Boys & Girls Club Blog

Did you know we’re celebrating the 15th anniversary of our beloved Character, Empowerment & Afternoon Tea program (formerly known as Character, Etiquette & Afternoon Tea)? Since 2010, this transformative summer experience has empowered more than 550 girls, ages 7 to 9, to embrace their individuality and grow into strong, confident young leaders.

Led by dedicated Club staff and community partners, the program nurtures confidence, leadership, and character development—helping girls explore who they are and the impact they can make in the world. Over the course of six inspiring sessions, participants dive into topics such as:

• Giving back to the community
• Celebrating differences
• Expressing themselves
• Building self-esteem
• Practicing healthy living
• Treating themselves and others with respect

One of our most cherished programs and events at the Club, the program began in 2010 with the support of our founding sponsor and Club friend, Helaine Lasky, who has been a vital partner in making the program possible for all these years, helping over 550 girls become confident, wonderful young ladies.

“In my experience, I would have loved to have had the opportunity to learn about self-image, self-grooming, and self-love on a daily and weekly basis, just like the girls do through this Tea,” said Helaine Lasky, founding sponsor of Afternoon Tea. “The speakers who come in each week help these girls think outside the box and teach them life lessons they’ll carry with them. Afternoon Tea gives them the chance to wear new clothes, slip on new shoes, hear inspiring messages, and feel confident asking questions. I believe offering a program like this is truly a gift—it helps build their self-image in such a meaningful way.”

We’re also deeply grateful to the many sponsors and supporters who have contributed over the years—your continued generosity has helped this program thrive and impact the lives of so many young girls in our community.

The program culminates in a joyful celebration: the Afternoon Tea on July 30 at The Gibson Social Club. Here, Club girls will arrive beaming with confidence, dressed in brand-new sundresses and flip-flops, their hair styled by local professionals. Over tea and a light lunch catered by Becket’s Restaurant, they’ll share their experiences and hear from an inspiring guest speaker, connecting with community women who support and believe in their potential.

This year, we’re honored to welcome Vicki Updike as our featured speaker. A passionate leader, mentor, and advocate for women and girls, Vicki is the founder of New Sage Strategies and The Women’s Leadership Conference. With a background as a corporate executive, including serving as president of Silver Star Brands, she brings deep insight into leadership, growth, and defining success on your own terms. In her book, Navigating Your Journey, Vicki encourages women and girls to pursue their goals with courage and clarity. Learn more about her work at newsagestrategies.com.

Over the years, Afternoon Tea has welcomed an incredible lineup of speakers—Megan Roberson of the Green Bay Packers, Culver’s co-founder Lea Culver, National Youth of the Year Mona Dixon, 2012 Miss America Laura Kaeppeler, Olympic medalist Shannon Bahrke Happe, and more. We’ve also celebrated our own female board members, many of whom have spoken at the event and shared pieces of their lives with us, showing the girls that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

We invite you to be part of this heartwarming tradition. Support the Afternoon Tea today at bgcosh.org/afternoon-tea. We’re currently seeking event sponsors and local stylists to help our girls feel their very best for this special day.

Questions?

Contact:
Bonnie Behnke, Director of Development
bonnieb@bgcosh.org
(920) 233-1414, ext. 129

With Gratitude to Our 2025 Sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsor: CR Meyer
• Dreamer Sponsor: Helaine Lasky
• Speaker Sponsor: Silver Star Brands Foundation
• Venue Sponsor: The Gibson Social Club
• Luncheon Sponsor: Becket’s Restaurant
• Sundress Sponsors: Sheldon & Lori Lasky, Oshkosh Area Women’s Association, Inc.
• Great Futures Sponsor: Chrys Hyde, Shea Electric & Communications LLC
• Girls’ Tote Bag Sponsor: 4imprint
• Flip-Flop Sponsors: Bob & Sidonia Burnell, Fox River Valley Ethanol LLC, Dr. Laurie Muller, Old Navy Oshkosh Area Women’s Association, Inc.
• Class Sponsors: Friend of the Club; The Kaldas Center