The spirit of the holiday season brought warmth to every corner of our annual Winter Wonderland event on December 14th! This cherished Sonoma Valley event brought together Boys & Girls Clubs families, staff, and our incredible community for a celebration full of joy, generosity, and connection. Together, families enjoyed a variety of festive crafts and activities, enjoyed holiday treats, posed for holiday photos with a gingerbread man, and took home toys donated by the community. Families won exciting raffle prizes, including Christmas trees and bikes, adding extra joy to their holiday season. Families also had the opportunity to take home winter coats. This holiday event had it all!

And even more, members from each of our elementary school sites—Sassarini, El Verano, Flowery, Sonoma Charter, and Maxwell Clubhouse—spent the past few weeks preparing festive performances with our literacy team. They showcased their talents at the event, delighting families and friends with their joyful performances.

We are incredibly thankful to our toy drive partners, who helped us collect over 450 toys to brighten the holidays for local youth! We want to recognize The Presentation School, Sonoma’s Best Modern Mercantile, Sonoma Police Department, Sonoma Valley Fire, Perlé, Songbird Parlour, Sonoma Cheese Factory, and Sebastiani Theatre for hosting and promoting our collection bins. Their participation brought holiday magic to so many families, and we are so thankful. 

The success of Winter Wonderland was made possible by the generosity of our community. We are deeply grateful to Nyberg’s Christmas Trees for donating Christmas trees raffled off to families, and to Operation Bicycle for providing bikes that brought big smiles to our members. A heartfelt thanks goes to our coat drive partners—G3 Sonoma, SVHS Interact Club, Rotary Club Sonoma Valley, Rotary Club Sonoma Sunrise, and Three Fat Guys Wine—who together ensured families could choose a winter coat.

We also want to acknowledge our incredible teen volunteers and staff, whose dedication and energy made this event so special. From setting up festive décor to assisting families throughout the day, their hard work helped bring the spirit of the holidays to our Clubhouse.

As we reflect on this heartwarming day, we are deeply thankful for the outpouring of support from our community. Together, we’ve made the holidays a little brighter for so many families.

Thank you for helping us make this Winter Wonderland an event to remember. Cheers to you!

Every year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley recognizes extraordinary young people who embody the values, resilience, and commitment that make our community strong. This year, we are proud to celebrate Chris, who has been named our 2025 Youth of the Year!

The Youth of the Year honor is more than an award—it’s a testament to leadership, service, and the ability to inspire peers and community members alike. It is a time-honored tradition that highlights the achievements of youth who have overcome adversity and serves as a platform for them to share their stories and inspire others.

Chris, along with three other outstanding finalists, shared their stories at this year’s Youth of the Year event, captivating the audience with their determination and vision for a brighter future.

Chris stood out as this year’s honoree due to his passionate pursuit of excellence and his commitment to achieving his dreams and the goals he’s set for himself despite the challenges he’s faced growing up. In his speech, he reflected on the obstacles he’s overcome, and the profound impact Teen Services had in illuminating his path.

“My confidence… grew in the supportive environment of Teen Services, a second home. I still remember those early days when my confidence was low, but here, I found the resources, mentorship, and encouragement to believe in myself and my dreams,” Chris shared in a speech at the event.

Chris spoke about how Teen Services programs fueled his growth and sense of belonging, with one program in particular standing out as a turning point: The Lovin’ Oven Culinary Academy (LOCA).

“It was throughout the various programs at Teen Services that I ignited my growth and found a sense of belonging like never before. But even then, one program in particular transformed my path and gave me purpose; The Lovin’ Oven Culinary Academy was the piece I was missing. The LOCA program not only provided me with valuable culinary skills and knowledge but also instilled in me the belief that I can thrive in the culinary field. Through hands-on experience, internships, and a supportive community, I gained the confidence and determination to pursue my passion for cooking and aspire to a career in the culinary field.”

Chris also shared the deep personal connection he has to the culinary industry and the impact LOCA had on his connection to his family.

“Working in the culinary industry runs in my family, almost as if I was destined to follow in my father’s footsteps… LOCA isn’t just my project—it’s the answer to his sacrifices. With it, I can finally lift the weight off his shoulders and help carry the dreams he’s worked so hard for.”

He concluded his speech with a heartfelt expression of his aspirations for the future.

“Teen Services has truly illuminated my path, allowing me to make the most of the opportunities I’ve been given. Being a LOCA Intern with Teen Services inspired me to pursue a career in hospitality and enroll at Santa Rosa Junior College. I dream of one day owning my own restaurant and building it from the ground up—just like my dad.”

The event also honored the three outstanding finalists: Andrea Ayala, Cristopher Rivera, and Sebastian Martinez. Each of these remarkable individuals brought unique strengths and stories, making the selection process incredibly difficult and showcasing the limitless talent and potential among our youth.

The evening was filled with pride and celebration, as family members, community leaders, Club staff, and supporters gathered to honor the achievements of these young people. It was an empowering celebration of the incredible potential of our next generation of leaders!

Get Involved: Help Us Create More Success Stories Chris’s journey is a testament to the impact of Teen Services and the support of the community. If you’d like to be part of creating more success stories like his, consider donating today. Together, we can continue to inspire and empower the youth of Sonoma Valley.

During this season of gratitude, a time for reflecting upon the year behind us, we’re reminded that our Club is more than just a place to study, play, or make friends—it’s a community of support, growth, and lifelong memories.

To share this spirit of gratitude, we created a video that highlights our members’ journeys, capturing their joy, growth, and appreciation for the opportunities and friendships they find here—opportunities made possible by the close-knit community that permeates our Valley. Take a look below to hear directly from our members.

These heartfelt words remind us of the bigger picture: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley is a place where young people feel supported, safe, and inspired to dream big.

As we look ahead, we’d like to say it all again: Thank you. We’re so grateful for you – the families, donors, and staff who make this work possible. Thank you for joining us in our mission to empower every young person who walks through our doors.

And thank you to our members, who inspire us every day with their intelligence, humor, and kindness. You are the heart of everything we do.

Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and gratitude!

This year, we are thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our beloved Sweetheart Gala & Auction by honoring Angela Ryan as our 2025 Sweetheart. Angela personifies the dedication, community spirit, and resilience we strive to foster at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley (BGCSV) and throughout the broader Sonoma Valley, embodying the phrase, ‘Once a Club Kid, Always a Club Kid.’

A Tradition of Celebrating Community Leaders

The Sweetheart Gala & Auction is a long-standing tradition — a night to honor those who have profoundly impacted our organization and the lives of youth and families in Sonoma Valley. In recent years, we’ve celebrated Lyn & Dub Hay, whose work with nonprofits across the Valley has left an indelible mark, and Chuck and Cathy Williamson, whose commitment to both Teen Services and BGCSV has exemplified the spirit of community. This year, the 40^th Annual Sweetheart Gala & Auction, we are proud to continue this legacy by recognizing Angela Ryan, whose support and passion for the youth of Sonoma Valley is nothing short of inspiring.

Angela’s Impact

Angela is not only a dedicated Club parent and past Club member, but she’s also a fierce advocate for youth and teens across Sonoma Valley. Her visionary spirit has been instrumental in creating some of our most impactful programs, including the Teen Internship Program and the Empowerment Academy at Sonoma Valley High School. Angela’s deep involvement behind the scenes has expanded opportunities for local youth, making a lasting impact on their lives and futures.

“When Angela says, ‘I have an idea,’ you know something amazing is about to unfold,” said Cary Snowden, CEO of BGCSV. “She has an undeniable passion for tackling challenges.”

As a former Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, Angela championed initiatives that enriched our programs, from mental health services to literacy development to enhancing our overall capacity. Her contributions have helped us grow our capacity and reach more young people with the resources they need to succeed.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening Honoring Angela

This year’s gala theme, “Bright Lights. Bright Futures,” is a nod to Angela’s love for New York City, where she once lived, and the countless opportunities she has helped create for our Valley’s youth. We invite you to join us on February 8th, 2025 at our Maxwell Clubhouse for a night that channels the vibrancy of NYC—celebrating Angela and the bright futures of the youth who inspire her.

Each year, the Sweetheart Gala & Auction brings our community together in support of BGCSV’s mission to provide youth and teens with opportunities to learn, discover, and succeed. Our 40th anniversary will feature a black-tie celebration with a dazzling lineup: silent and live auctions, gourmet food and dessert, and an unforgettable after-party with dancing and more. With a history of selling out, it’s an event not to be missed!

Support the Sweetheart Gala & Auction

Sponsorship opportunities for this event are now available, offering a special way to support our programs and honor Angela’s legacy. To become a sponsor, visit bgcsonoma.org/sweetheart or contact Michael Irvine, VP of Development & Marketing, at [email protected] or (707) 938-8544, ext. 104.

Celebrate the power of community and collective strength with us at this year’s Sweetheart Gala & Auction, where we’ll honor Angela Ryan and support a future filled with promise for our youth.

Read our other blog posts here.

Music Education Expands at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley through New Partnership with Music in Place

We’re excited to announce that Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley (BGCSV) is expanding its successful music program in partnership with Music in Place (MIP)! After a fantastic summer introducing members to instruments and key music concepts, we’ll now be offering music education year-round at several of our school-based locations.

This partnership began at our summer camp, where youth explored the fundamentals of rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, and more. The feedback from members and families was so positive that we knew we had to continue this journey throughout the school year.

Why Music?

Music does more than teach new skills—it builds confidence, fosters creativity, and provides a space for self-expression. For many of our members, this program offers a unique opportunity to engage with the arts in a fun, supportive environment.

We saw firsthand how this program positively impacted our members over the summer, boosting their self-esteem and helping them discover new talents. We’re thrilled to continue it year-round. With arts education facing continuous cuts, we remain dedicated to offering high-quality music education during after-school hours.

This program is helping to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community by making music education more accessible. Through consistent, high-quality music instruction for our members, we will ensure that the arts remain a focal part of our youth’s development, nurturing a generation that values creativity and innovation.

Strengthening Our Community Through Music

Aligned with the missions of both BGCSV and MIP, this year-round music program is open to all skill levels, allowing youth to explore and grow at their own pace. From first-time learners to experienced musicians, every member is encouraged to express themselves and build connections with their peers.

Since its launch, this program has been met with enthusiastic participation from our members and the community. Local businesses, like MusicNomad, are also stepping up to help fund this important work. MusicNomad’s generous contribution has funded an entire quarter of the program, ensuring that music education remains accessible to our members.

Get Involved!

We believe that music has the power to transform lives and connect communities. Thanks to the support of individuals and local businesses, we’re making that vision a reality for Sonoma Valley youth.

Interested in supporting this program? Please contact VP of Development & Marketing, Michael Irvine, at [email protected] or 707.938.8544 x 104.

Why Mental Health Matters to Us

At BGCSV, we believe that mental wellness is just as important as physical health. The challenges of the past few years have placed significant stress on our youth, making it more essential than ever to provide them with the support they need to thrive. Our Mental Health program is here to offer that support.

What Our Mental Health Program Offers

Our Mental Health program is designed to be comprehensive and accessible, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to receive the individualized care they need. Here’s a look at what we provide:

• One-on-One Counseling: Members can access personalized one-on-one counseling sessions right at their BGCSV site, whether they’re at one of our school locations or the Maxwell Clubhouse. These sessions are tailored to address the unique challenges each child may be facing.
• Tools for Wellness: We equip our members with the tools to better understand their mental health and manage their emotions. Our program covers essential topics like stress management, coping strategies, and building resilience.
• Accessible Services: We know that transportation can be a barrier to receiving care, which is why our program runs during regular BGCSV afterschool hours. Counseling is available on-site, making it easy for members to access the support they need.
• A Network of Trained Professionals: Our team of trained mental health professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. We partner with counselors from Sonoma Valley Family Therapy. They have extensive experience working with youth and are excited to work with BGCSV.

Get in Touch

We believe that mental health is crucial for fostering well-rounded social and emotional growth. If you think your child could benefit from our program, we encourage you to reach out. Our Director of Mental Health Services, Natalie Goddard, is here to discuss your child’s needs and how we can best support them. You can contact her at [email protected] or 707-779-9935.

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