Boys & Girls Club Gala raises over $205,827 for kids in the Bemidji Area
BEMIDJI – The Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area hosted its 19th annual Gala on Friday, Feb. 14, at the SouthShore Hotel on Lake Bemidji, raising an astounding $205,827.
The theme was “An Enchanted Evening Empowering Youth,” and over 200 community members attended the event. The money raised supports the Club’s year-round programming for over 400 kids at the organization’s sites in Bemidji and Blackduck.
“It was an incredible evening, our guests absolutely showed their love for our Club kids,” said Andrea Kent, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area. “They truly believe in making a difference to children and teens right here in our community.”
During the event, Karl Mork, the Club’s vice president of business operations, was honored with the Sue Engel Spirit of the Mission Award for his dedication to the Club. Mork has been with the Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area since it was founded in 2003.
The event was emceed by Kevin Jackson, of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, and the live auction was conducted by Tammy Tisland. The Club’s 2025 Youth of the Year, Olivia Glander, was the featured speaker.
In the past two years, the Club has grown to include three sites: the Clubhouse in Bemidji, a school-based site at J.W. Smith Elementary, and a new Blackduck Branch that opened in September 2024.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love for our kids and mission. Thank you to everyone who sponsored the event, attended and donated,” Kent said, “Your support gives kids the resources they need to reach their full potentials.”
Photo credit @lainiehillerphotography