Boys, Girls Clubs Offer Virtual Activities, Auction

There is no stopping the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley.  Like so many other nonprofits, the team from this hard-working organization has had to switch gears during COVID-19 and move forward even though the doors of their four campuses have been temporarily closed.

When the kids could not come to their clubs in Coachella, Indio, La Quinta and Mecca, BGCCV responded and came to them with an alternative – the creation of a “Virtual Clubhouse” which launched Monday, April 27.

“For the last few weeks,” said President and CEO Quinton Egson, “our staff has been working on translating some of our proven programs into an online format to help us expand our outreach and to maintain connections with our kids and their parents during when we cannot be with them in person.  Our new Virtual Clubhouse allows us to bring activities and staff to our members and their families, promoting the healthy behaviors, academic excellence and leadership skills that we know help foster great futures for members.”

The Virtual Clubhouse offers many of the same quality programs that BGCCV is known for like health and fitness, arts and crafts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and other educational activities that focus on tutoring, homework and reading. The new online platform has also provided the opportunity to provide new, innovative programs like American Sign Language, trivia competitions and video game competitions.

BGCCV’s virtual transition extends beyond the Virtual Clubhouse. The team has also launched a mobile app called LiveSafe that allows real time text and email alerts in the event of emergencies as well as notifications of important club updates for families such as current schedules and events.

Prior to the launch of the Virtual Clubhouse, kids and parents were trying to cope the best they could by thinking outside of the box and coming up with at-home activities.  They colored, played in their yards, and helped their moms with chores, according to BGCCV member 8-year-old Giana Garcia.  When asked what Giana misses most about the club, she said that she misses the staff, being with friends, reading books, and the meals. Arellana Garcia, 11-years-old, said that she misses playing soccer and playing sports in the gym. Alex Garcia, 13-years-old, said that he misses the teen room and having a fun safe space to be with friends.

Arellana, Giana, and Alex’s mom, Shakira Garcia, said, “the kids really miss being at the club and having the ability to be active, free and a safe place to be. I miss it too.  Despite their restlessness of being stuck at home it is a blessing to have this time together.”

Jesus Morales, 15-years-old said he is trying to adapt staying at home by doing homework and assignments, playing basketball outside and online gaming.  He misses being in Keystone leadership meetings, Palabra meetings, and playing basketball with his friends.

Learn more about joining the virtual club here. 

One of the biggest fundraisers for BGCCV is the annual Grand Auction gala that, unfortunately, had to be canceled this year because of COVID-19. Undaunted and stepping up to the plate, Auction Chair Sandy Taylor and the BGCCV team were determined that the show must go on, and in this case, it will – both online and virtual. Armed with 300-plus auction items like 200 bottles of choice wine, jewelry, art, trips to Mexico, Africa, a French Chateau, Yorkie puppy, unique signed sports memorabilia, golf, restaurants, tickets to sporting events and more – this is one auction that folks can enjoy from the comfort of their own homes starting midnight May 1 through midnight May 5.  The items will be awarded to the highest bidder unless the item has been purchased for the guaranteed price.  One can preview the auction items beginning Thursday, April 30th. The log on info will be available by clicking here or go to bgckids.org to register. If you have questions please email info@bgcofcv.org

Read terms and conditions of the auction here. 

This is what it is all about – making lemonade out of lemons.  Way to go BGCOFCV!