Spark Great Futures Fundraiser brings in big bucks, bigger names to support local youth
DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — On Thursday, the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton hosted its annual Spark Futures Fundraiser, with special guests Charles Barkley and Anthony Grant.
The programs need support, and the goal for the fundraiser was $400,000. Before opening the doors, $306,000 was already raised. All the money goes towards programming.
Among the focus of this year's event are mental health support, education and workforce readiness.
"So tonight is really about under-guarding the support and resources that we need to be able to deliver great programs continuously every day," said Crystal Allen, President & CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton.
Signifying the importance of the event was an NBA Hall of Famer and University of Dayton coach, delivering words of encouragement.
"We need to give them an opportunity to be successful," said Barkley. "And to the kids, appreciate people who want to help you become successful."
"It's a responsibility, it's not optional. It's a responsibility that we all have so, I encourage everyone here if you have been blessed in your life to be able to help others, that's really what it's all about," said Grant.
Those involved in the Boys and Girls Club were in attendance to showcase how the organization has helped them. This includes Olivia Mackey, the Youth of the Year for the Dayton chapter.
She says she wants to be a therapist and a WNBA player, and the club has given her the tools to reach for the sky.
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"If it wasn't for them, I would not have this opportunity right now. I would not be the youth of the year, I won't even be where I am at. I never would have went to Washington, or anything like that, at all," said Mackey.
The club says that action needs to be taken now to set up youth for success. This comes after a violent summer for teens in Dayton, in which the Boys and Girls Club prioritized safe spaces .
"We cannot continuously sit idle. While these situations continue to happen. We have got to do something," said Allen.
The programs receiving the funding will be open year-round for any youth interested in shaping their future.
