Help build great futures

SIDNEY — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the MonDak are gearing up for their annual Building Great Futures Gala, set for April 17 at the Richland County Event Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the event scheduled to conclude at 8:30 p.m.

“This year, we have a lot going on,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of the MonDak CEO Madison Miller, highlighting an evening packed with entertainment, auctions and opportunities to support the community.

Local band Midlife Crisis will perform live music, accompanied by a special performance from club members. Guests can also enjoy food and a bar throughout the evening.

Speakers include Miller and Evelyn Gonzalez, the club's Youth of the Year.

This year’s guest of honor is Seitz Insurance, recognized for its dedication to the community. Miller explains that the clubs' Resource and Development Committee focuses on individuals and businesses that "have gone above and beyond in supporting our club"—not just through monetary contributions, but also volunteer hours and community advocacy.

“Seitz is very much a community-oriented business," Miller said. "We are excited to honor them this way.”

The gala will feature both silent and live auctions, with online bidding opening April 13 at www.bgcgala.auctria.events. The live auction items will also be previewed on the website.

Attendees will have the chance to participate in fundraising games including Raise the Paddle, as well as 50/50, Heads or Tails and other raffles. In the Heads or Tails game, participants move to the stage and choose heads or tails in a coin flip until one winner remains, Miller explained.

Tickets for the gala are $30 for individuals and $50 for couples, and can be purchased in advance online or at the event. Organizers note that donations can also be designated toward specific programs via the club’s website in the coming week.

A special highlight of the evening is the Choose Your Vacation raffle, giving one lucky winner the chance to select from six vacation packages:

• Cancun All Inclusive – four-night stay
• Ultimate Sports Fan Package – lower-level seats to a major sporting event or PGA tournament plus a two-night hotel stay
• World Traveler Package – options include Tuscany, Italy; Bali; Thailand; Dublin, Ireland; or Santorini, Greece
• Disney World Resort Family Adventure – four-night hotel stay and a $1,000 Disney World Park gift certificate
• Legendary Live Entertainment Collection – five choices for destinations, shows, and more
• Waikiki Waves – five-night stay at a four-star boutique hotel in Waikiki with a snorkeling adventure for two

Raffle winners will also receive a $1,000 gift card for flights and transportation. Tickets for the vacation raffle are $50 each or five for $200, and will be available online and at the gala.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Miller said. The club’s fundraising goal for 2026 is $135,000, which will support after-school, summer and outreach programs unless donors specify otherwise. (As of March 25, $27,561 has been raised.)

Tickets for the gala and raffle can be purchased at bgcgala.auctria.events or at the Club office, 205 3rd Ave. SE, Sidney, during regular business hours.