The Santa Clarita Valley is home to dozens of major nonprofits; however, in the face of social distancing requirements and the “Safer at Home” order, many have been forced to cancel or reschedule major fundraising events.

Near the beginning of April, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley announced the cancellation of their 49th Annual Benefit Auction, Galactic Gala, scheduled for Saturday, June 6.

Although the administrators feel that this was ultimately a wise decision in order to best support public health, the decision still has devastating consequences, officials said.

As one of the club’s largest fundraisers, administrators have estimated that they can expect a loss of $220,000, potentially leaving the club unable to provide basic out-of-school resources to Santa Clarita youth.

“The club has been a second home for tens of thousands of young people in Santa Clarita since 1968 and is going to be a critical program in helping the community get back on its feet. Like everyone, we do not know exactly when we will re-open our doors,” said CEO Matt Nelson in a video.

According to Nelson, staff have been keeping in contact with children at home through phone calls, social media, online meetings and even letter writing.

“We want our club kids and teens to know they are not alone, that we are here for them, and can’t wait to see them in person again. Also, we know that when we do re-open, our kids are going to need some sense of normalcy, a space to reconnect with other kids, and caring adults to talk to so we are training our staff and planning programs to help our kids cope,” said Nelson. “They’ve been through so much this school year already. They need us more than ever.”

The Boys & Girls Club is far from the only organization whose fundraising was impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Santa Clarita Valley.

According to Pam Ingram, president of Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, the fundraising event, “The Wine Affair,” was originally meant to take place on March 29.

The event has been rescheduled multiple times since the “Safer at Home” order was put in place, with the latest date being May 17, a date that is beginning to look unlikely, according to Ingram.

A popular fundraising event, proceeds go toward improving the lives of women and girls in the community through supporting other nonprofits and local activism.

According to Ingram, their sponsors have been gracious enough to allow Soropotimist to keep the funds that have already been donated for the event, allowing them to continue supporting the community.

“Our plan is to put it on hold; we plan to look to the governor. At the moment we are looking to postpone to later in the summer… perhaps a block party with fewer people,” said Ingram.

As her presidential year ends in June, Ingram noted that many of the decisions for the coming fall and winter seasons, normally a very busy time for nonprofits in the Santa Clarita Valley, are still in question.

“Everything is kind of up in the air until the governor decides to open up. I don’t know how long it is going to take to get things going again,” she said.

Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley still plans to support other nonprofits as best they can during the crisis, according to Ingram.

Several of the new dates for major Santa Clarita fundraising events can be read below.

• Circle of Hope – Vine 2 Wine – Aug. 15
• Carousel Ranch – Heart of the West – Aug. 29
• Project Sebastian’s Battens Warrior 5K Run – Sept. 12
• WiSH Foundation – Cocktails on the Roof – Sept. 11
• Soroptimist of Valencia – Bras for a Cause – Sept. 12
• WiSH SCV Music Festival – Sept. 26
• Michael Hoefflin Foundation Evening Under the Stars – Oct. 3
• Circle of Hope – Afternoon Tea – Oct. 3
• Santa Clarita Oktoberfest – Oct. 16,17,18
• VIA Bash – Oct. 24
• SCV Charity Chili Cook-Off – Feed SCV/WiSH Foundation – Oct. 29
• Sunset in the Vineyard – Nov. 1
• Boys & Girl’s Club of Santa Clarita – Festival of Trees – Nov. 20-22

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