Westlake Village, CA – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) will recognize long-time supporters of BGCGCV, Cal Johnston and his wife Marje Johnston, as Honorees during the 17th Annual “Stand Up for Kids Gala Dinner & Auction” on Saturday, September 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.
The annual Gala, themed BELIEVE, will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will showcase BGCGCV’s programs and services, while also recognizing its outstanding supporters. Guests will be invited to participate in an interactive exhibit and experiential journey into BGCGCV Clubhouses while also enjoying a gourmet dinner, youth and professional performances, silent auction and live auction.
Honoree Cal Johnston founded the BGCGCV in 2001 with a goal to provide access for all youth and to build full Clubhouse facilities on middle school campuses. He envisioned starting six clubs in the Conejo area, and his continued leadership has enabled BGCGCV to surpass this vision providing nine Club sites and serving over 4,000 youth every year across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. In early 2019, construction of the latest Clubhouse facility in the Conejo area was finalized.
Johnston’s early beginnings made an impact on his desire to help others. Growing up in an orphanage, he learned the importance of providing a safe place for youth. He credits the support he received in his early years that helped him to succeed in life. He is a graduate of the University of California and served as First Lieutenant in the Air Force. Later, he became a real estate development investor and started a successful business. In 1998, he was introduced to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, serving as Regional Trustee between 1998 and 2017. During this time, he traveled across the country, visiting various clubs and observing the different ways each organization delivered programming to youth and families. He observed how many clubs were isolated from schools, making it difficult for children to attend, which helped him craft a vision for BGCGCV.
Cal Johnston’s wife, Marje has supported BGCGCV throughout the years, serving on the Program Committee and leading efforts to ensure that all youth, regardless of family income, had the opportunity to access high-quality club programs.
“The BGCGCV family and community could not be more excited to honor the vision and resilience of the Johnston Family at our main fundraiser of the year,” stated Dr. Crystal Nāone, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. “The Johnston’s are an inspirational to all of us,” she added.
The annual Gala helps to support over 4,200 youth in LA and Ventura county, providing programs during school, summer, and breaks. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, call the Boys & Girls Clubs at 818-706-0905 or visit the website at www.bgcconejo.org.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley are open before and after school, during lunch, throughout the summer for camp programs and all-day during school vacations. Tour of Clubs are available upon request. For more information about supervised youth programs, to donate, volunteer, or register online, please log onto www.bgcconejo.org or call 818-706-0905.
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