Debbie Fox, Spencer Garrett and Bill Hicks are supporters of the Boys and Girls Club.
For 78 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura has been serving youth and providing life changing experiences, often for those who need it most. The “Boys” started as the Police Boys Club at the Ortega Adobe on Main Street in 1938, while the “Girls” began in 1967. The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura was one of the first clubs to merge the boys and the girls and form one club. The Club has grown over the years, from their small beginnings to four centers serving hundreds of youth from Ventura and the surrounding cities.
The Club wouldn’t have grown without tremendous support from our community. To recognize those individuals who have gone above and beyond, the Founder’s Society was formed. Awards were given out at an induction ceremony at Fox Fine Jewelry in downtown Ventura on February 26th.
The Founder’s Society recognizes individuals who have given 20 or more years of service, made a contribution over a period of time that has created Club sustainability or has built Club capacity, or established a program that has been in existence for over ten years.
A 2010 Cal Lutheran study by Dr. Damooei showed that 97% of their enrolled youth graduate high school. Other benefits include increased self-confidence, improved family relations, 0% teen pregnancy and an increased propensity to attend higher education.
There are over 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs in the United States and throughout the world, serving over 4 million youth on a daily basis. Boys & Girls Clubs continue to be the fastest growing youth organization in the country.
The Founder’s Society inductees to date include: Spencer Garrett, Bill Hicks, Richard Buchanan, Melvyn Fowler, G. David Sherrill, M.D., Joe Carmody, Gary Nasalroad, Susanne Lammot, M.D., Larry Rasmussen, John Brant, Jymmye Hitch, and E.J. and Myra Harrison.
