The Future of Oakland’s Greatness Celebrated at BGCO’s Salute To Youth Fundraiser
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland community-inspired fundraiser to support youth care and success programs in our community
OAKLAND, Calif. (April 20, 2026) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland (BGCO) will host its annual Salute to Youth and live bidder showcase on Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Bloc 15. This signature event is an immersive experience designed to showcase the talents and voices of BGCO youth and honor the investment of the Oakland community.
The Salute to Youth live bidder showcase aims to raise the necessary funding to sustain BGCO’s programs and services, free to members, to empower young people across Oakland during the year. The desirable bid items for this year’s fundraiser include exclusive high-end ticketed experiences to Golden State Warriors, Golden State Valkyries, and Oakland Roots & Soul games, and signed artwork from Pixar Animation Studios, and two-night stays at Claremont Resort & Club, Hotel San Luis Obispo, and Silverado Resort. All proceeds will directly benefit the young people served by BGCO’s critical academic support and college readiness programs, the newly opened Free Dental Clinic and Music Studio, and initiatives to begin a mental health program to cultivate leadership and confidence in the next generation of Oakland leaders.
Guests will have the opportunity to spend a special evening of entertainment and networking with Oakland’s present and future leaders, accompanied by celebrity comedian Amy Ashton as the MC, live music by Edgardo & Candela, and Oakland’s own Michelle Mijung Kim and Dr. Akilah Cadet in conversation.
“I’m incredibly proud to highlight the life-changing impact our programs have on young people. These vital services depend on meaningful investment from our community to continue empowering the next generation.”
Student of the Year
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program recognizes exceptional youth who have made significant contributions to their family, school, community, and local club. Kateryne Narvaez-Cruz, BGCO’s 2026 Youth of the Year, is a beloved member of the Anna Marie Whalen Clubhouse and a student at the College of Alameda, studying political science. As the front desk clerk of her club, Kat opens the door of the clubhouse every day to hundreds of Oakland youth with a smile on her face. Her desire is to become a positive role model for Oakland youth.
Supporters will hear updates of this year’s progress in addition to an exciting announcement about BGCO’s future plans to expand its impact in Oakland.
“With all that is happening in America, our youth, especially Oakland youth, are a reminder of joy and the good of humanity. It’s our time to return the joy they give us.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland’s Annual Fundraiser: Salute to Youth
- When:
- Thursday, April 23, 6–10 p.m.
- Where:
- Bloc 15, 252 2nd Street, Oakland, California 94607
- What:
- Formal dinner, live bidder showcase, memorable sports entertainment experiences with the Valkyries, Warriors, and Roots, live music, community leader remarks, and celebration of BGCO Student of the Year.
- Special Guests:
- Michelle Mijung Kim, activist, author of The Wake Up, and host of I Feel That Way Too, an award-winning podcast, will be interviewed by fellow activist Dr. Akilah Cadet, author of White Supremacy Is All Around and host of the Humane Rights podcast.
- Who:
- Tickets open to supporters, community members, and media are welcome with registration.
- Tickets & Registration:
- Please visit the event page. All attendees must register for kid safety.
- Media Access:
- Media interviews and event access available.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland serves thousands of young people each year with after-school and summer programs focused on academic success, leadership, healthy lifestyles, and good character.