The Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama (BGCEASTAL) will host its 36th annual Great Futures Gala at the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center on May 7. The ticketed event will act as an opportunity for the Auburn community to learn about the organization's mission and provide a chance to support its goals of raising up Alabama's future leaders.
BGCEASTAL is one of over 5,000 local Clubs affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, a nationwide, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers afterschool and summer programs for school-aged children.
“We’re trying to provide programs that develop young people and help them be the best versions of themselves," said AJ Harris, interim president and CEO of BGCEASTAL. "We call ourselves ‘The Safe Place,' so we want it to be a place where kids feel free to be themselves.”
The proceeds from the event will help to provide resources for children from ages six to 18 in Alabama’s communities, including transportation, sports programs and education. BGCEASTAL's main objective is to make sure that every child in Alabama has the same opportunities to grow and reach their true potential.
The Clubs also show children how to create art of their own. The Gala itself will exhibit a few of the 3D printers owned by the organization that are used to teach younger students how to design their own projects and art pieces.
Many youths from the Clubs will be present at the Gala to offer firsthand accounts of the Clubs' impact and the importance of the various programs it holds throughout East Alabama.
After the listening to speakers, guests will have the opportunity to talk with various members of BGCEASTAL face-to-face, including Harris.
In support of BGCEASTAL and their programs, guests can purchase items made by local children at the event, including hand-made candles with specific fragrances and waxes picked out by the children.
Additionally, many local restaurants and eateries from across the local Auburn area have decided to pitch in, providing food and drinks for the event.
“I think it’s truly just a group effort," said Jennifer Babl, director of development. "A community effort of a group of people coming together to celebrate these young people that are so inspiring to the community."
Babl said that all are welcome at the Gala, even if only to learn more about the organization itself, its goals and its hopes for the culture of East Alabama.
“It is a Gala, but it’s not necessarily a formal black-tie event. It’s an opportunity to come and be a part of something great,” Babl said.
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities or purchasing tickets can find more information here.
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Foster Mayhall, a freshman currently undeclared in engineering, is from Dothan, Alabama. He has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the spring of 2026.
