Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming Plans New Greenhouse With Help From Annual Fundraiser

The original story by Nick Perkins for Oil City News.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is gearing up for its annual Reverse Raffle and Auction, and this year the fundraiser is doing more than just keeping the lights on – it’s also helping grow something new.

The organization announced that a portion of the funds raised at the event will go toward building a new greenhouse, designed to give club members a hands-on way to learn about gardening, science, teamwork and responsibility.

According to the club, the greenhouse will act as a “living classroom,” where kids can dig into plant science, learn where healthy food comes from and even grow fresh, nutritious produce – all while picking up practical life skills along the way.

“This greenhouse will be so much more than a structure,” said Amanda Montgomery, foundation director for BGCCW. “It will be a living classroom where our members can learn new skills, develop confidence, and understand where healthy food comes from.”

The project is being made possible through partnerships with groups like Five Trails Rotary and Grow Casper, both of which will be featured supporters at the Reverse Raffle and Auction.

Dan Foote, president of Five Trails Rotary, said the project hits close to home for him.

“As a youth-focused Rotary club, Five Trails Rotary is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming on this greenhouse project,” Foote said. “I was raised in a single-parent household where my mom worked multiple jobs, and home-cooked meals were not always possible. Giving kids the chance to learn how to grow and prepare their own food can create lasting memories and help them build confidence, self-sufficiency, and healthy habits that stay with them for life.”

The Reverse Raffle and Auction is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, and it’s a major fundraiser for the club’s $5.3 million annual budget, which supports youth programs across Wyoming. This year’s event will feature a keynote address from former Denver Broncos player, three-time Super Bowl champion and former Boys & Girls Clubs kid Mark “Stink” Schlereth, along with a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, and more.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or additional details, email Vanessa Warner at [email protected] or visit bgccw.org/our-events.