Bouncing BBQ Dinner

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club hosts its annual fundraiser on March 1 to benefit youth programs in Broken Arrow.

The 8th annual Bouncing BBQ Dinner will benefit the Salvation Army’s youth ­programs in Broken Arrow on Friday, March 1. The event is sponsored and hosted by the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Broken Arrow. Dinner and festivities are open to the public and will feature a ­scrumptious buffet-style ­barbeque dinner with fare ­furnished by Charlie’s Chicken, Stone Mill BBQ and Steakhouse, Billy Ray’s, and Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Cue. Advance tickets are available at the Boys & Girls Club on 91st Street between 145th and 161st East Avenues. Tickets are only $15 per adult, $10 for children 12 and under, or $40 for a ­family pack of four.

    In addition to the wonderful barbecue dinner, there will be live and silent auctions, plus inflatables for the kids. Yes, that’s how the event got its name – children bouncing on inflatables before, during and after the dinner. Doors are open from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This year’s event features country singer and songwriter Don Collins and his Fire Creek Band, who originate from the Joplin area. They are great ­entertainers and a treat to hear.

    Part of the auction features baskets donated by individuals and businesses in the community. If you or your business is interested in making a donation of a basket or an item for the cause, please contact the Boys & Girls Club. Individual items donated will be combined with others to make additional baskets. Other items to be up for bid during the evening include Duffy’s cinnamon rolls, gift cards to area restaurants, and more. Children always enjoy ­bidding on baskets on the Kids Only Table. A great evening of entertainment, food, and fun is scheduled for all.

    Many of us have repeatedly driven by the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Broken Arrow without having a clue of all the programs that go on there. Their mission statement is simple: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. “Last year alone more than 88,000 faces came through our doors,” said Dustin Blackmon, assistant athletic director.

    The Broken Arrow High School swim team works out and hosts events at the club pool. It is also home to the Tiger Shark swim team, composed of Broken Arrow students. The Boys & Girls Club is involved with developing teams for the annual Special Olympics programs including swim, basketball, baseball, and karate teams. They also offer karate, ­kickboxing, and art classes to community youth and adults. “The Boys & Girls Club also hosts a variety of camp programs anytime students are out of school – summer day camp, spring camp, and Christmas day camps,” said Janis Fraley, unit director.

    The Boys & Girls Club has before and after school ­programs. The club delivers ­students to their respective schools and picks them up after school and brings them back to the club for parental pick up by 6 p.m. This program is for ­elementary and middle school children.

    The club also sponsors ­special activities including Parents’ Night Out, Girls’ Night Out, Boys’ Night Out, youth basketball, men’s basketball, flag football, rugby, t-ball, water ­aerobics, tutoring, and arts & crafts. They will also host your child’s birthday party.

    The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club is very much a part of our community, and you are encouraged to support them in every way you can so they can continue reaching out to Broken Arrow youth and adults. Call or drop by today and reserve your ticket for the Bouncing BBQ event. See you there Friday, March 1, for a great evening of food, fun, and entertainment!

For more information, contact

Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club

1400 W. Washington

Broken Arrow, OK

(918) 258-7545