Pay it forward and have fun this Saturday

If you like to eat, smile, chat and take care of your Christmas shopping in September, the opportunity goes hand-in-hand with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada's "World's Greatest Barbecue" Saturday.

Held at the Pony Express Pavilion at Mills Park, the event is the club's most significant annual fundraiser. The pavilion fills with smiles and laughter and is an impressive show of support for our community's youth.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America is the largest and fastest-growing youth development organization in America. The organization reaches more than one million teens each year through its vast network of 4,300 clubs across the country. According to its national Web site, nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of club alumni said the club helped them become more committed to their education, and 45 percent said the club helped them graduate from high school.

Many people want to help others but rarely get asked to do so. Carson City's Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada is giving all of us an opportunity to make a difference this Saturday. Attendance at the event not only builds the club's annual operational budget, but it also shares its impressive story of service and member highlights from one year to the next.

Understanding how the club supports our community affirms the value of steadfast commitment to the youth of Carson City - after all, 24.5 percent of the residents of Carson City are 20 or younger according to the state demographer.

BGCWN's leaders are ambitious for the cause, the organization, the work and are fiercely resolved to advancing their mission. The recent opening of Carson City's new club, 1870 Russell Way, is evidence of that. If you haven't checked out their new facility, do so.

The simple concept of intersecting what these volunteers do best in the world (in this case, hosting the world's greatest barbecue) and what they are most passionate about (a positive place for kids) drives this important fundraiser. Tickets are $75, $100 and $250 and are available by calling 775-882-8820.

• Tammy Westergard is deputy manager of the Carson City Office of Business Development. Send questions and feedback to twestergard@ci.carsoncity.nv.us.