Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County to host 30th annual Champions of Youth celebration

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County (BGCOKC) will host its annual Champions of Youth event on April 10, raising critical funds to support programs that benefit local youth.

The event will recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in the community. This year, BGCOKC will honor Casey and Rainey Williams, as well as OG&E for their dedication to empowering young people.

News 9 was joined by Austin Marshall, VP of Development for the BGCOKC, and Carly Johnson, Director of Development to discuss the BGCOKC and the upcoming event.

What makes the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County special?

Marshall:

"The Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County inspires and equips young people to reach their full potential to be productive and caring citizens. We do that in a variety of different ways; through academic support, through healthy lifestyles, and through the development of good citizenship and leadership skills. We've got 16 locations throughout Oklahoma County. We serve four different school districts throughout Oklahoma County as well. We take a whole-child approach and we do our best to make sure the kids have a wide variety of programming to encourage them academically, athletically, and in their leadership development as well. Keep them busy."

"We also want to make sure that the club is accessible. So for that reason, it's $5 for the entire school year and $5 for the summer. So for 10 years, a family can get access to some nationally recognized training for their children for the entire year."

What can you tell us about the upcoming event?

Johnson:

"This year we're celebrating our 30th anniversary of our Champions of Youth celebration, which is our largest fundraiser for the club to help provide those wonderful programs that Austin talked about. We get to celebrate the successes of our kids throughout the year, but we also get to honor a couple and a company who have been a champion for youth in our community."

Who will be recognized at the event?

Johnson:

"So this year we're honoring Casey and Rainey Williams and OG&E for all that they've done, not only for Boys and Girls Club, but for kids across Oklahoma City. And then we also get to celebrate our Youth of the Year. Journey is our Youth of the Year for Boys and Girls Club, and he will get to go on regionally and nationally if he makes it that far."

The event will be held at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. Tickets and opportunities to become a sponsor are available on the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County's official website. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., and the dinner & program will begin at 7:00 p.m. The event will require cocktail attire.