1733Event Description:  Former Los Angeles Lakers Center, NBA legend, and philanthropist Shaquille O’Neal hosted SHAQ-a-CLAUS on Monday, December 23, 2013 at the Boys & Girls Club of Venice.  As part of his longstanding dedication to advocating for youth development, the former All-Star  arranged for more than 300 kids to experience the ultimate holiday carnival amidst the backdrop of “snowfall” in sunny California.

“Every kid deserves a memorable holiday season,” said the four-time NBA champion.  “The Boys & Girls Club of Venice serves as a home away from home for young people who need encouragement.

Dating back to1992, the NBA All-star has showered thousands of at-risk youth with gifts during the holiday season. O’Neal, who is a Boys & Girls Club alumnus, continues his long tradition of helping those in need. 350 pre-registered Boys & Girls Club of Venice members received a Jakks toy from Shaq-a-Claus, shoes from Crocs, support from Feed The Children, and lunch courtesy of Panda Express.

“Shaquille O’Neal’s support for the Boys & Girls Club of Venice means the world to the kids who come through our doors each day” said Monique Brandon, Executive Director of the Club.  “We salute his extraordinary generosity and applaud him for always coming back to Los Angeles to spread hope and cheer.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Venice delivers exciting youth development programs in academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship to over 4,000 youth annually.  The Club appreciates the sponsors for their generosity and support of SHAQ-a-CLAUS.

Boys & Girls Club of Venice!    |   2232 Lincoln Blvd., Venice CA   |  310.390.4477  |   www.bgcv.org

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 12.23.13 SHAQ-A CLAUS EVENT PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS:

Photos by Team Venice Paparazzi.   www.HireVP.com for your next event!

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Photos with SHAQ

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SHAQ takes a moment to pose for this girl’s cellphone pic!!! Nice!

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Toy give away from SHAQ

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Free pair of shoes from CROCS

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Lunch provided by PANDA EXPRESS

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N’Ice Cream Station
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Complimentary hot chocolate from The Coffee Bean

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Arts and Craft station.  Kids make their own felt scarves

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Fun photo shoot with the kids!  Photo party area by Venice Paparazzi.  Set design by LALO and the BGCV art department

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SHAQ with the Venice Boys and Girls Club team!

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Autographs with SHAQ!

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Click here to view all SHAQ-A-CLAUS event photos

Photos by Team Venice Paparazzi’s Edizen Stowell and Jenny Rolapp.  HireVP.com for your next event!

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1861512835-1BE A VOLUNTEER.  MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

The Boys & Girls Club of Venice is always looking for enthusiastic, motivated, committed people who would like to be positive role models for the kids and teens who attend the Club.  Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization’s operation..

We are looking for responsible adults with special talents and extra time to help run special events, assist staff members, and supervise activities.  We offer varied time commitments and take volunteers on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice, complete our volunteer application online. Call Danielle Chi, Development Coordinator, for more information 310-574-5054.  Click here for more info.

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DONATE TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF VENICE!

Your contribution allows Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice keep the promise to our youth during their formative years when they need us most.

While membership in our Club is only $100 annually per child, it costs our organization $1,500 to put one young person through our programs each year. Contributions by generous individuals, companies, organizations and foundations are an essential lifeline for providing promise to our youth. Click here for more info.

Boys & Girls Club of Venice!    |   2232 Lincoln Blvd., Venice CA   |  310.390.4477  |   www.bgcv.org

 

 

Thank You to Our Partners