The Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs are going small to play big.

Traditionally the club holds a September golfing day and dinner at the Warwick Country Club. That’s on the calendar for this year, but then as an additional attraction for golfers and those who believe in and support the work of the club, or are simply looking for a fun activity. It’s the $10,000 Par-Tee.

Set for Thursday, April 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. the Oakland Beach Clubhouse will be the site of two miniature 9-hole courses, a variety of other games including corn hole and jenga, a barbecue, and a $10,000 drawing. 

Joanne Schofield, resource director of the club, envisions the event as an ideal “stop in after work” gala that can serve as a team building activity for businesses and networking opportunity. For longtime club supporters the $10,000 Par-Tee, it’s a twist on the $10,000 cash raffle held at this time of year. Raffle prizes include a $1,500 fire pit (including installation) and a package from Top Golf. A total of 300 tickets at $100 a ticket are being sold.

A “tee for two” package includes two Par-Tee admission tickets at $50 and a raffle ticket. A party of “fore” gets four admission tickets and two raffle tickets for $200. 

Expanding the cash raffle into mini golf and an evening of games was the brainchild of Oakland Beach club director Bobby Forand. Schofield explained rather than simply selling tickets and holding a drawing, Forand wants to bring “people into the club to see all the amazing things …to fall in love with the club.”

There will be games and contests throughout the club rooms with the game room transformed into the 19th hole with tents, patio lights, shrubs and greenery, food, and drinks (beer, wine, seltzer, and maybe a signature cocktail).

The event is billed as an occasion to “join Honorary Event Chair Governor Dan McKee for an adult evening out to support local kids!” Financial support is coming from a cross section of community businesses including Greenwood Credit Union, Bank RI, Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, the Warwick Beacon, Beacon Mutual, Sweeney Commercial Real Estate Appraisal and Custom Drywall. Dominos Pizza, 99 Restaurant and Pub and Fido Vodka are providing food and beverages.

The emphasis is on “adult evening.” Alcoholic beverages will be served and, in fact, Fido Vodka is a sponsor. During most club fundraisers, club members play an integral role, telling stories of their experiences and how club programs have helped them at school and home. Some of those testimonies will be told by video and, when not on the golf course, guests will have the opportunity to tour the club and learn of its work. In addition to the Oakland Beach Club, the Boys and Girls Club has a branch in Norwood not far from Norwood School and the Cooper Building, for former Army Reserve armory on Sandy Lane. That branch within walking distance of Vets Middle School is tailored to teens.

Open after school, Schofield calls it a “drop-in center” with about 60 members. On average she said about 30 stop in to work on “project based” creative activities such as music and videos.

“We have an incredibly talented staff,” she said naming director Mike Murdock and two youth development professionals.

The Oakland Beach and Norwood clubs are geared to elementary school age youth. The clubs open at 7 a.m. enabling parents to drop off their kids before school and close at 6 p.m. The pre-school program cost $60 a week while the after school program is $100. There is a $10 discount for those enrolled in both programs. Of the total kids enrolled, 49 percent receive financial aid as based on being qualified for free and reduced school lunches. The charge for the Cooper program is $100 per week with 43 percent receiving financial aid. Cooper closes at 6 p.m.

The club is looking to expand participation from Winman Middle School that is across town and doesn’t allow for the walk-in convenience for Vets students. Schofield has applied for a $100,000 grant for a bus to make the trips possible.

Regular club membership, which doesn’t include pre and after school programs, is $30 a year. Overall the three clubs had a combined membership of 1,159 last year. The clubs served 5,064 no-cost meals during the school year plus 1,913 during the summer months and 4,833 healthy snacks.

As Schofield writes in an overview of the event, “And here's the best part: your donation will go towards helping local kids get the support they need to thrive! Think meals, mentors, and safe places to grow…Your generosity allows more kids to enjoy a Club experience without a financial burden on struggling families.”

Tickets can be purchased online at: secure.givelively.org/event/boys-girls-clubs-of-warwick/10-000-par-tee-with-mini-golf-food-drinks-fun .Those looking to try their luck at the $10,000 cash raffle should contract Schofield at Joann@wbgclubs.org or call the Club at (401) 467-4385.