 20th, at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo . Last year's tournament, netted more than $50,000.

Entry fee to the tournament is $250 per player or $1000 per team. The all inclusive registration fee gives each player access to: Green Fees Cart, Quality Tee Gifts, Lunch, Mulligan's, Raffle Tickets, Putting Contest, Hole-in One Contests, Awards Banquet & Live Auction.

Sponsorship Packages are still available. For information on how you can get involved please go to www.positiveplace4kids.org/golf or call Carole Power at 815-4959 ext 205 or e-mail her at cpower@bgcop.org

The funding from this event will help support the programs and services at the 14 Boys & Girls Club locations in Oxnard and Port Hueneme .

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER OXNARD AND PORT HUENEME WINS TOP MARKETING AWARD
May 16 , 2005

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) has earned Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) bronze MAC Award in the Web site category. The award, given to the Club that has developed the most creative and compelling Web site, was recently presented at BGCA's 99 th annual national conference in San Diego, Calif. The MAC Awards program is sponsored by Tupperware.

JUAN PIMENTEL NAMED SOUTHERN CALIFIORNIA BOYS & GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE YEAR
April 4 , 2005

Juan Pimentel 's road to success has started at a young age. At 17 , he has just been selected as the 2005 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America , Southern California Area.

Sponsored by Reader's Digest Foundation and administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the national program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, obstacles overcome and outstanding service to Boys & Girls Clubs and the community.

An eight-year member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme , “Pimentel is a positive role model and leader for today's young people said Tim Blaylock Chief Professional Officer of the Oxnard and Port Hueneme Clubs. “He is a great student, with a 3.8 grade point average and ranked 20 th in his class at Hueneme High School .” He hopes to attend UCSB and become Chemical Engineer.”

Pimentel said,” The Club is really important because it can really change someone's life, I know because it has changed mine, it made me the person I am today.”

Pimentel will compete against five other Boys & Girls Club youth from California on April 19 and 20 in Sacramento for the California State Youth of the Year Title.

Five regional winners selected from among the state winners will compete for the national honor in Washington , D.C. , where the President will install the National Youth of the Year officially in a White House ceremony in September. In addition, the winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship from Reader's Digest Foundation, sponsor of the program since its inception in 1947.

The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Oxnard and Port Hueneme community for over 50 years, providing daily programs and services to 6500 young people. Programs are offered in the Arts, Career and Education, Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Technology, Health and Life Skills, and Character and Leadership Development for youth 6 – 18 years of age.

For more information about the Club, please call 805-815-4959 or see the website at www.positiveplace4kids.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS RAISED $108,000 AT CAMPAIGN FOR KIDS BREAKFAST
March 9, 2005

Yesterday morning, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme netted $108,000 at the 3rd annual Campaign for Kids Breakfast. Michele Borba Ph.D., who is an internationally known motivational speaker and author of 20 books regarding parenting and children's issues, delivered the keynote address at the event, which was held at the Residence Inn by Marriot. With more than 245 attendees, the event continues to be one of the largest fundraiser for the 50-year-old organization. The event highlight occurred when the Harriet H. Samuelsson Children's Champion Award was given to Loren Bloch, of Community Dynamics by Board President Richard Duarte. Mr. Bloch was honored for his efforts on behalf children in the Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme area over the last few years. “Bloch said, he was humbled and honored by the award, and everyone in the room is a champion for kids.”

The audience was inspired by Borba's heartwarming and personal stories of her days as a special education and spoke of the inspiration her students gave her. She kicked off a new campaign championed by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme called “ I Believe in Kids” and challenged the attendees to proudly wear a blue bracelet that each received to remind them that they can make a difference for their community's Youth. She said that only 25% of our young people of two million young people surveyed felt that they were valued by adults in their communities. Dr. Borba gave the crowd six simple things to do to begin the process of showing kids that adults and the community care about them: Notice kids in your neighborhood, at the mall and on the street. Say hello to them, learn their names, discuss their dreams and nightmares, smile a lot, listen to them, and be honest with them.

“We need to make a change, an intentional effort to create a feeling of hope and opportunity for our children. Wearing the bracelet affirms and demonstrates to youth that adults care about all children and hopefully will create new interest by other caring adults to ask what they can do to help youth in their neighborhood and beyond,” said Tim Blaylock , chief professional officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme.”

“Seeing 245 businesses, civic and political leaders fill the ballroom and give up their mornings in support of our organization is testament to how important youth services are to our community,” said Retha Hux . Carmen Ramos-Soriano continued by saying, “The Boys & Girls Clubs do such great work. It is imperative that our local business community and individuals does what it can to help the organization sustain operations through the support of fundraising initiatives.” Hux and Ramos-Soriano were the events' co-chairs and are vice presidents with City National Bank.

The presenting sponsors of the breakfast was Haas Automation, DR Horton, Harriet H. Samuelsson Foundation. Gold Sponsors included Bunnin Buick GMC, and Crystal Energy. Also sponsoring the event were: Consolidated Disposal Service Inc., Gills Onions, Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Pacific View Mall, Bernzott Capital Advisors, Gull Island Farms, Pac Man Berry Farms, E.J. De La Rosa Charitable Foundation, Southern California Edison, City National Bank and Tubed Products.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme exist to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. With three full-service Clubs and 10 after-school program sites and one low income housing project, the organization is the largest in Ventura County , serving more than 7000 annual members. Program areas offered to youth include character & leadership development, education & career development, health & life skills, the arts, computer training and sports/fitness/recreation. For more information, visit www.positiveplace4kids.org .

Youth of Oxnard and Port Hueneme hold fundraiser for Tsunami relief fund!
February 21, 2005

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard & Port Hueneme, Mover's & Shaker's Keystone club (leadership group) will be doing a fund-raiser for the Tsunami relief fund. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has challenged all Boys & Girls clubs nation wide to fund-raise money for the Tsunami victims.

The Mover's & Shaker's club will be asking the club members, parents, staff and the community to bring their loose change to Martin V. Smith Youth Center, 1900 W. 5 th Street, Oxnard, Ca, 93035.. There will be two 5 gallon water jugs, one placed at the front counter and one placed at the teen center counter. The water jugs will remain at the stations from February 23, 2005 to March 23, 2005. The Keystone group wants to raise 250 pounds of change ($2500).

If you have any questions please contact Laurel Wilvert, Teen Director at 815-4999 ext 215. The Mover's & Shaker's Keystone members: Desiree McCullough (president); Crystal Villarreal (vice president); Belinda Solis (secretary); Jesse Mukul (treasure); Joe Mukul; Robert Pulido; Jesse Pulido; Casandra Greer; and Kelsey Moss.

Keystone Clubs are chartered leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 14-18. Keystoners elect officers and implement activities in six areas: service to Club and community, character and leadership development, education and career exploration, unity, free enterprise and social recreation.

Boys and Girls Club Member Wins National Silver Gloves Title
February 7, 2005

12 year old Joe Mukul of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme won the National Silver Gloves Championship for the12-13 year old 95lbs division in Kansas City , Missouri on February 5, 2005. Joe represented Region 8 which includes California , Nevada , Colorado , Utah , Hawaii and Arizona.

Joe won the championship by winning three bouts over three days of competition. The Boys & Girls Club will be celebrating Joe's accomplishment on Wednesday February 16, 2005 by declaring it Joe Mukul Day at the Boys & Girls Club. Cookies and refreshments will be served following a presentation to Joe by Tim Blaylock, the Club's Chief Professional Officer.

Keystone Club Host for Jan. 28 Blood Drive

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard & Port Hueneme, Movers and Shakers Keystone Club, along with United Blood Services, is sponsoring a blood drive from 3 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 28.

The drive will be at the Martin V. Smith Youth Center, 1900 W. Fifth St, Oxnard. The blood drive is part of the Movers and Shakers Pay It Forward Project.

For the Pay It Forward Project, the Keystone Club gets the community to help others in the community.

Every time the Keystone Club helps the community with a project, instead of payment the Keystone Club asks each person to give to others.

Each person helping receives a card reminding them to do good deeds for individuals, groups, the community, country and the world.

The members of the Keystone Club are: Desiree McCullough, president; Crystal Villarreal, vice president; Jesse Mukul, treasurer; Belinda Solis, secretary; and Robert Pulido, Jesse Pulido, Joe Mukul, Kelsey Moss and Hector Pulido.

To participate in the blood drive, contact Laurel Wilvert at 815-4999, ext. 215 Reservations are required.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard & Port Hueneme Participate in National Fine Arts Program

Oxnard , CA – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme was one of more than 3,300 across the country who joined in a search to identify talented young artists. The competition was part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) National Fine Arts Exhibit Program.

BGCA's National Fine Arts Exhibit program is a comprehensive initiative promoting young people's creativity and encouraging artistic skills and cultural enrichment.

As a participant in the National Fine Arts Exhibit program, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme submitted members' artwork in four age divisions and 10 categories, including watercolor, pastel, oil, acrylic and collage. Selected artwork will be screened at the regional level and a limited number will be sent to BGCA's Atlanta headquarters for judging at the national level. Thirty-seven national winners will be named and their artwork displayed at special events throughout the year.

“We received over a hundred pieces of artwork to be judged and it was a very difficult process choosing art to advance to the regional competition” said Tim Blaylock, Chief Professional Officer “It is always amazing to see the different types of art found within one community. We were pleased to send sixteen pieces on to the next level. We had tremendous growth in submissions this year due to the growth of the organization, opening up ten new after school programs. It will be an even more difficult process next year.”

Advancing artists include the following: Collage – Cindy Cacho, age 8 “Happy Holidays”, Kayla Hagood, age 11 “Good Morning Sunshine”, Mixed Media – Victoria Krsak, age 7 “Bear”, Maribel Rodarte, age 12 “In the Cave”, Monochromatic Drawing – Krystal Koxias, age 7 “A Bicycle”, Jason Fowler, age 10 “Jester”, Frankie Avalos, age 13 “Escalade”, Multicolored Drawing – Sarah Proctor, age 9 “Untitled”, Leticia Sosa, age 12 “Pastel Drawing”, Chantyana Riley, age 13 “Campsite”, Oil or Acrylic – Marcus Anguiano, age 12 “Painted Sky”, Sculpture – Samantha Fabian, age 8 “Christmas Cottage”, Jenae Blaylock, age 10 “Untitled”, Chantyana Riley, age 13 “Green Leaf”, Watercolor – Jessica New, age 9 “Sun”, Meghan Compton, age 10 “Cat”.

Winning artists from the national competition will also receive an engraved plaque and letter of congratulations from BGCA President Roxanne Spillett. Regional finalists will receive a certificate of participation.

Located at 1900 West 5 th Street in Oxnard , the Boys & Girls Club has served the youth of Oxnard & Port Hueneme for 50 years. The Club provides programs for more than 6500 boys and girls in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts and sports, fitness and recreation.

Ferocious Foundation for Kids and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme Partner to Impact Kids!

Oxnard , CA , January 17 – As part of its commitment to give back to the children of Oxnard and Port Hueneme Fernando Vargas and his Ferocious Foundation for Kids announce their commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme through a collaborative partnership.

“We plan to work in collaboration to raise funds for the Capital Campaign for the improvement and refurbishment of the 50 year old Harriet H. Samuelsson Branch of BGCOP, Said Tim Blaylock, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme . P artnerships with individuals, corporations and foundations like Fernando Vargas play a key role in supporting our programs and community-focused initiatives. This partnership assists both our non-profits in reaching our collective goals to serve youth especially those from disadvantaged circumstances.”

Fernando Vargas said, “this partnership allows us to help at risk youth right here in my home town. The Boys & Girls Clubs leadership in youth development and it's commitment to young people is second to none and helping the good work they are doing is a perfect match for the Ferocious Foundation for Kids. I'm concerned about many children's issues but Fitness and Educational needs of our children are a priority and I know through this partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs we can address these issues and others including raising the needed funds to reopen the historic 7 th street Boys & Girls Club.”

About the Ferocious Foundation for Kids

Ferocious Foundation for Kids was founded to benefit disadvantaged youth in Southern California . The foundation is an IRS 501 (c)3 corporation, and has been established to assist truly needy young people with educational, athletic, and other social needs.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is the largest youth serving organization in Ventura County comprises 3 full service clubs, 10 after school locations and 1 low income housing project, serving over 6500 youth a year primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children and teens, 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER OXNARD AND PORT HUENEME HOLD FESTIVAL TO SHOWCASE YOUTH TECHNOLOGY TALENT

Oxnard, November 8, 2004 – The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme will hold a Digital Arts Festival to showcase its members' talents in Music Making on Wednesday, November 17, 2004, at the Martin V. Smith Youth Center, 1900 West 5 th Street in Oxnard.

Club members created digital music that shows their artistic personalities. The winning works will be chosen to advance to a regional festival. There, the winners will compete with others from Boys & Girls Clubs around the Pacific Region for a chance to advance to the National Digital Arts Festival, sponsored by Microsoft.

Artwork will be judged based on age of the member, artistic merit and technological skill demonstrated.

“The Digital Arts Festivals are a great way for our members to demonstrate their musical/Artistic talents and technology skills and build self-Esteem,” said Tim Blaylock, C hief Professional Officer . “Participating also gives them a fun and innovative opportunities for self-expression while learning new skills.”

The Digital Arts Festival in Music Making is the culmination of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America program Music Tech , part of the Digital Arts Suite of programs.

The Digital Arts Festivals and the Digital Arts Suite are part of Club Tech, the result of a five-year, $100-million partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Microsoft to equip more than 4 million young people with the latest computer software and the advanced technological skills they'll need to excel in school, the job market and life. The partnership allows Clubs to integrate technology into every aspect of their organizations' fabric: from overall management to core programs.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme go to www.positiveplace4kids.org or call 805-815-4959.

Principles

Tim Blaylock
Chief Professional Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme

We are blessed to live in a county, and country of abundance and not scarcity. There is an old saying by an old football coach of the Pittsburg Steelers named Chuck Noll, “There are no problems, just challenges and opportunities,” I believe this is the case for Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Ventura and America.

For about 66 years in Ventura County and 146 years in America , Boys & Girls Clubs have strived to impact children and families in most positive way. We have stayed the course and have focused our energy on 7 time tested principles that all our clubs believe in:

Princ iple #1 : Our mission of hope and opportunity

Over time the Boys & Girls Club mission has been expressed in many different ways, but the essence remains the same: to inspire and enable young people to become responsible, productive, caring citizens.

Our mission is greater than a recreation center, more comprehensive than a prevention program, more powerful than any educational curriculum – it is to develop young people.

Principle #2 : Our focus on young people from disadvantaged circumstances

Given the changes in family structure, every young person in America needs what a Boys & Girls Club has to offer. However, because young people from disadvantaged circumstances have the greatest obstacles and fewest resources, there should be a special emphasis on reaching and serving them, assuring the Club's affordability for even the poorest child.

Principle #3 : Our unique system of informal guidance 

A Club is more than a building and more than a program. It is a unique system of informal guidance – the finest in the world – with:

•  daily access to a safe, easily accessible and affordable place;

•  diverse programs and activities; and

•  caring adult professionals.

Young people think of their Club not as a building or a program – but as a sanctuary, a home away from home. It is one of the few places they can go in life where they feel truly welcomed, cared for, safe, accepted, included. It is a place where they willingly receive and openly seek guidance from adults who care.

Principle #4 : Ongoing relationships with caring adults

The staff who work with young people are youth development professionals. Their specialties – whether sports, education, technology or the arts – are tools to capture interests, teach skills, communicate rules and expectations; and develop self-confidence and self-esteem.

Most important, these tools help to build ongoing relationships with adults. The willingness and availability of authentic, caring adults to be responsive to life's daily realities far supersedes the content of any program.

Principle #5 : Our youth development strategy

The youth development strategy is the way in which our staff interact with young people and build in them:

•  A sense of belonging – a setting where they know they fit and are accepted.

•  A sense of competence – the feeling that there is something they can do well.

•  A sense of usefulness – opportunities to do something of value for others, to assume real responsibility and do real work.

•  A sense of influence – a chance to be heard, to lead, to take part in decision making and feel that they have control over their own destiny.

Principle #6 : Our commitment to character 

Through everyday interactions, Clubs promote the importance of living honorably by reinforcing service and selflessness, caring and compassion, honesty and integrity, freedom and fairness, inclusion and diversity, right from wrong. These are the values that are fundamental to the American Way .

Principle #7 : Fun, interesting and diversified experiences

This is one of the most basic principles of the Boys & Girls Club Movement. Along with personal relationships, these experiences bring young people into the Club and keep them coming back.

As school bells begin to ring this month in schools across the County of Ventura , We invite you to experience the Boys & Girls Club Movement.

For more information please contact your local club:

Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo -- 482-8113 or http://www.bgccam.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo/Las Virgenes -- 1-818-880-8577 or http://www.bgcconejo.org

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard/Port Hueneme -- 815-4959 or http://www.positiveplace4kids.org

Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark -- 529-1140.

Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley -- 525-7910.

Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley -- 527-4437 or http://www.bgcsimi.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme Kids Auction A Huge Success

Oxnard , CA – On November 20th, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme held its 15th annual Don Facciano Kids Auction 2004:Celebrating 50 Remarkable Years at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Nearly three hundred dazzling guests walked the red carpet and helped raise $188,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs programs in the Oxnard and Port Hueneme Communities.

The evening began with two silent auctions, and it continued with a fantastic dinner and a live auction called by auctioneer Jim Jungers. Elvis was spotted among the crowd prior to the live auction as guests mingled and browsed the silent auctions. To kick off the live auction, Elvis performed and Gold Coast Broadcasting executive Jack Clarke emceed the program. Congresswoman Lois Capps was presented the Harriet H. Samuelsson Children's Champion award for her contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme . From start to finish, the 15 th annual Kids Auction roused the hearts of those in attendance, benefiting the 6500+ members of the 14 sites of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme .

“A special thanks to our Remarkable co-chairs Kim Gibas and Dean Maulhardt who know how to throw a party and who successfully recruited new and old friends and a fresh mix of auction items,” said Tim Blaylock, CPO of B&GCOP. “One could not help but be inspired by a room filled with such committed and generous supporters who want to join us in improving the lives of children.”

“We were honored to be the co-chairs of this year's Kids Auction ,” said Kim Gibas and Dean Maulhardt . “It was an unforgettable event that benefits the children who rely on B&GCOP. The tireless efforts of Carole Power, Director of Development for B&GCOP made the auction such a tremendous success. We thank these devoted and caring people, as well as the many dedicated volunteers and board members who continue to donate their time and heart to support the kids of our community.”

The event was a success thanks to sponsors D.R. Horton, Haas Automation, Bunnin Buick GMC, Consolidated Disposal Service, Gills Onions, Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association, Weyerhaeuser, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Pacific View mall Gull Island Farms, PacMan Berries Farm, Ventura County Star and Gold Coast Broadcasting .

Celebrate National Kids Day August 1st

Oxnard, July 19, 2004 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Ventura County has joined a national effort to establish National KidsDay as an “official day” on our nation’s calendar. The effort is backed by research showing that millions of Americans recognize the link between spending “meaningful time” with their kids and the tough issues facing youth, but say they don’t have the time, skills, or resources to do as much for their children as they feel they should. As the campaign builds, with the goal of adding National KidsDay to the national calendar by 2006, State, County and City officials are being encouraged to support the effort.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and KidsPeace created National KidsDay (NKD) created in 2001 to foster stronger relationships between adults and children by educating them on the importance and value of spending such meaningful time together. All families experience the pressures of contemporary life, regardless of their economic status, ethnicity, cultural background or location. These pressures directly affect the amount of positive, quality time they are able to devote to their children. National KidsDay provides the opportunity for every adult to take a break, celebrate and renew their commitment to the nation’s children.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs in Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard/Port Hueneme, Santa Clara Valley, Conejo & Las Virgenes, Simi Valley and Ventura thousands of parents and kids will gather for a full day of family activities that celebrate meaningful time.

National Kids Day has continued to grow since it was created in 2001, Our goal is to have the President declare National KidsDay an ‘official day’ on the national calendar by 2006, the 100th anniversary of the founding of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Research Supports National Day Celebrating Meaningful Time NKD research shows parents want to spend more meaningful time with their children and reveals “meaningful time” can have specific, positive outcomes:

Education: Half of parents said that they don’t have enough time or wished that they had more time to participate in their children’s educational enrichment by reading to them, taking them to cultural events or helping with homework. Positive Outcome: Spending just a few hours a week helping kids with their schoolwork can significantly improve their grades.
Physical Activity: More than half of parents (54%) said that they had little or no time to spend engaged in physical activity with their children, but wish that they had more time. Positive Outcome: Joining a child in a small amount of physical exercise each week can reduce their risk of obesity and diabetes.
Family Meals: While parents assigned great importance to eating together with their kids (9.3 out of 10), nearly four in ten (36%) eat a home-cooked meal with their kids less than an average of once per day. Positive Outcome: Eating meals together several times a week can reduce a child’s risk of smoking, drinking or doing drugs.

Specifically, National KidsDay research shows:
1. Almost all parents (94%) see a direct relationship between the amount of meaningful time adults spend with children and the major issues facing youth today.
2. With more children being afflicted by obesity and diabetes, more than half (54%) of America’s parents say they either have no time, little time, or wish they had more time to spend in physical activity with their children.
3. More than half of parents say their kids eat “not nearly enough” nutritious food, and while adults assign great importance to eating together with their kids, nearly four in 10 eat a home-cooked meal with their kids less than once per day.
4. Parents in six million households have never discussed a specific plan with their kids in the event of a fire in the home or their children getting lost.
5. Nearly 60% of parents spend three or more hours a week reading to their children, helping them in homework, watching educational programming attending cultural events, etc. But half say that they either don't have enough time or wish that they had more time to participate in their children's education.

Parents can also access information on National KidsDay online at www.kidsday.net, a downloadable Making Memories Guide and the Meaningful Time Family Guidelines as well as find information about local Kidsday activities.

In conjunction with National Kids Day August 1st, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ventura County are conducting a county-wide campaign to locate Club alumni. During the week of August 2 – 6, all Clubs in the county will be hosting open houses during their day time hours of operation. For information on National Kids Day and Come on Home activities in your community please contact:

Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo – 482.8113 www.bgccam.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo/Las Virgines - 818.880.8577 www.bgcconejo.org
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard/Port Hueneme - 815.4959 www.positiveplace4kids.org
Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark – 529.1140
Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley – 525.7910 www.sphs.net/bgc
Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley – 527.4437 www.bgcsimi.com
Boys & Girls Club of Ventura – 641.5585 www.bgclubventura.org

Boys & Girls Club Teen Center Receives Gift of Custom Harley Davidson Foosball Table

Dara Laws, promotions coordinator from Ventura Harley-Davidson Buell delivered and presented the foosball table to Several Teen Members at the Boys & Girls Clubs Martin V. Smith Branch Teen Center.

Ventura Harley Davidson & Buell has been an active Partner and Champion for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme helping to support quality programs and services for the over 5000 young people that are members of the local clubs.

Tim Blaylock the Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, said “Tom Elsaesser, the President of Ventura Harley-Davidson & Buell and his team have clearly made children a priority not only with this gift but their many contributions throughout the year. We are extremely thankful for their support and kindness.”

“Without leaders and corporate champions like Ventura Harley Davidson & Buell the non-profit work of the Boys & Girls Clubs would be impossible to accomplish," said Tony Volante, Board President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme "Thanks to the generosity of corporate champions like Ventura Harley Davidson & Buell, we can continue to let our kids know someone cares about them and their future.”

About Ventura Harley Davidson-Buell: Celabrating 35 years of service to Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties located at 1326 Del Norte Rd. Camarillo CA 93010 Phone 805-481-9904

Boys & Girls Clubs Event Raises $89,000

The event netted more than $89,000, said club officials.

Liz Murray, who went from being "Homeless to Harvard," delivered the keynote address at the event, which took place for the second time at the Residence Inn by Marriott. With more than 210 attendees filling the ballroom, the breakfast is the second-largest fund-raising event for the 50-year-old organization.

Murray shared her inspirational story of growing up under the shadow of two drug-addicted parents whom she began supporting at age 10.

Murray found herself homeless at age 15, after the death of her mother, and described how she overcame incredible odds while living on the streets of New York to finish high school in just two years.

She was subsequently awarded a full scholarship to Harvard.

"The audience was moved by Liz's triumph over adversity. She is so resilient and an example that our kids are not looking for a handout, but a hand up in a world that is ever-changing," said Tim Blaylock, chief professional officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

"Seeing 210 business and community leaders fill the ballroom and give up their mornings in support of our organization is testament to how important youth development programs and services are to our community," said Retha Hux, event co-chair and vice president of City National Bank.

Fellow co-chair Carmen Ramos-Soriano, also of City National Bank, praised the work the clubs do.

"The Boys & Girls Clubs do such great work. It is imperative that our local business community does what it can to help the organization sustain operations through the support of fund-raising initiatives."

The presenting sponsor of the breakfast was longtime youth advocate Harriet Samuelsson.

Club Creates Digital Opportunities With New Technology Centers

The facility is one of thousands to be established in Clubs nationwide as a result of BGCA’s Operation Connect, a technology initiative in partnership with the Beaumont Foundation of America. The initiative was created with the goal of ensuring that Club members and professionals not only have access to technology, but are computer and Internet literate as well.

The Beaumont Foundation, a non-profit philanthropic organization donating technology equipment to schools and community-based organizations in underserved communities, is helping BGCA outfit Boys & Girls Clubs across the country by providing $8 million in state-of-the-art Toshiba equipment valued at $25,000 per technology center in 2003-2004.

“We are very excited about our new technology centers and what it will mean to the children we serve, as well as to the community at large, “said Tim Blaylock Chief Professional Officer “Access to technology and the skills to use it are essential to creating a level educational ‘playing field’ for our young people.” Education is the only equalizer for many our disadvantaged youth.

With the installation of the new Tech Centers, the Club will also receive the Club Tech family of programs and $45,000 in Microsoft software, giving members the chance to explore such programs as FrontPage, Office XP, Publisher, Picture It! Encarta Reference Library and many others. Programs in the Digital Art, Movie making, website design and job readiness skill will be taught.

Club Tech is a five-year, $100 million partnership between Microsoft Corporation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to “technology enable” every Boys & Girls Club by providing software, developing and delivering curriculum, and providing program management and computer training for staff and youth. The program will allow Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme to incorporate technology into every aspect of the Club’s management.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme serve over 5000 youth at 3 full service clubhouse and one school site and one low income housing project. The mission of the Club is to promote the development of young people 6-18 years old by instilling a sense of competence, a sense of usefulness, a sense of belonging, and a sense of power or influence. When this strategy is fully implemented, self-esteem is enhanced and an environment is created which helps boys and girls achieve their full potential. The Arts, Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, Character and Leadership, Health and Life Skills, Education and Career Development are the core program areas.”

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs, please call 805-815-4959

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo Team up to Raffle a BMW 325i

Oxnard, CA – Steve Thomas BMW and the Boys & Girls Clubs in Camarillo, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme have teamed up to raise money for Kids with a charity BMW car raffle. Tickets are now available. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support the two agencies youth development programs and services.

“Boys & Girls Clubs is a wonderful cause. Steve Thomas BMW is pleased to be a big supporter of Clubs,” stated Steve Thomas, owner of the BMW dealership. “We have adopted the agencies because we believe in their mission and feel kids in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo benefit greatly from the quality programs and services the two organizations offer.”

The raffle tickets are $30 each. Only 5000 tickets will be sold. The drawing will take place on June 30th, 2003 at the Outback Steakhouse in Oxnard. You do not need to be present to win.

To purchase a ticket(s) or learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs, please call 815-805-4959 for the Oxnard and Port Hueneme Clubs or 805-482-8113 for the Camarillo Club. You can also go to their individual websites at www.positiveplace4kids.org or www.bgccam.org

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF VENTURA COUNTY RECEIVE $120,000 GIFT from AMGEN INC.

(Oxnard, CA) December 2nd,2002 – Amgen Inc. has given the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ventura County a gift of $120,000. The gift will be divided equally between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Camarillo, Santa Clara Valley, Ventura, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Each of the six Boys & Girls Club organizations received $20,000 for a variety of projects ranging from capital improvements, to program services and scholarships to needy youth. Last year Boys & Girls Clubs in Ventura County served over 34,000 youth ages 6 to 18 years old. The Amgen gift represents a commitment by a significant corporation in our community that it cares about the future of youth throughout Ventura County,” said Tim Blaylock, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. “We are honored to receive a gift of this magnitude. This contribution will allow us to continue to deliver innovative programs for our greatest asset, our children and teens.”

Amgen early in the year announced that they would be allocating $3 million to the new Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo and Las Virgenes for their capital campaign.

David Solo, CEO, of Boys & Girls Clubs of Camarillo, said “Amgen has made an enormous investment in the Boys & Girls Clubs in Ventura County, which allows each organization to meet its own unique needs of children. Amgen has taken the time to learn more about the Clubs and their role in the community. We are grateful for this funding.”

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ventura County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ventura County exist to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential through specialized programming and services. With 12 full-service clubs, 2 extensions and 3 before and after-school programs, the organization is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, serving over 25,000 members. Program areas offered to youth include character & leadership development, education & career development, health & life skills, the arts, computer training and sports/fitness/recreation. For more information, visit www.bgca.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme
Contact: Tim Blaylock 805-815-4959 ext. 203

Boys & Girls Clubs of Camarillo
Contact: David Solo 805-482-8113