Boys & Girls Club Blog

The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh is in its 13^th year of helping Club girls develop positive character and leadership skills

Ladies in the community are invited to attend the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh Afternoon Tea, sponsored by Kimberly-Clark Foundation, on July 18 at The Gibson Social Club in Oshkosh. This summer marks the 13th year of the Character, Empowerment & Afternoon Tea Program for Club girls ages 7-10. The program, taught by Club staff and partners from throughout the community, encourages them to be proud of the unique people they are and helps them develop positive character and leadership skills. Girls in the program will attend six classes and learn about giving back, celebrating differences, self-expression and self-esteem, living a healthy lifestyle, and more.

We are excited to host the Afternoon Tea this summer as a reward for the young ladies who complete the Character & Empowerment Program. Together, Club girls and local women will get a chance to connect, sip tea, enjoy a light lunch from Becket’s, and hear an inspirational message from our speaker. This event is a great opportunity for the community to see the difference the Club makes in the lives of youth and celebrate the girls’ completion of the program.

Each Club girl receives a brand-new sundress and a pair of colorful flip-flops to wear to the Tea. To top it off, they even get their hair professionally styled by local stylists.

“Every year the group of girls walk into the Tea excited and proud of their accomplishments,” said Katie Talken, Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives at Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. “They beam with confidence in their dresses and special hairstyles and enjoy sharing their Club experiences with the women at their tables.”

Ladies in attendance are invited to get in the “Tea” spirit and are welcome to wear brightly colored suits and dresses and bring their hats and gloves.

Afternoon Tea has featured fantastic speakers throughout the years, including 2012 Miss America Laura Kaeppeler, co-founder of Culver’s restaurant Lea Culver, co-anchor of FOX 11’s Good Day Wisconsin Emily Deem, 2011 National Youth of the Year and youngest appointed member of the U.S. Presidential Committee Mona Dixon, and TEDx talk speaker and owner of Tashi Deley Ali Starr.

This year’s speaker is Allison Garner, certified professional coach, published author and owner of Thoughtly. Allison supports individuals to master leadership, move towards their visions, and overcome the impossible. She specializes in executive coaching, leadership development, and business consulting. Learn more about Allison at www.bethoughtly.com.

Learn more and register to attend on our website at bgcosh.org/afternoon-tea.

Other Ways to Support this Event

There are several ways to support Club girls through Afternoon Tea. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, providing flip-flops or sundresses or have interest in styling girls’ hair for the event, please contact Katie Talken at katiet@bgcosh.org or 920-233-1414, ext. 129.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Leader Sponsor – Kimberly-Clark Foundation; Dreamer Sponsor – Helaine Lasky; Empower Sponsor – Oshkosh Corporation; Speaker Sponsor – Silver Star Brands; Sun Dress Sponsors – Oshkosh Area Women’s Association and Old National Bank; Venue Sponsor – The Gibson Social Club; Luncheon Sponsor – Becket’s; Flip Flop Sponsors – Bob & Sidonia Burnell, Fox River Valley Ethanol and Home Care Assistance, Class Sponsors – Kaldas Center, Darren & Kathy Lett and Wells Fargo.