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Black, white and lots of green

| September 16, 2015 9:00 PM

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<p>Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County Executive Director, Ryan Davis, describes the impact of the Boys & Girls Club during the event. The incredible stories of these five Club members made for an impactful and emotional time. Pictured left to right: Ryan Davis, Zach Liberty, Dan Liberty, Danika Keyser, Riley Keyser, Alex Keyser.</p>

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<p>Vice President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, John Miller (center), flew in from Atlanta, Ga., for the event. He is pictured with Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County board member Sandy Patano, Peter Riggs, Shelley Rosenberger, Dr. Jack Riggs and Ron Rosenberger.</p>

COEUR d'ALENE - The Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County raised more than $275,000 at its ninth annual "A Night In Black & White" auction and dinner.

The sold-out, black and white-themed event was hosted last week at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. Organizers sold more than 450 tickets to the dinner.

According to Kristin Andre, development director for the Boys & Girls Club, the money raised goes directly toward programs for the more than 3,500 youths the Boys & Girls Club serves annually in Kootenai County.

"It's truly inspiring to see how much this event has grown," Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Ryan Davis said in a press release. "None of this would be possible without the continued support from community leaders and businesses."

In addition to the silent and live auctions, the evening included a few honors going to Liz Barrett for her outstanding commitment to the kids at the Boys & Girls Club through her running program called Soul Sisters.

The event also honored Dr. Jack Riggs, former lieutenant governor of Idaho, for furthering the cause by enhancing the Club's administrative capabilities.

John Miller, the national vice president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, traveled from Atlanta, Ga., to attend the event.

Andre said the overwhelming success of the event can be attributed to the multitude of silent and live auction items donated as well as the generous event sponsors. Major sponsors included US Bank, bankcda, Avondale Dental, Rita and Rick Case, Idaho Forest Group, The Marina at Black Rock, and P1FCU.

Once again, a major highlight of the night was the paddle raise, where attendees generously donated $120,000. All proceeds from "A Night in Black & White" go directly toward this year's operational budget for both the Jordan Johnson Center in Post Falls and the Coeur d'Alene branch currently operating at Sorensen Elementary. The success of the fundraiser enables the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County to continue offering memberships for just $20 for the entire school year.

Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County was established after Kootenai County community leaders started looking for a place and programs to keep kids in the area active, engaged and away from high-risk activities.

It offers a wide range of programs and activities that meet the needs of youth in our community. Its five core program areas are based on physical, emotional, cultural and social needs and interests.

For more information please contact Kristin Andre, development director, at Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County: (208) 457-9089.