Jeff Johnston on the left, Board Chairman for the BGCGCV and son of Cal Johnston stands with Cal & Marje Johnston and Crystal N?one, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley on right. Jeff Johnston presented his parents with the award as the 2019 Gala Honoree’s. Photo by Robyn Kin, Studio 92 Photography
AGOURA — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) held a successful “Stand up for Kids Gala Dinner & Auction”, the major fundraiser of the year held on September 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.
The annual event, themed BELIEVE, showcased BGCGCV’s programs and services while also recognizing its many supporters. The Gala was emceed by Jim Cathcart of Westlake Village. Founder and longtime leader, Cal Johnston was honored with an emotional tribute by his son, Board Chair of BGCGCV, Jeff Johnston for his dedication and active participation in the BGCGCV since its inception in 2001. Cal Johnston’s wife, Marje was recognized as a supporter and active member of the BGCGCV since the organization was founded.
The Cal Johnston Service Award was presented to Amer Soudani, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs Board of Governors for the past 10 years. Soudani was instrumental in the opening, design and construction of the Rocky and Lon Morton Club located on the Sequoia Middle School Campus in Newbury Park. He also played a key role utilizing his profession as a building contractor to develop the John L. Notter Family Club at Redwood Middle School in Thousand Oaks.
The annual Gala Dinner & Auction raises funds to support the provision of quality before and after school programs, sport leagues and summer camps for over 4,000 youth annually. Last year, the BGCGCV was able to provide more than $660,000 in scholarships to low-income families.
“We are so grateful to our community for the overwhelming support they displayed during this event and appreciate each and every contribution that will make a huge difference for our kids,” stated Dr. Crystal N?one, CEO & President for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley.
For more information, call the Boys & Girls Clubs at 818-706-0905 or visit the website at www.bgcconejo.org.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are open before and after school, during lunch, on weekends, for summer camp, and all day during school vacations. Tours of the Clubs are available upon request. The Boys & Girls Clubs also offer a variety of employment positions with excellent benefits and ongoing professional development. For more information about employment opportunities, supervised youth programs, to donate, volunteer, or register online, log onto www.bgcconejo.org or call 818-706-0905.