Business helps raise $165,000 for Carlsbad Boys & Girls Clubs

By: PENNY BONNOT - For the North County Times

I have found, through my association with many charitable agencies, that "giving back" is high on the list of priorities of many philanthropists.

Such is the case of Aubrey Kuepper and Luke Erwin. Erwin founded Furnishings 4 Less about four years ago, and now he and Kuepper work as a team at the thriving business. Erwin began the business in his garage. There are now six locations in the San Diego area.

The men attribute much of their success to the Boys & Girls Club. They both grew up with the organization in different parts of the state ---- Erwin near San Francisco and Kuepper in La Habra. They believe the lessons they learned at the club helped them to become the men they are today.

Furnishings 4 Less always supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, donating more than $10,000 worth of furniture to the club every quarter. But at the club's recent fund-raising event "Casablanca: Here's Looking at You Kid," the store really went all out and was a big part in raising $165,000 ---- $65,000 over the initial, stated fund-raising goal.

"They donated an outdoor barbecue island, a spa and a flat screen TV," said BGCC board member Alyssa Mercier of the North County Times. "They are always very generous."

The Boys & Girls Club donates the furniture to needy families or sells it at a fraction of the wholesale price to raise funds for the club.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad serves 1,700 girls and boys every year. It offers a wide range of programs, from sports and technology to the arts. The staff provides club members with positive adult guidance.

The club's programs tackle today's most pressing youth issues and teach young people the skills they need to succeed in life. They provide young people a safe place to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; life-enhancing programs and character development experiences; and hope and opportunity.

Club membership is open to any child between the ages of 6 and 18. Activities are conducted in the warm, friendly atmosphere of facilities specifically designed for youth programs. Club membership costs $25 per child a year. It also offers low rates for specialty camps and scholarships for those who qualify.

Contact the Village Branch at (760) 729-0956 and the La Costa branch at (760) 944-9211.

Penny Bonnot can be reached at (760) 901-4086 or pbonnot@nctimes.com