Our largest fund raiser of the year is the Parade of Trees. It has been taking place in November of each year since 1994. The black-tie optional gala provides an evening of Parade of Trees activities. Gala attendees will have the opportunity to purchase trees and wreaths decorated and donated by area designers, with the highlight of the event -- a live auction! A gift shop is also open and features holiday gift ideas and seasonal items.
Around 1997, Girls Incorporated of Oak Ridge hosted it's first Pancake Breakfast at Applebee's in Oak Ridge. The idea was born when Curtis Todd, the manager at the time, offered the opportunity to our organization. Curtis was a strong supporter of Girls Incorporated of Oak Ridge and the programs that we offer. He thought that this concept would be a good fundraiser and help aid our mission. He was right, and for the past eight years, this fundraiser has provided over $10,000 for program development.
We thank Curtis for his vision, and his family for continuing to support our organization.
Curtis passed away after open heart surgery in October, 2005. He was an excellent businessman, a caring father, and a wonderful husband. He is missed by many. Because of his loyal sponsorship, we are pleased to dedicate this breakfast in his honor.
Since 1978, Girls Incorporated, formerly known as The Girls Club, has offered the opportunity for girls to engage in sports. The basketball program has always been popular, and has given the girls a chance to learn networking skills, and to be leaders, followers, and team players. The Basketball Classic offers an end of the season event that celebrates the program's successes. The festivities begin with a Free Throw contest and are followed by a Jamboree. The Jamboree features each Girls Inc. team playing one quarter of basketball. To conclude the event, a celebrities-coaches game is presented. It is an entertaining occasion with a match-up likely to showcase some unconventioanl baskets, free throws and fouls.
Our golf tournament raises funds to finance scholarships, a crucial source of revenue for those who have limited resources. We provide programs that are vital educational opportunities for those in high-risk, underserved areas. In fact, many of our girls come from families whose income levels are much lower than the county average.