Submitted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
As the holiday season gets underway, connection is on the menu at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC). From shared dinners at the Rochester Club to our Holiday Helpers campaign, the Clubs create spaces where youth thrive through belonging, mentorship, and opportunity.
Rochester Boys & Girls Club Builds Connection Through Family-Style Dinners
Every afternoon at 4 p.m., the Rochester Boys & Girls Club transforms into something that feels a lot like home. Instead of a quick snack and a later dinner for those who stay late, the Club now serves a family-style meal to every member as soon as they walk through the door — a simple shift that’s making a big difference.
“It’s a family dinner atmosphere,” says Area Branch Director Heather Harris. “Everyone can slow down, share stories, and feel grounded before running off to art, the gym or homework.”
The meals are prepared by Dinner Staff Lead Rachel Disher, who blends her culinary experience with a deep commitment to caring for kids. She learns what members like, introduces new foods gently, and adjusts recipes so youth with allergies can enjoy safe options. A suggestion box allows kids to request foods — a recent vote for kiwi sparked excitement and second helpings. Even vegetables get special treatment, like roasted baby carrots with garlic and parsley.
Much of Rachel’s inspiration comes from her own childhood. “The spaghetti I made with my mom is the same recipe I use cooking for 40 kids now,” she says. “I get to pass on a little bit of my mom to them.”
The dinner program is supported through the At-Risk Afterschool Meals component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which reimburses community organizations for providing nutritious meals in low-income areas. The program ensures kids have access to healthy food, safe spaces and academic support after school.
For Rochester members, dinner has become about more than eating — it’s about belonging, trying new things, and connecting food to culture. “When kids ask why we’re having something,” Rachel says, “it becomes a chance to teach them where food comes from and about the cultures that different recipes represent.”
Welcome Aillene Aquino, BGCTC’s New Special Events Coordinator
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is excited to welcome Aillene Aquino as its new special events coordinator, bringing fresh energy and more than a decade of experience to the organization’s signature fundraising and community gatherings.
Aillene is already focused on building strong systems behind the scenes to ensure every BGCTC event — from family celebrations to major fundraisers like “Born to Be Wild” — runs smoothly and continues to grow. Her goal is to deepen community connection by creating experiences where supporters, families and youth feel valued.
“I love bringing people together,” she says. “I am excited to create events that help our kids thrive and that invite the community to be part of that mission.”
Aillene welcomes partnerships, volunteers, and creative ideas. Community members interested in supporting BGCTC events are encouraged to reach out and connect with her at aaquino@bgctc.org.
Holiday Helpers Brighten the Season for Local Families
As the holidays approach, community members are invited to take part in BGCTC’s Holiday Helper Program, which matches donors with Club families in need. Participants can shop for gifts or donate funds for staff to fill wish lists on their behalf.
“All family information remains confidential,” BGCTC notes. “It’s about giving with dignity and care.”
To participate, email info@bgctc.org or call 360.956.0755.
Community Support Shines at ‘Born to Be Wild‘
BGCTC’s 24th annual “Born to Be Wild Dinner & Auction” roared to life on September 29, 2025, at Saint Martin’s University. More than 400 guests donned biker gear and came together to raise almost all of the event’s goal fundraising amount, which directly supports the nearly 1,900 youth BGCTC serves each year.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible – both behind the scenes and as our honored guests,” says BGCTC.
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