On May 18th the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue held their annual Champions of Youth Gala + Auction, which was a resounding success, bringing the community together for an evening of celebration and philanthropy. The event raised over $960,000—surpassing the initial goal of $800,000. These funds will provide vital scholarships for the youth and families the organization serves.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue advocate and West Bellevue local, Jane Boulware, was honored with the Champion of Youth Award for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the organization. Over her five years on the board, including three as Chairman, Jane has played a crucial role in advancing the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue and positively impacting countless young lives. Seattle Seahawks star Tyler Lockett made a special appearance. His interactive participation, including football passes during the auction, made it a night to remember.

The involvement of the club's teens was another highlight of the night. They sold raffle tickets and brought a vibrant energy to the event, embodying the spirit and mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Their active participation underscored the importance of the evening's cause. 

The success of the gala was made possible by the generosity of its sponsors. The Bungie Foundation played a crucial role as the title sponsor, while Amazon, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company International contributed as platinum sponsors. The event was also supported by champion sponsors such as American Capital Group, Blue Fern Development, PMF Capital Management, Costco Wholesale, Puget Sound Energy, Sound Transit, and Washington Trust Bank. Advocate-level support came from Perkins Coie, and additional backing was provided by BECU, BizX, Charles Schwab, Evergreen Gavekal, First American Title & Stokes Lawrence, Foushee & JPC Architects, Team Foster at COMPASS, Heritage Bank, Kemper Development, Key Bank, the Seattle Mariners, Pinnacle Partners, SRM Development, Tschetter Group, The Williams Family, and Umpqua Bank. Their contributions were instrumental in the evening's success, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue extends heartfelt thanks to each sponsor for their support.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Champions of Youth Gala + Auction, scheduled for May 17th, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue look forward to another evening of celebration, community, and continued support for the youth they serve.

The Champions of Youth Gala + Auction was a testament to the power of community and the profound impact of collective generosity. It was an evening filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt moments, and a shared commitment to supporting the next generation.

For over 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue (BGCB) has been a cornerstone of the Bellevue community, dedicated to inspiring and enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. With 18 Clubs serving 16,200+ youth ages 3-19, BGCB offers a safe and nurturing environment that focuses on academics, health, and leadership during critical out-of-school hours.