The Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County held its “Most Important Meal of the Year” fundraising breakfast on Wednesday morning, with guests filling the Jester Auto Museum and Event Center to show support for the club.
Sarah Althauser, the club’s new executive director, began the event by thanking the staff for their help and everyone in attendance for showing up to the event at 7:30 a.m.
“I’m humbled to be your new executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County,” Althauser said.
In discussing the club’s work, Althauser reflected on her own life and the support she received from adults when she was a child. Telling the audience her mother had passed away only a few days before her seventh birthday, Althauser said she fell behind in education and was barely literate for years.
Citing the help she received later, Althauser said it was important to show up for children.
“Isn’t that it? Showing up. That’s what the kids need,” Althauser said. “To me, that’s what club is all about. Showing up.”
According to Althauser, children come to the Boys & Girls Club for different reasons but she wants to make sure all of them can enjoy themselves and learn what they’re capable of.
“For some kids, club is recreational. For other kids, it’s a lifetime,” Althauser said. “We want to create unforgettable moments for these kids. … That’s what club is for, for showing kids all they can do in life.”
Althauser told the audience the club served 372 youth in 2022 and about 100 children per day.
She told the attendees she was thankful for their support of the club’s mission and the children it benefits.
“We are growing and we’re just getting started,” Althauser said. “Thank you guys for showing up for kids. I truly believe we are better together.”
After Althauser spoke, Tim Gilmore delivered the keynote address. Gilmore has been a teacher and coach with the Centralia School District for 51 years.
“My theme is realizing the potential of Lewis County and what’s out there for kids who, like myself, did not have a clue,” Gilmore said. “I thank God they’re there. … Because when kids show up to club, I honestly believe they’re there and they don’t really know why they’re there but they’re there because there’s adults who care.”
The next speaker was a boy named John, who participates in the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County.
“The club has become a second home for me, a place where I can learn, grow and thrive,” John said. “The Boys & Girls Club has provided me with a safe and supportive environment. It’s a place I can come after school and during the summer where I know I will be surrounded by caring and dedicated staff who always make me feel welcome and valuable. The club is a place where I can be myself without judgment and where I have made lifelong friendships with other club members who share similar interests and passions.”
John told the audience the staff have been “incredible” mentors and role models for him. He also thanked the audience for their support for the club.
“The Boys & Club has been a life changing experience for me,” John said.
Amanda Singleton, a Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County board member, was the event’s last speaker.
“We opened our doors with this mission, to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens,” Singleton said. “Without your continued love and support for our community, our club and kids and the families we serve, we wouldn’t still be delivering on that mission today.”
Singleton said the children benefiting from the club still need support and asked for further donations from the audience.
Those wishing to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County can do so by going to the club’s website at https://www.bgcchehalis.org/.
