A New Year of Possibilities

Happy New Year!

As we step into the new year, I want to thank you for your support of our Club. Because of generous community members like you, we increased our enrollment in 2025 and were able to welcome more Club members through our doors than ever before.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to be entering the final stages of our capital campaign and campus expansion. This next chapter will allow us to serve even more children and families right here in Transylvania County for years to come.

Thank you for believing in our kids and our community. We are grateful to have you alongside us as we continue building a bright future together.

With gratitude,

Jamie Atkinson, CEO

Laresa Griffin joined our Club in December as Director of Resource Development, following Karen Phillips, who held this role since 2022. She joins Caitlin Coffey and Gina Malefyt as a part of our small AND mighty Resource Development team.

Laresa is thrilled to be a part of our Club, bringing 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising. “I am honored to be a part of this professional and caring staff. I look forward to cultivating strong relationships with our donors and helping them discover impactful ways their commitment to youth development advances our mission.”

Laresa lives in Horse Shoe with her husband, Robert. They have one (human) daughter, Haley and a cast of critters, too: Petey Pup, Raggedy Andy, Lucy, Ethel, Percy, and Elmo. In her free time, Laresa enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, watching and playing sports, (GO HEELS!) and catching a great sunset wherever she can.

This favorite annual event is brought to us for a 5th year by Joe & Nancy DePippo with 100% of proceeds coming to our Club.

Pickup from 10am until 12pm on Saturday, February 14th at Brevard College.

3 Ways to Support this Fundraiser:

1. Purchase a Spezio Lasagna To-Go dinner to pick up and take home!

2. Donate a dinner box! Donated boxes will be divided between local food pantries and staff families.

3. Make a donation to help us cover production costs!

These boxes sell out every year, so be sure to reserve yours ASAP!

A message from our Health & Wellness Director, Tyler Miranda (pictured right):

"2026 is off to a great start at the Club! We wrapped up 2025 with our Healthy Habits program, where members learned and practiced the skills, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

As we begin the new year, we’ve launched our SMART Moves program, continuing our focus on healthy living by further strengthening decision-making skills and positive attitudes.

In addition, Triple Play, our year-round sports and recreation program, provides members with an outlet to express themselves through healthy sport, competition, and performance.

There’s been no shortage of fun, growth, and positive energy as we kick off the new year here at the Club!"

May 11th: 3rd Annual Dr. Bob Graham Golf Tournament

June 6th: Bent River Farm Benefit Dinner

September 11th & 12th: 20th Annual Mountain Song Festival

December 1st: GivingTuesday

As we move into 2026, if you would like a consolidated list of your donations from 2025, please reach out to Caitlin Coffey at ccoffey@bgctranyslvania.org.