On May 4, the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley brought the vibrant spirit and atmosphere of the Kentucky Derby to its 29th annual gala event, which honored the nonprofit organization Leadership Burbank, Mary Alvord and Sue Georgino at Lakeside Golf Club.
Wearing their finest fascinators, seersucker suits and bow ties, guests enjoyed delicious Southern cuisine and refreshments at a hosted bar, took part in live and silent auctions, and enjoyed beautiful performances from performing arts members and deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The event even featured its very own mint julep bar.
“We ‘Ran for the Roses’ during this year’s Kentucky Derby–themed event,” the nonprofit’s CEO, Shanna Warren, says. “We had over 400 guests in attendance — the event was beautiful and everyone had a terrific time. We were also pleased to have Lynette Romero, an award-winning journalist and anchor with NBC 4, return as our master of ceremonies.”
The proceeds from this year’s event, which benefit children ages 5–18, went toward supporting the nonprofit’s after-school enrichment program, services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, creative arts, athletics and more. “We do events like the gala so no child is ever turned away for an inability to pay,” Warren says.
