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New name, same great cause
Advancing Children of Turlock to support local kids
ACT club pic
The Advancing Children of Turlock club, formerly known as the Active 20-30 Club, will use proceeds from Friday's Wine and Screams event to take local youth in need on a Christmas shopping spree for winter clothes. - photo by Journal file photo

The former Active 20-30 Club has transitioned to Advancing Children of Turlock, but the club has the same goal of enriching the lives of local children.

“This transition allows us to better serve our hometown and the kids who live here,” said ACT Vice President Jessica Irish. “With all our funds dedicated to helping local children instead of being shared with a national organization, we feel we can now make even more of an impact in our own community.”

Although the main concern was to keep funds local, other restrictions fell on the Active 20-30 Club as well.

“We changed our club to accommodate potential members who do not fall in the 20s and 30s age group,” said Megan Bernard, club president. “We have such an amazing community that wants to support children. This is an investment in Turlock’s future.”

The members will continue to support organizations like Westside Ministries, Salvation Army and Jessica’s House through donations and volunteer work as they did as Active 20-30 Club members.

Advancing Children of Turlock will also continue its largest fundraiser that once fell under the former club, the popular Wine and Screams event.  The sixth annual Halloween-themed party will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday at the Turlock War Memorial.  The evening will include wine tasting, appetizers, live music, a silent auction and raffle prizes.

All event proceeds benefit Turlock children, with the majority of funds going to purchase clothing and other winter necessities at ACT’s annual Christmas shopping spree this December.

“I look forward to the shopping spree every year,” said Irish. “To shop with the kids and see their excitement and gratitude as they try on new boots or a warm jacket and then get to take them home is so heartwarming.”

The club is still selling tickets for $40 for a single admission and $70 for a couple at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-wine-screams-tickets-18352832817 or at the door the night of the event.

“Some people prefer interactive, hands-on volunteering, some people like the event planning aspect and others donate money,” said Irish. “Whatever your vehicle is to help children, ACT can provide that for you.”

Advancing Children of Turlock welcomes new members at least 21 years of age to join the organization. For more information, visit facebook.com/AdvancingChildrenofTurock or email ACTurlock@gmail.com.

“This change has invigorated our club with new members, ideas and energy,” said Bernard. “We are optimistic for a successful future during which these resources will be invested back into the community.”