Moorpark Boys & Girls Club event ‘biggest year ever’

Moorpark Boys & Girls Club event ‘biggest year ever’

The Boys & Girls Club gala, "All That Jazz," proved all that profitable last Saturday night at the Moorpark Country Club.

Nearly 300 attendees raised an estimated $80,000 for the youth organization.

"It’s our biggest year ever," said Mike Wesner, event chairman and emcee. "The extra money means we can hire more staff for our new technology center."

Greeted by young club members, guests filled every seat in the house. Top hats brimming with roses and music sheets from Bob Fosse’s musical adorned the tables. Candy musical instruments served as party favors.

Supporters dined on salmon and prime rib and were entertained by vocalist Heidi Allyce. The singer is employed by Cardservice International, the title sponsor of the event.

Tyler Randall, 16, spoke about the impact that the Boys & Girls Club has had on him and his sister for the past seven years.

The Moorpark High School Jazz Band under the baton of Bob Hackett and a 27-member choral group under the direction of Ray Hebel performed for the crowd.

For dessert, chocolate grand pianos filled with berries and vanilla mousse struck the sweetest note of the evening.

Attorney Bob Coughlon conducted the live auction, where a 1969 Chevrolet Caprice classic went to Erin Angel for $3,250.

Wesner, a past president of the Boys & Girls Club, praised his 14-member volunteer committee for the success of the event.

"Our subcommittees were more defined this year," Wesner said. "We had the right people in the right jobs."

–Saria Kraft