by Niki Cleary, Tulalip News
Any given afternoon you can find the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club teeming with kids. Some are there to play games or shoot hoops. Those who need it, can get help with school work or catch up on their reading skills. Others show up to hang out with friends or simply enjoy the safety and camaraderie of the Club while their parents are still at work. Membership to this amazing place is free of charge to Tulalip youth.
The Tulalip Club, built in 1997, is operated with funding from the Tulalip Tribes. While operations are covered, each year, the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club hosts an auction to raise funds for building improvements and expansions. In 2012 a 1,700 square foot enclosure was added to the front entry to create an Undersea Exploration Center, music studio and meeting space.
The theme for this year’s Auction is, ‘Taking Action for the Community.’ Slated for June 11, the fundraising effort is already garnering support. The Tulalip Lions Club recently donated $1,000.
“The Boys and Girls Club is a safe haven for children,” said Linda Tolbert, Tulalip Lions Club member.. “It’s a place where they can get a warm meal, associate with other children and interact with adults in a safe atmosphere. One of our first projects was the Club playground. Each year we have a Peace Poster contest at the Club and we donate items year round to both the craft areas and to their library.
“One of the main things we do as Tulalip Lions that is different than other Lion’s clubs is we really try to get books into the hands of kiddos of all ages. Whenever we hear they’re running low on books, we take out a new supply. We feel that if you own a book, you will read and find a love to read.”
Every year the Tulalip Lions Club earmarks $1,000 donation for the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club and $1,000 donation for the Tulalip Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Foundation annual walk (scheduled for July 16, 2016, at the Tulalip Amphitheatre).
The 18th Annual Tulalip Boys and Girls Club Auction will be held on June 11 at the Tulalip Resort Casino. The Club will continue collecting donations for silent auction items through May 31. If you’d like to donate an item for the Auction, contact Diane Prouty at diane.prouty@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.