Boys and Girls Club fundraiser nets $10,000

The fundraiser for the Ballard Boys and Girls Club on Nov. 10 was a success with a standing-room-only crowd that produced $10,000.

The gymnasium, where many Ballard kids first learned how to play basketball was dressed up for Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Garlic Festival's 20th Anniversary celebration, complete with chandeliers and a jazz band. All proceeds from the event went towards supporting the boys and girls club programs.

Mark Hendricks, director of the Ballard Boys and Girls Club said 250 to 300 people attended the event, held in the gymnasium that was spruced up with chandeliers for the fundraiser.

"Some of our boys and girls club supporters were there and Lombardi's customers came. It was a nice group of people. People had a real good time. It was so wonderful for a community or a local business to do something for a non-profit," said Hendricks.

Kerri Lonergan, Lombardi's vice president and corporate controller said her business wanted to partner with an organization in the community that supported kids.

"They have one of the best programs in the area. That organization is such a positive place for kids," said Lonergan.