'Big Gig Gala' Scores Money, Football Stars for Boys & Girls Club

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Updated: 2:38 PM Feb 12, 2012

The Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia held its annual Big Gig Gala Saturday night, one of its biggest fundraisers of the year. The night featured a number of special guests, including members of the Fox NFL Sunday team.

Posted: 8:41 PM Feb 11, 2012
Reporter: Chris Stover
Email Address: chris.stover@newsplex.com

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February 11, 2012

The Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia held its annual Big Gig Gala Saturday night, one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.

"We're excited to have a lot of friends with us tonight," said James Pierce, executive director of the local Boys & Girls Club.

The superhero-themed night featured a number of special guests, including members of the Fox NFL Sunday team. Analyst Michael Strahan and host Curt Menefee joined Ivy resident and NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long for the night.

"I'm just looking forward to being around the guys and doing something that's going to make a big difference for other people," Strahan said.

The event featured both live and silent auctions to raise money for the club. Pierce said he hopes to raise 20 percent of its annual operating budget.

"You come here, you see people that are in the Charlottesville community that are in this area working to help out other people that are less fortunate, and I think that's something that's really special," Menefee said.

More than 2,000 kids across Central Virginia take part in programs through the Boys & Girls Club. The club provides after-school activities and summer programs.

"The mission is shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation of kids that are growing up in the community," Long said. Growing up in Boston, he was a member of the local club.

"It's a safe haven, as it was for me in Boston growing up," he said. "The Boys & Girls Clubs have always had a special place in my heart."

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