Boys & Girls Club preparing for annual fundraiser

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada is busy preparing for its 17th annual Kids Auction & World's Greatest BBQ.

Hal Hansen, executive director of the club, said the fundraiser keeps the doors open to the club.

While grants provide for different programs at the club, he said, the fundraiser is key to paying operation and staffing expenses.

"Even though we utilize volunteers, we have to have a paid staff," he explained. "We've hired more staff because we have more kids this year, but we have less money. We're doing more with less."

This year's event starts at

4 p.m. Saturday at the Pony Express Pavilion in Mills Park. It will feature entertainment, dancing, a barbecue and a full-service bar for the price of admission.

The focus of the evening will be a silent and live auction. Some of the highlights of the auction are a dinner with Gov. Jim Gibbons at the mansion, a horse racing package and a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer.

Last year, the barbecue and auction raised $175,000, half of what they raised the year before. Hansen is hoping to match last year's total.

"We hope we don't take another hit," he said.

In addition to bidding on items, people can also purchase a Stand up for Kids package at $500 to sponsor a child to attend the club.

Although the club charges a $25 annual fee, Hansen said it actually costs about $750 per child per year.

He said the sponsorships are key.

"It makes a heck of a difference for us," he said.

Although the sluggish economy has affected donations, Hansen still credits the community for the club's success.

"Every community can benefit from a Boys & Girls Club," he said. "But not every community can support one. We're very lucky."