Grand Slam with Granville

What is better than a Grizzlies game with free food, friends, and merchandise? 120 Boys & Girls Clubs members earning those things through a summer reading program! Members all over Fresno County competed to be a top reader this summer. The more books they read, the more likely they would be in the top 10—top 10 readers from every Club got to see the Fresno Grizzles play against the Modesto Nuts on August 28th.

This was possible because of Granville Homes. In place of their annual Books for Bikes program, they wanted to send our members off on a field trip to Chukchansi Park. All 120 members got VIP passes, t-shirts, backpacks, water bottles, and a Grizzlies hat. They also had dinner at the Cantina and private time with Parker, the mascot.

“It was a little taste of normal,” said Director of Operations, Richard Saldivar, “We haven’t done anything like that in so long because of the pandemic. In fact, some of these kids have never even been to a ball game before. We still implemented our regular safety precautions but it was fun to see so many kids together with their friends.”

The Fresno Grizzlies won, 10-9. However, staff was most joyful when the members cheered and celebrated during the 5th inning. Why? A BGC commercial and shout out to Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County aired on the Jumbo Tron! This showed pride for their Clubs. The members were grateful to Granville Homes and proud of their hard work.

“Some of them didn’t want to read at first but they kept hearing about how fun the game would be. Those kids become the most dedicated readers over the summer,” said Unit Director, Samantha Paredes.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs, we motivate our members to succeed in what they put their minds to so that everyone who walks through our blue doors has a chance for a great future.