The Club Connection | October 2026

Mahalo for Supporting Our Annual Luau!

Our annual Luau fundraiser, held on September 12, was a wonderful evening of fun, generosity, and community support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland! The event brought together friends, supporters, and community partners who share our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of local youth.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, and volunteered to make this year's event a success. Fundraising events like the Luau play an important role in supporting our mission and helping us provide a safe, positive environment where young people can learn, grow, build meaningful relationships, and discover their full potential.

The generosity of our Siouxland community allows us to continue offering meaningful programs, academic support, healthy meals and snacks, and opportunities that help Club members develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Every contribution, large or small, helps us make a lasting impact on the youth and families we serve.

Mahalo—Hawaiian for thank you—to everyone who helped make this year's Luau a memorable evening. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated community of supporters who believe in our mission and the young people we serve.

Save the Date! Next year's Luau will take place on Friday, November 12, 2027. We look forward to another wonderful evening of celebration, generosity, and support for Siouxland youth!

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A Message from Our New CEO

Growing up in Sioux City, I've always appreciated what makes this community special—people who care about one another and are willing to make a difference. That's exactly what I've experienced since joining Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland in July. It's a privilege to lead an organization that has been helping young people learn, grow, and succeed for nearly 60 years.

One of the highlights of my first few months has been seeing the energy in our Clubs, getting to know our members and staff, and witnessing the impact we make every day.

I'm excited to launch this monthly newsletter to give you a glimpse inside our Clubs, celebrate our successes, and share the stories that make our mission so meaningful.

Thank you for being part of our Club family. I look forward to keeping you connected to the great things happening here!

Mark Petty

Chief Executive Officer

Celebrating Our Members of the Month!

Each month, Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland recognizes outstanding members from both our Marshall Clubhouse and Teen Center. These awards celebrate members who demonstrate positive attitudes, active participation, leadership, and a commitment to making the Club a great place for everyone.

Marshall Members of the Month:

Aranza
Mateo

Teen Center – Member Recognitions:

Kruse Ellington – Most Valuable Participant
Marggarita Rivera – Most Valuable Participant
Atreyu Shaw – Most Valuable Gamer

Congratulations to all five of our honorees! We are proud of the positive contributions they make to our Clubs and the example they set for their fellow members. Keep up the great work!

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Torch Club: Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland, we're helping develop the next generation of leaders through Torch Club, a program that empowers 4th and 5th grade members to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and make a difference in their community.

Through hands-on service projects, fundraising activities, and leadership opportunities, members learn the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and giving back. They also have opportunities to run for elected positions, deliver campaign speeches, and help guide Club activities.

Last school year, Torch Club members partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Siouxland, preparing lunches and snacks for families facing medical challenges. This experience helped members better understand the needs of others and the importance of serving their community.

This year, members will elect new officers and explore different ways to give back through direct service, indirect service, research, and advocacy. They'll work together to identify projects that make a meaningful impact at the Club and throughout Siouxland.

Torch Club is about more than developing leaders. It's about inspiring young people to recognize their potential, help others, and become responsible, caring citizens.

Board Member Spotlight: Mark Stuck

For more than 20 years, Mark Stuck has been a dedicated member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland Board of Directors, generously sharing his time, expertise, and passion for helping local youth.

Mark recently retired from Baird after a 40-year career in financial services. Throughout his board tenure, he has supported Club programming and worked directly with members, while more recently focusing on financial oversight and the Club's investment portfolios.

One of Mark's most memorable experiences came in 2022 when he received Baird's Brenton H. Rupple Citizenship Award for Excellence in Community Service. During the ceremony, a Club member named Ernesto shared with more than 7,000 attendees how the Club had changed the direction of his life. For Mark, moments like these reinforce the importance of serving.

"The Club is critical for our kids at risk in our community," Mark shared. "The Club is a safe place for kids who otherwise would be home alone after school and during the summer."

Mark and his wife, Lori, have called Sioux City home for 52 years. They have three sons, three daughters-in-law, and nine grandchildren. In retirement, Mark enjoys golfing, cycling, and spending time fishing in Minnesota, Iowa, and Florida.

We are grateful for Mark's more than two decades of leadership and commitment to the youth of Siouxland!

Meet Selena Rodriguez, Teen Program Coordinator

For Selena Rodriguez, working at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland is more than a job. It's a chance to make a difference in the lives of young people while rediscovering the joy of being a kid herself.

Selena first joined the Club in 2018 as a part-time Youth Development Professional at the Marshall site. After briefly pursuing other career opportunities, she returned in July 2023 as Teen Program Director.

"My favorite part is that I get to be a kid again," Selena shares. "Every day at work is a reminder that you're never 'too old' to play."

Selena is passionate about helping teens navigate important years of growth and self-discovery. Watching members gain confidence and discover their potential is what makes her work especially rewarding.

Outside the Club, Selena has a creative side. She enjoys painting, working with clay, and music. She's even painted a mural for Sioux City's Alley Art Festival! A lifelong musician, Selena plays piano and percussion and enjoys singing.

She's also an animal lover with four cats: Mr. Kitty, Little Brother, Merry, and Pippin. The last two started as foster kittens but quickly became permanent family members.

One fun fact? Selena once rescued a mouse from a sticky trap and briefly attempted to make it the Teen Center's pet. After an unexpected escape from its cage, the mouse was safely recaptured and released outdoors!

Selena's creativity, compassion, and enthusiasm for young people make her a valued member of our Club team.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

October

20: Board of Directors Meeting

21: Guest Bartender, Eddie's Tavern 6-8 PM

22: Family Night & Lights On After School Event

28: Guest Bartender, Eddie's Tavern 6-8 PM

29-30: Club Hours 7:30 AM-5:30 PM

November

3: Clubs Closed for Staff Training

17: Board of Directors Meeting

24: Club Thanksgiving at 5:30 PM

25: Clubs Close at 5:30 PM

26-27: Clubs Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

Our mission is "To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens."