Fraudville sets new fundraising record

On Saturday, Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County held Fraudville, its primary fundraising event of the year, at Three Rivers Casino Resort. The event consists primarily of a lip sync contest, copious amounts of food of all types and both a silent and live auction. This is the seventh year of the highly popular event.
   
Lip sync competitors are from local businesses and organizations that want to support the Boys and Girls Club and have some fun at the same time. Their performances are judged by a panel of "celebrity" judges who determine the best act, which this year was returning winner Hal's Electric.
   
Boys and Girls Director Chuck Trent said the large turnout for Fraudville is indicative of the caring nature of the Florence community .
   
"From the board's perspective, you can't imagine the joy we felt to see the community stand alongside us to make sure every child in this community has the opportunity to have a great future. No word could ever express how grateful we are," Trent said. "You give so graciously."
   
Last year raised $26,784 for the club.
   
"This year it looks like we will be right around $35,225 , plus a $35,000 matching grant from John and Patricia Hardison, which puts the total at $70,225. So we raised almost $9,000 more this year, plus the Hardison's matching donation," Trent said.
   
It is a new record for the club. Trent also said the crowd was the largest to date.
   
"We didn't count the attendees but it was by far the biggest crowd we have ever had. Folks just kept coming and coming and coming. No one left till the end of the event," he said.
  
 According to Trent, the money raised at Fraudville will be put to good use right here in Florence.
   
"2017 looks to be a wonderful year. We will be doubling the Teen Center floor space within the next couple of months. Last week we had 53 teens at the Teen Center," Trent said. "Every one of the teens that attends at least two times a week is on track to graduate on time. Our goal for on time graduation rate is 100 percent."
   
Trent said he and the entire Boys and Girls Club wanted to be sure that the community is aware of the positive difference it makes for area young people.
   
"It is only through people like you that we can turn a goal like this into reality. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!" Trent said.
   
For more information on Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County, visit www.bgcwlc.org.