Submitted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Born to be Wild Dinner and Auction is back, and it’s shaping up to be the event of the year. On Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, Saint Martin’s University Marcus Pavilion will come alive with energy, laughter, and purpose as more than 400 community members gather in biker chic style to support local kids and teens.
Now in its 24th year, the Born to be Wild Dinner and Auction is more than just a fundraiser, it is the single largest source of support for the nine Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. The funds raised ensure that children and teens in Lacey, Tumwater, Olympia, Rochester, Tenino, and Yelm have a safe place to go before and after school, caring mentors to guide them, and programs that build confidence, spark passions, and prepare them for success.
Why Born to be Wild Matters
Every day, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County serve nearly 1,900 kids and teens, providing experiences that focus on:
- Academic success to ensure members are on track to graduate.
- Healthy lifestyles that promote fitness, nutrition, and positive choices.
- Good character and leadership so youth grow into engaged community members.
In 2024, the Clubs reached 1,854 youth, a 23% increase over the previous year. Teen membership has more than doubled in the last four years, proving that local youth see the Clubs as a place where they belong.
But these successes do not happen by accident. More than 70% of the Clubs’ annual operating budget comes from fundraising, and the Born to be Wild Dinner and Auction is the largest contributor. In 2024 alone, donors provided $1.1 million in fee-waiver scholarships so that every child could participate, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
The return on this investment is powerful. A national Boys & Girls Clubs study found that every $1 invested returns $10.32 in current and future earnings and cost savings to communities. The benefits are seen in improved grades, reduced risky behaviors, and greater economic stability for families.
A Night to Remember
The celebration begins with a lively social hour, where guests can enjoy cocktails, connect with friends, and browse an exciting silent auction. As dinner is served, the energy builds with a live auction led by Dan Schorno of Stokes Auction Group, a local favorite whose fast-paced, entertaining style makes bidding a show of its own.
Guests will have the chance to win unique prizes, from a Nashville getaway with backstage tours of legendary music landmarks to a year of premium cuts from Stewart’s Meats. Between the auction action, moving stories from Club alumni will show the lasting impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. The night wraps up on a sweet note with the always-popular Dessert Dash, sponsored by Wagner’s European Bakery.
Event chair Brandy Nelms says it best: “Born to be Wild is one of my favorite events of the year! I love seeing the community come together while having fun. Everybody loves dressing up and supporting a good cause. Who doesn’t like to be a biker for a night?”
The Impact of Your Support
Your participation has a direct impact on local youth and families. In 2024, community support made it possible for the Clubs to provide:
- 101,000+ meals and snacks, so kids could focus on learning and fun instead of hunger.
- Safe, welcoming spaces where kids can be themselves and build lasting friendships.
- Confidence for the future, with 93% of Club teens reporting they are on track to graduate high school.
These numbers represent real kids and teens in our community who are finding their voices, discovering their talents, and building the futures they deserve
How to Join the Fun
Want to be part of this unforgettable night? Here’s how:
- Purchase tickets at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County website or, become a table sponsor!
- Invite friends and colleagues. The energy of Born to be Wild is best when shared.
- Bid high and bid often. Every dollar raised helps youth reach their full potential.
Can’t make it this year? You can still support local youth by donating directly to the Fund-A-Kid program online.
Rebels With a Cause
From its start 24 years ago in a Harley-Davidson shop to today’s sold-out celebrations, the Born to be Wild Dinner and Auction has always been about more than fundraising. It is about a community coming together to lift up its kids.
So dust off your leather jacket and join us on September 26. Together, we’ll celebrate as true rebels with a cause and make sure every young person in Thurston County has the chance to thrive.
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