Geovanny Ragsdale
President/CEO

We are grateful for our generous and caring community of donors.

Your support makes a meaningful difference for almost 3,000 participants, and we thank you!

March Dollars Received: 32,596.00

• Individual & Affiliate Contributions: $6,500
• Foundation Grants: $14,000
• Corporate Giving:  $5,300
  Government Grants: 0
• Special Events:  $6,796



Visit our Ways to Give webpage to view the many opportunities that support our programs, services, and operations.

We appreciate donors who donate online, as it supports our programs more seamlessly.

Consider becoming a volunteer and giving your time and talent to the next generation of leaders at one of our Club locations.

Contact: Kelly Ventimiglia, Chief Philanthropy Officer, k.ventimiglia@bgcwv.org

Martin Cooper’s Fifth Book, The ‘Reel’ Hollywood: The San Fernando

Valley, Published; All Profits Go to the Club

Veteran communications executive and film historian Martin M. Cooper’s fifth book, The ‘Reel’ Hollywood: The San Fernando Valley, was released last month by BearManor Media.

In keeping with his dedication to community service, Cooper has pledged that all profits from the book will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club, where he serves as Chairman Emeritus.

Drawing on decades of firsthand experience in the entertainment industry, Cooper brings a unique and authoritative perspective to the history of motion pictures in the San Fernando Valley—one of the most significant yet often underappreciated centers of film production.



Cooper’s deep ties to the industry and the region uniquely position him to tell this story. Over a distinguished career, he supervised public relations and communications for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, including the Academy Awards, for ten years. He also held management roles at Universal City Studios and The Walt Disney Company.

In addition to his industry leadership, Cooper has contributed to the preservation and understanding of film history. He served as chairman of the UCLA Film &Television Archive and has written a weekly column for the five newspapers of the Valley News Group for the past five years, chronicling the rich motion picture heritage of the San Fernando Valley.

According to Bob Blumenfield, Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 3 (San Fernando Valley), and former member of the California Film Commission: “Martin Cooper’s new book tells the fascinating story of how the San Fernando Valley became the hub of the motion picture industry. It is a story of creative excellence, economic development, and individual achievement.

This is a book of important historical achievement. Martin Cooper’s book reads like fiction, but it’s all fact.”

The ‘Reel’ Hollywood: The San Fernando Valley represents Cooper’s fifth published work and reflects his longstanding commitment to documenting and celebrating the region’s cinematic Impact.

Since 1982, Cooper has operated his own marketing and communications firm in the Valley, further strengthening his connection to the community and its storytelling legacy.

The book is available now on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3NDauas), as well as through other online retailers and local bookstores.

A huge shout-out to 
Martin M. Cooper on the incredible accomplishment of publishing his book! 

We are so grateful for your generosity in dedicating the proceeds to support the BGCWV Cooper Literacy Program. Your commitment to empowering youth through literacy is truly making a difference.

After nearly four years of researching, interviewing, and writing, The ‘Reel’ Hollywood: The San Fernando Valley, the first comprehensive look at the worldwide center of the motion picture industry, is out!

All profits from the book will support Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley. It is available in hard and soft cover from Amazon, all online book sites, and your local bookstore.

Thank you for your heart and continued support of our Literacy program! 

Are you interested in a meaningful opportunity to share your knowledge and time with our club members? Join our volunteer program today!

Volunteers are needed in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, during the school year to support our members!

As we gear up for the summer season, the Club has opportunities for volunteer support throughout the summer. 

For more information, contact us via email at Volunteer@BGCWV.ORG or visit bgcwv.org/volunteer.


If you are interested in a volunteer group project, let us know so we can share special projects needed during other hours of the day.

Help us welcome our new Volunteer Coordinator!


Marissa recently transitioned into the role of Volunteer Coordinator at Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley, where she now serves as the primary point of contact for all volunteer inquiries, onboarding, and engagement opportunities. She began her journey with the Club as a Youth Development Professional at Stanley Mosk Elementary, serving primarily as a coach for TK and Kindergarten students.

Marissa brings a background in student affairs and outreach, along with a strong passion for youth development and community involvement.



Marissa Schaad! 

“I have loved working with Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley and seeing students thrive with the support of their coaches and volunteers. I’m excited to step into this new role and connect with volunteers who are eager to make a difference in our community!”

Our opportunities right now are permanent, Part-time, and Full-time!

• Elementary Youth Development Professionals

All permanent part-time staff receive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual, get paid for our nine approved holidays, and have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) after 90 days with the organization.

Join our team and make a life-long difference in the lives of the youth we serve!

To view the job descriptions and qualifications, visit bgcwv.org/careers

Check out this past month's highlights.

-TK & KINDER-

Spring Camp Trip

Our Spring Camp trip to ONEgeneration was a joyful and enriching experience that brought learning to life beyond the classroom. Students jumped into a lively hula class, exploring rhythm, movement, and cultural storytelling in a fun, interactive way. The room was full of energy as they embraced the experience and confidently tried something new.

The excitement continued with a hands-on art session where creativity took center stage. Students experimented with color and design, creating unique pieces that reflected their individuality and imagination. It was inspiring to see their confidence grow as they expressed themselves through their artwork.

Overall, the trip was a beautiful blend of culture, creativity, and connection. Students left feeling inspired, proud of their creations, and excited about the new experiences they were able to be part of.

-Calabash Elementary-

A Creative March at Calabash

Our site recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in a basketball game in collaboration with BTB, competing against Superior and Andasol at Vista Middle School. It was a high-energy day as our members took the court and represented our program with pride, determination, and heart.

From the opening tip-off, our players showed strong teamwork on both offense and defense, making it a competitive and engaging game for everyone in attendance. Families filled the stands, cheering on our members as they delivered an impressive performance and gave their all on the court.

While we came up just short of the win, the growth, effort, and resilience displayed by our team were undeniable. Each player contributed, gaining valuable experience while building confidence, skills, and sportsmanship along the way.

A special shoutout to our Lead Sports Coach, Coach Lynale (LJ), whose leadership made a lasting impact. His constant encouragement and support kept our players focused, motivated, and united from start to finish.



We are incredibly proud of our members for representing our site with integrity and enthusiasm. We’re excited to continue building skills, strengthening teamwork, and creating more unforgettable moments in future games!

-Gary M. Thomas Clubhouse-

Spring Break

Our Spring Break program provided a fun, engaging, and enriching experience for all youth participants. Throughout the week, members took part in a variety of structured activities designed to keep them active, creative, and socially connected. Each day offered a balanced mix of academic enrichment, hands-on projects, physical activity, and team-building opportunities, all centered around exciting weekly themes.

Programming included STEM challenges, arts and crafts, group games, and themed activities that encouraged creativity and exploration. Staff worked collaboratively to create a safe and supportive environment where youth felt comfortable trying new things, building friendships, and expressing themselves. The use of structured schedules and rotating activity stations ensured consistency while keeping participants engaged throughout the day.

Positive Outcomes & Impact

The Spring Break program led to several positive outcomes for both youth and staff:

• Increased Engagement: Members remained actively involved in daily programming, demonstrating enthusiasm and a willingness to participate in new activities.
• Skill Development: Youth strengthened their teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills through group-based projects and challenges.
• Positive Behavior: With clear expectations and engaging programming, behavior incidents were minimal, and participants showed improved listening and cooperation.
• Stronger Relationships: Members built meaningful connections with peers and staff, fostering a stronger sense of community within the Club.
• Successful Program Implementation: Staff effectively executed planned activities, adapted when needed, and maintained a structured yet flexible environment.

Overall, the Spring Break program was a success, providing youth with a safe, fun, and educational experience while reinforcing the value of consistent, high-quality programming.

Multi Cultural Festival

Our multicultural event at Haynes Elementary School was a vibrant celebration of diversity and student learning. The program featured a lively Hawaiian performance that brought energy to the stage while fostering cultural appreciation among attendees.

Students also showcased their creativity and knowledge through poster presentations, each highlighting a country they researched. These displays included interesting facts, traditions, and visuals, allowing students to share their learning with peers, families, and the broader community.

The event represented a diverse range of countries, including El Salvador, Hawaii, Israel, the Philippines, Canada, and Japan. Attendees enjoyed a variety of cultural foods, such as pupusas, mochi, and pancakes with syrup, adding to the immersive experience.

Overall, the event successfully brought students and families together to celebrate global traditions and cultures, creating an engaging, educational, and meaningful community experience.

Art & Wellness

At Justice Street Elementary, our TK and Kindergarten students marked an exciting milestone this month as they took their cap and gown photos in preparation for their upcoming graduation. It has been truly inspiring to witness how much they have grown throughout the year.

Many students began the year feeling shy or reserved, and now they have blossomed into confident, independent learners who are eager to share their thoughts and ideas. Watching them develop new skills, build friendships, and become more comfortable in the program has been incredibly rewarding.

Their growth, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning have made this year a memorable one for both students and staff. While it is bittersweet to see how quickly time has passed, we are immensely proud of all they have accomplished.



We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with them and remain committed to continuing our positive impact on the next generation of learners.

Triple Play: Basketball

We’re excited to share that basketball activities are in full swing at the Boys & Girls Club in Reseda! Our students are actively participating in fun and engaging drills, learning the fundamentals of the game, and building teamwork skills in a safe and supportive environment.



Basketball provides a great opportunity for youth to stay active while developing confidence and essential life skills such as communication, collaboration, and sportsmanship. Through consistent practice and encouragement, students are growing both on and off the court.

Culture Fair: Fun, Food and Learning!

The Culture Fair was a vibrant and engaging event where students explored and celebrated countries from around the world. Open to all participating members, students researched either their own culture or a country of their choice during Culture Club week. They then created informational boards to showcase their learning, highlighting key facts, traditions, and cultural insights.

Students also played an active role in planning the event by selecting foods to feature and items to share with their peers. With strong participation across the site, the Culture Fair featured a wide variety of cultural displays, food tastings, and student-led presentations.

This event provided a meaningful opportunity for students to learn from one another, experience diverse traditions, and develop a deeper appreciation for cultures around the world.

Art Program: Decoden

In this month's art program, our members had some fun experimenting with some decoden. Tiny charms, fake frosting textures, and layered decorations were some of the ideas the members incorporated into their decoden art pieces.

Healthy Habits

Healthy Habits is a program designed to introduce high school students to easy, fun, and nutritious snack options while promoting overall healthy lifestyle choices. The program serves 16 participants who attend weekly sessions every Tuesday.

Throughout the program, students learn how to prepare simple, healthy recipes through hands-on activities, building practical skills and confidence in making better food choices. Each session focuses on creating snacks aare both nutritious and enjoyable, reinforcing the importance of balanced eating.

What makes this program unique is its emphasis on easy, cost-effective recipes that students can realistically recreate at home, empowering them to maintain healthy habits beyond the program.

Reconnecting Through Play & Play

Laughter, teamwork, and creativity filled the air as the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley hosted its recent “Unplug Day”—an after-school event designed to do something simple yet powerful: encourage students to step away from their phones and reconnect through real-life experiences.

The event began with a fun challenge, inviting students to spend at least 20 minutes playing outdoor games. What started as a requirement quickly turned into an exciting and meaningful experience. Students gathered around oversized Jenga towers, tested their aim in friendly cornhole competitions, and strategized their way through lively games of Connect Four. The atmosphere was filled with energy, laughter, and encouragement.

What stood out most was the level of engagement. Students who might typically be absorbed in their screens were fully present—talking, laughing, and building genuine connections with one another. It was a refreshing reminder of the power of face-to-face interaction.

After game time, students enjoyed a well-earned meal from Jersey Mike's Subs, gathering in small groups to continue conversations sparked during play. Notably, instead of returning to their phones, many students chose to rejoin the games, extending the fun and strengthening their sense of community.

In addition to outdoor activities, the event featured art stations that offered a creative outlet. Students engaged in hands-on projects, designing and creating alongside their peers. These moments of focused creativity provided a balance to the high-energy games and allowed students to express themselves in new ways.

“Unplug Day” was more than just an event—it was a meaningful reminder of the importance of connection, creativity, and presence. By stepping away from screens, students were able to fully engage in the moment, build stronger relationships, and rediscover the joy of simply being together.

By the end of the day, it was clear that “Unplug Day” had achieved its goal and more. Students didn’t just unplug—they reconnected with each other, their creativity, and the value of shared experiences.

Life Skills

This month, we launched a new Life Skills program designed to help members develop practical, everyday skills they can use throughout their lives. The program focuses on fostering independence, problem-solving, and confidence through hands-on activities and guided learning experiences.

During the first session, members learned how to sew a button—an essential skill that many had not tried before. Participants practiced threading needles, tying knots, and securely attaching buttons to fabric, all while supporting and encouraging one another throughout the activity.

The program is open to teen members and introduces a new life skill each session. In the upcoming session, participants will create their own stuffed animals by following a provided template, allowing them to further develop creativity and hands-on skills.

We have transitioned to MyClubHub for our member management system. Are you a parent looking to enroll your child at the Gary M. Thomas Clubhouse or Canoga Park Teen Center for the summer? Click below to register them now. For LAUSD site, please see the site coordinator on site.

Student Art Contest: 
Celebrating Creativity and Expression

During March, we partnered with the Optimist Club to host an Art Contest for our Elementary and High School students. The contest provided participants with an opportunity to showcase their creativity while competing for cash prizes awarded to first, second, and third place winners.

Elementary students explored the theme “Growing Together,” creating artwork that reflected unity, growth, and connection. High School students were challenged with the theme “My Voice Matters,” expressing their perspectives and individuality through thoughtful and inspiring pieces.

All contest submissions were proudly displayed for two weeks at Artfully Made: Artisans Mall, giving students the opportunity to share their work with the broader community. The Award Ceremony was held on April 7th at the same location, where winners were recognized for their outstanding work.

Winning participants received certificates along with cash prizes generously provided by the Optimist Club: $75 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place in both the Elementary and High School categories.

This event highlighted the creativity, talent, and voices of our students, while strengthening community partnerships and celebrating artistic expression.

Students Explore Creativity on Field Trip to Local Artisans Mall

Students recently participated in an educational field trip to Artfully Made: Artisans Mall, where they were immersed in a dynamic environment showcasing a wide range of handmade artwork and artistic styles.

During the visit, students engaged in several hands-on activities, including building 3D puzzles, designing personalized bookmarks, and creating friendship bracelets. These interactive experiences provided opportunities for students to apply creativity while developing fine motor and problem-solving skills.

In addition to participating in activities, students toured the mall and examined various art displays. A key highlight of the trip was viewing the Optimist Club art contest pieces exhibited throughout the space. The display encouraged thoughtful discussions about artistic techniques, styles, and the different ways artists communicate ideas through their work.

The field trip offered a balanced combination of experiential learning and real-world exposure to the arts. It also reinforced the importance of creativity and community engagement, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for artistic expression.

Our Corporate Champion program recognizes businesses that support the Club with a year-long contribution that impacts the lives of more than 2,500 young people. Contact us to become a Corporate Champion today! To learn more, click here.

We would like to thank the Civic Organizations and Foundations who partner with us. Their support provides us with manpower at special events and delivers unique programs to the members at no cost to BGCWV.

Stay Connected!

Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley| www.bgcwv.org |(818) 610-1054

Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit in the City of Los Angeles, the State of California, and the IRS. Our EIN is 95-4419365. To support the work we do in 2023 you can call 818.610.1054 ext. 2001 or give directly at www.bgcwv.org/donate every gift helps to ensure kids and youth have a safe place to reach their full potential.