The Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem held its annual Steak and Burger Dinner at the Wind Creek Bethlehem Hotel Oct. 18, with about 280 sponsors, supporters, Boys and Girls Club members and club staff in attendance.

At the event emceed by Channel 69 news anchor Melanie Falcon, attendees enjoyed dinner, a ‘rock-paper-scissors’ competition, and a raffle, as many in the community supported the youth-based organization at one of its two largest annual fundraisers. “This is where kids can be adults and adults can be kids,” said Falcon.

Club CEO Winston Alozie noted the club’s 94-year history in Bethlehem. “Thank you for being here and making the club possible,” said Alozie.

He also expressed his gratitude, which included a moment of reflection, for two long time B&G Club supporters, Gary Martell and Tom Donchez, who both passed away earlier in 2024. Martell had worked at the club for 42 years and had been CEO for decades. Donchez had been a member as a kid and had been a supporter for many years.

The event also gives some club members a chance to participate as part of the program. Club member Kendall Medina sang the Star Spangled Banner; member Araya Gregory gave the dinner blessing; 2024 Youth of the Year Bryan Garza shared the dais by announcing sponsors; and Nate Hernandez provided a testimonial concerning the importance of the B&G Club in his life.

Community leader and project coordinator Donna Taggert received the club’s 2024 Service to Youth Award. “If we all work together we can make a difference for these kids,” said Taggart, who noted, “we need to give this generation everything they need to be successful.”

Major sponsors were Tom and Karin Hall, Community Bank, Just Born Quality Confections, United Federal Credit Union, Crayola, Dylan Stroup, Trans-Bridge Lines and Wind Creek Bethlehem.