Field of Dreams Scores a Homerun at the 66ers Stadium

It takes a village to raise a child, and the community of San Bernardino came together to prove this adage not only true but vital to the growth of our youth. Not long ago, the Field of Dreams Event was held as both volunteers and supporters flooded the gates of the San Manuel 66ers Stadium. The night was filled with music, laughter and fun as the attendees experienced the joys of supporting Boys & Girls Clubs and celebrating the YOY ambassadors. Two of the Youth of the Year Ambassadors were excited to discuss the night's events. Makayla Pennix, a first-time Ambassador, smiled from ear to ear as she said, “I’m looking forward to my speech and my dance and just having fun.” Having fun was definitely on the agenda of things to do. Celebrating and supporting kids was also on that list as Miguel Fernandez offered these words, “I am excited to be giving my speech and to show how this program has helped me.” As the crowds came in the first stop of the night was a photo booth, where guests could dress up and pose with family and friends for some great photo taking fun. The photo booth was donated by One Touch Photo Booth and guests received their fun memories as a take away from the event. After the photo booth guests made their way into the silent auction section area where over 30 baskets filled with goodies for men, women and children, who could place bids on any one basket or a number of baskets for a chance to win the great items inside. One family was asked what they thought about the contents of the baskets and they said the contents were amazing. The bids placed for each basket would be used to further the programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs that impact its members every day, such as the Youth of the Year Program. After guests had their fill of the baskets they proceeded to the field, right on the infield diamond, where tables and a buffet were set up for the second part of the evening. Seating for the event was on home plate, decorated with blue and red tables where guests could sit and enjoy a dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, a true delight for any baseball fan. At 7 pm with guest having a plate of delicious food, it was time to celebrate the youth of the Boys & Girls Clubs. The National Anthem kicked off the event with Youth Ambassadors Chyna, Shane and Kamryn as they sang a nice rendition of the traditional song. Following the solo, guests were treated to speeches by each of the Youth ambassadors as they mentioned what the program has done for them and how Boys & Girls Clubs has changed their lives. Youth of the year Winner Miguel, expressed to guests that he was a bowl of ice cream and the Boys and Girls Clubs helped him get all the ingredients he needed to be a banana split. Guests were also treated to performances by the teens of the club as they sang and danced their way into the hearts of the community. The younger members of the club also received a chance to shine, as they sang their own song about being a proud member of Boys & Girls Clubs. Boys & Girls Clubs Chief Executive Officer PT. McEwen gave honors and accolades to supporters and donors of the Boys & Girls Club like the Rochford Foundation, the presenting sponsor for the event. After speeches and applause were concluded, guests were treated to one final bang of a surprise. Guests had the chance witness an elaborate firework show prepared by Fireworks America; this was a great way to end an amazing night. Once the booms of the lights ended, guests exited the field where they approached the silent auction area to claim their spoils from the bidding war and bid farewells to the real stars of the show, the Youths of the Year winners. Congratulations again to Miguel, Chyna, Makayla and Alexus.