Going once, going twice, sold

'Buoys and Gulls' flock to benefit upwards of 200 Wareham children

Jun 16, 2018

Ride a pony and take a bite of pizza in Rochester. Sail around Buzzards Bay during the sunset. Wear a Red Sox jersey signed by an icon.

These opportunities were each up for auction on Friday at the Buoys and Gulls Gala, a fundraiser at the Kittansett Club for the Boys & Girls Club of Wareham.

The seventh annual dinner event, formerly named the Kukoo Gala, is the club's largest annual fundraiser. In years past it has shoveled in over $30,000 through auctions and ticket sales.

While costing some $10,000 to put on, Kenny Fontes, unit director of the club in Wareham, said the return can be double or triple that figure.

"The people know the money's going to the club,'" he said.

Upwards of 200 children ages 7 to 14 attend the club. Proceeds from Buoys and Gulls supports after-school programs, equipment expenses, and operational costs for the organization.

About 68 percent of the club’s annual budget comes from grants and donations.

Linda Burke, a member of the club’s Wareham Advisory Committee, said community support has risen over the years, especially for the gala.

“We have some people who really care about this event,” Burke said.

Members of the committee, like Burke, planned the gala five months in advance.

The gala included a live and silent auction, a buffet, and live ‘70s music from the K.G Express.