Fifteen years ago, Victor Marinelli was walking near his home in East Salinas and noticed a construction site on Maryal Drive.
Curious, he asked what was being built. Marinelli learned the site would become the Salinas Clubhouse for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC). Excited by the idea, Victor became the first member to sign up at the Salinas Club. He’s now Vice Principal of Monterey Park Elementary School and was named the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Co-Administrator of the Year in 2018.
The Salinas Clubhouse opened to the public 15 years ago this month thanks to the community’s support of a $12.5 million campaign. BGCMC’s President and CEO Ron Johnson, who oversaw construction of the Salinas facility in 2003, was one of the people who gave Marinelli a tour of the construction site those many years ago.
BGCMC will celebrate the anniversary on Thursday, September 27, at the Salinas Clubhouse from 4-5:30 p.m. The facility, also known as the Harden Youth Development Center, is located at 85 Maryal Drive in Salinas. The event is free to the public.
Highlights for the celebration will include Club tours, a birthday party, the unveiling of a new donor wall honoring those who helped make the Salinas Clubhouse a reality, and “flipping the switch” to the Clubs’ new solar power system.
Attendees are asked to RSVP at bgcmc.org/salinasbirthday. For more information contact Jane Jones at jjones@bgcmc.org or call (831) 394-5171 ext. 235.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has played an integral role in the community for over 50 years. BGCMC operates Clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas, providing a safe haven for over 600 children and teens a day with programs that focus on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Leadership. Club members are offered mentoring and guidance to maintain on-grade school progression, graduate from high school, and prepare for college and careers. Nearly 90% of the total budget comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during summer and school breaks, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session. Additional information is available at www.bgcmc.org or via phone at 831-394-5171.
