The  Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois (BGCCIL) is thrilled to host the 2022 Great Futures Gala on Oct. 13 at Erin’s Pavilion, 4965 S. 2nd St, Springfield. This event, the largest annual fundraiser for the BGCCIL, has been on hiatus since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.

“A lot has happened at the Club the last two plus years,” said BGCCIL CEO Tiffany Mathis. “We are so excited for this opportunity to gather with the community again, share information on what the Club has accomplished since the last Gala, and have some fun while raising funds for our program.”

The Gala, which is open to all, will be from 5:00-8:30 pm with the live program starting around 6:15 pm. Attendees will be treated to complimentary beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and will have the chance to participate in a variety of raffles along with both silent and live auctions. The winner of the Custom Golf Cart Giveaway will also be drawn that evening.

“Our Gala not only highlights the fantastic work of our leadership team and staff in the Springfield and Jacksonville communities, but it also provides attendees with an opportunity to help celebrate two amazing young black men, and their families who continue to support them, as they are named our 2021 and 2022 Youth of the Year,” Mathis said. “Today’s youth, teenagers especially, are not often uplifted enough in our communities for their accomplishments or recognized for their positive and responsible citizenship. The BGCCIL remains committed to ensuring that all youth we serve are prepared for graduation and life beyond. We could not be prouder of our deserving Youth of the Year recipients, Mr. Jacorion Halliburton and Mr. Marell Thomas.” 

No tickets are necessary to attend the event. Included in the auction offerings is a trip to Lucca, Italy with airfare, a Louis Vuitton messenger bag, Backyard Cookout Party with live band, Blackhawks tickets- center ice, and so much more.

Thank you to the many sponsors for making this event possible. For more information visit

https://bgccil.org/events/great-futures-gala-2022/