By Mary Budke
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, we believe that every child deserves a safe place to grow, to dream, and to thrive. With a membership of more than 1,100 youth age 4-18, our Clubs in Sequim and Port Angeles open our doors to serve more than 400 young people daily, providing them with the support, resources, and encouragement they need not just to succeed in school, but to flourish.
For just $30 a year membership — and free for teens — we offer so much more than a place to go after school and during the critical out-of-school time. Year-round, our members have access to a full spectrum of enriching programs: academic support, mentoring, sports and recreation, arts and leadership development, STEM activities, and healthy lifestyle programs. We serve free, nutritious meals and snacks every day because we know that hungry kids can’t focus, learn, or grow to their full potential. And we make sure that no child is turned away—scholarships are always available to ensure that cost is never a barrier to opportunity.
This work is both deeply rewarding and incredibly urgent. Kids today face mounting challenges—academic pressures, social media influences, mental health concerns, and more. Now more than ever, they need consistent, caring adult mentors and a community that believes in them.
That’s where we come in. And that’s where you come in. We invite you to join us on Saturday, Nov. 8, at our annual auction and dinner, hosted at the Carroll C. Kendall Club in Sequim. This evening is our most important fundraiser of the year — an opportunity to come together in celebration of what we’ve achieved and commit to what lies ahead. This year’s theme is one that perfectly captures the heart of our mission: “We Grow Our Own.”
This theme isn’t just a tagline. It’s a reflection of our long-term commitment to the children and families we serve. From preschool through high school graduation — and beyond — we walk alongside our Club members every step of the way.
We are there for the first day of kindergarten jitters, the challenges of middle school, the pressures of high school classes, and the transitions into college, trade school, or the workforce.
We’re not just a stop along the way, we are a steady presence, rooted in this community for almost 40 years, helping young people grow into the strong, capable, kind adults they are meant to be.
To “grow our own” means investing deeply in local youth so they become the future leaders, teachers, electricians, bankers, and parents of tomorrow’s Olympic Peninsula. It means planting seeds of resilience, confidence, and integrity — and nurturing those qualities every day through meaningful programs, mentorship, and community connection.
But none of this is possible without your support. While our membership fee is modest — just $30 annually, with no cost at all for teens — the true cost of delivering high-quality, year-round programs and services far exceeds that amount. Every dollar raised at our annual auction helps us close that gap and keep our promise to the kids and families who rely on us.
We warmly invite individuals, businesses, and community partners to consider attending, donating, or sponsoring this special event. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just learning about our work, this evening is a chance to see firsthand the impact we’re making—and the difference you can make by standing with us.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula is more than an organization — it’s a movement built on belief in the potential of every child. With your help, we will continue to create brighter futures for generations to come.
Let’s grow our own — together.
Sequim Boys & Girls Club annual auction, dinner
Saturday, Nov. 8
400 W. Fir St.
