February Newsletter

Polly Williams, Past Board Chair

Over the past two years, I have been fortunate to work closely with Polly Williams, our outgoing Board Chair. As a former nonprofit CEO and current consultant with deep strategic expertise, Polly began contributing to our planning efforts even before assuming the role of Chair. Her leadership has been instrumental in helping us navigate complex challenges and continue expanding our impact. In 2025 alone, we achieved significant progress, including: an increase of 283 Club members compared to 2024; the launch of a new Guajome Charter ELO-P site; recognition from the San Diego County Office of Education for our outstanding ELO-P program at Bella Mente; the onboarding of 712 volunteers; $708,934 in in-kind support; and breaking ground on our new sports complex. Although Polly’s term as Board Chair has concluded, we are grateful that she will continue to help us create a new strategic plan to support future growth.

I am also pleased to welcome Rachel Beld as our incoming Board Chair. As CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, Rachel brings invaluable experience in business leadership and government relations—expertise that will help strengthen our organizational reach and partnerships.

As we look ahead, community support remains essential. Our annual Diamond Gala on March 7 at the Westin is our largest fundraising event of the year. Its importance cannot be overstated: 73% of our Club members rely on financial assistance to participate in our after-school, day camp, and sports programs. Your attendance, sponsorship, or volunteer participation directly supports the youth and families who depend on us most.

Matt Koumaras

President & CEO

We are thrilled to announce Rachel Beld as our new Board Chair!

As the CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce and a proud Vista resident, Rachel brings powerful experience in business leadership, government relations, and workforce education—expertise that will elevate our reach, strengthen community partnerships, and help us open even more doors for local youth.

Rachel also knows our impact firsthand as a Club parent who has seen how our programs support kids and bring peace of mind to working families. Her passion for youth, community, and collaboration makes her the perfect leader to help guide us into an exciting year ahead.

Please join us in giving Rachel a warm welcome—we can’t wait to achieve even more for our youth in 2026! 

Join Us For An Unforgettable Night of Impact!

Be the Spark of Change at the 16th Annual Diamond Gala: Masquerade Ball Help Us Empower Youth and Strengthen Families.

We are proud to be honoring Jim Minarik and Forte for Children as the

2026 Great Futures Corporate Philanthropy Award Recipient! We will celebrate their unwavering commitment, passionate advocacy, and extraordinary generosity — impacting countless young lives in our community.

✨ Don’t Wait — Secure Your Tickets Today and

Be the Change Our Youth Deserve

Interested in supporting this year's gala?

Contact Gladys Talavera, Development Coordinator at

Gladys@bgcvista.com or 760-295-4731

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Nicole Ketcher, Vice President of Development at Nicole@bgcvista.com or 760-295-5967

Your contribution helps raise critical funds that directly support the youth we serve through the Boys & Girls Club of Vista.

Interested in donating or learning more about the event?

Email Gladys Talavera, Development Coordinator at Gladys@bgcvista.com to get involved.

Together, we can create an unforgettable evening and Unmask Great Futures together.

Behind the Blue Door

👏 Rogelio Garcia - Staff of the Year

Join our FREE youth sports program for students in kindergarten through 8th grade! Participants will enjoy a fun, supportive environment while learning new skills and building confidence. Sports rotate every 6 weeks, giving kids the chance to try a variety of activities throughout the year. This program emphasizes fun, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy movement in a positive environment—no prior experience required!

The program is Monday through Friday from 4:00pm-6:00pm.

We are incredibly grateful to our valued partner Panda Cares for their generous support of this year’s Youth of the Year celebration. Their commitment to uplifting young people shone brightly as they donated delicious meals for 120 attendees, helping make the evening feel warm, festive, and truly memorable.

Thank you, Panda Cares, for fueling both body and spirit as we honored the outstanding achievements of our youth. Your kindness continues to make a meaningful difference in our community!

We are deeply grateful to the SAHM Family Foundation for their generous support of outdoor education opportunities for youth. Their investment & commitment to give kids meaningful opportunities to explore & appreciate nature, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills beyond the classroom. These experiences foster curiosity, resilience, and a stronger connection to the environment. The positive effect strengthens families, schools, and the entire community. Thank you, SAHM Family Foundation, for investing in Vista's youth.

Fun times with our friends from the Fallbrook Volleyball Club! This was a great tune-up for our Stars as they begin their Winter season this weekend at VolleyFest down in San Diego.

Follow us on social media & catch all the highlights!