Clubhouse provides safe place for youngsters to gather

Published in the April 29 – May 12, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Steve Tate

Steve Tate

Steve Tate

There is a place in Morgan Hill where more than 70 youngsters go when school lets out, where they can do their homework and get help if needed, where they can get exercise, where they can do fun projects and socialize with others. Where they thrive and take steps toward attaining their full potential. It is the Lori Escobar El Toro Clubhouse on Crest Avenue — and it needs your help!

Last July, the Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley took over the operation and oversight of the clubhouse from Catholic Charities and revamped/upgraded the programming by adding staff and proven BGC programs.

Boys and Girls Club took over the operation with the understanding that the Morgan Hill community would continue to support the clubhouse financially. Amigos de El Toro is an organization of volunteers who do whatever is needed to support the clubhouse, and fund raising is one of their basic missions. While the annual budget for the clubhouse is well more than $200,000, BGC asks that the Amigos raise about $100,000 locally and almost $40,000 of that comes from identified, sustainable sources. So the Amigos need to raise a little more than $60,000 annually and are working hard to identify potential generous contributors and establish sustainable sources for that local share. They welcome ideas, suggestions and of course contributions to help them achieve their goal.

Of course one way to raise funds is by having a fundraiser and the Amigos are hosting an outstanding event. Now in its fourth year, the “Building Futures” event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. May 15, at Mama Mia’s. The cost is $15 with plenty of hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar. There will be a raffle and auction items including a private dinner for eight served by the Benevolent Pirate of Morgan Hill at his Cove. Also, some very special art prepared by El Toro kids — and some of those kids will be on hand to explain what they do at the Clubhouse. Tickets are available from BookSmart or from Laura Gonzalez-Escoto, Melissa Santos, Cecelia Ponzini or Steve Tate, and will also be available at the door.

Contact Mayor Steve Tate at (408) 621-7377, or at [email protected].