MARYSVILLE – The Marysville Boys and Girls Club has had some trouble making ends meet the past few years.
But director Christina Trader, her staff and some volunteers have come up with some fund-raising events this year that are starting to pay off.
Called Marysville Stop and Shop, one of the events takes place every other month in the club’s gym at 1010 Beach Ave. Volunteers Ryan Wojcicki and Judi Wright came up with the idea. Vendors who make crafts sell their artistry, and the club makes its money on booth space. Usually there are about 30 vendors, but there were 60 Sunday, probably because of its closeness to Christmas, Trader said. Many of the vendors offered Christmas-related items for sale.
Another draw was Santa was there for a few hours and free photos could be taken. There also was an area where kids could make crafts. And the first 50 guests received a free swag bag full of goodies.
Trader said the next one will be in February and have a Valentine’s Day theme. She added that $1,500 was raised by the event. The money will pay for new sports equipment for the kids.
The big fund-raiser idea took place mid-October when the Seattle Seahawks played the Oakland Raiders in London. About 75 people attended and paid $50 each for a chance to win a 2007 Dodge Charger donated and hand-painted by Rick McCarthy and friends. Lunch was provided by Bleachers, and there also was a silent auction. Kevin Hoffman won the car.
Seahawks Sunday went over so well Trader plans to do it again next year.
While it is doing better financially, Trader said the MBGC still needs help with various programs. One going on now is called “Adopt-A-Stocking,” similar to a giving-tree concept.
People can pick up an empty stocking at the club or request delivery to your organization. Each stocking has a wish list from a child in need, with age and gender provided. You are asked to fill the stocking and return it to the MBGC no later than Dec. 14.
“This is a great project for service clubs, office and church groups, families, individuals or anyone who wants to experience the spirit of giving,” a MBGC flyer says.
For details, call Trader at 360-659-2576 or email her at ctrader@bgcsc.org.
