‘Bids for Kids’ raises funds for the Boys and Girls Club

On May 7, over 130 guests gathered in the Starfire Ballroom at the Treadway Inn in Owego to attend the 20th Annual “Bids for Kids” dinner and auction. The event was held to help raise funds for an organization that many people consider indispensable to Tioga County, the Tioga County Boys and Girls Club (TCBGC).

The event was held the same weekend as the Kentucky Derby and the organizers carried through with the racing theme, providing racing games, prizes and decorations in abundance. 

The fundraiser, which originally began as a small event at the Elks Club with board members serving as wait staff, has grown into a true gala. Organizers were please to note that attendance at the event has increased in comparison to recent years. 

In the spirit of community service, Lockheed Martin employees, TCBGC employees and board members volunteered to do everything from manning game tables, organizing the donated auction items and presiding over the program. 

Recipients of the Boys and Girls Club Man and Woman of the Year award were Les Wagner and Lisa Curatolo. Both Wagner and Curatolo were honored for their tireless service to the community, and specifically for their support of the TCBGC and the youth of Tioga County. 

Katie Tracy, executive director of the club, said that the funds raised are used to pay for operational costs and programming needs. 

Other attendees had positive things to say about the mission of the Boys and Girls Club. 

“So many people think of the club, and automatically assume it’s just a big gymnasium and you have to be involved with sports in order to be a member,” said Megan Carpineta, long-term club supporter and former employee.  

She added, “This club offers Tioga County so much more. SMART Girls, Kids in the Kitchen, Arts and Crafts, Power Hour, Triple Play, and STEM Stars are just a few of the wonderful programs that are offered at the club. As a coach in the Owego Apalachin District, many of our athletes had their start with the TC HAWKS. The Boys and Girls Club offers our local youth a positive and healthy foundation for life.” 

The “Bids for Kids” event joins two other events, the TCBGC Golf Tournament and the Casino “All In” night. 

“I may be biased,” said Tracy, “but I truly believe that the youth of our community benefit from the programming offered at the club. The Boys and Girls Club is a home away from home for a lot of our members, and we take pride in the role we play in their development.” 

This and other Boys and Girls Club events are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. 

“The event is a great evening out,” stated Capri May, who has attended the event for the past six years. “The auction items were nice and the company was fantastic. It is a fun way to raise money!” 

To learn more about the TCBGC, you can “Like” them on Facebook.