The festive atmosphere was palpable at the annual Boys and Girls Club celebration, where the Denver Nuggets spread joy among local children. While the event was a highlight for many, the club expressed a pressing need for additional donations to brighten the holiday season for more kids.
The excitement was evident as children enjoyed crafts, cookies, and special appearances by Nuggets cheerleaders, team mascot Rocky, and Kyle Speller, the voice of the Denver Nuggets. Speller, who has dedicated two decades to being the team’s public address announcer, shared his personal connection to the event. “For me, it’s just all about making an impact in any kind of way possible,” he said. Having grown up in a fatherless home, he emphasized the difference that after-school programs can make in a child’s life.
The event allowed kids to experience a slice of the Nuggets’ magic, fostering hope and inspiration. “Some of these kids may not get to the arena,” Speller noted, highlighting the importance of creating memorable connections. “You never know what it could mean for them.”
Among the attendees, young Skyla was thrilled to create cheers with her friends, while her brother, dressed in a Jamal Murray jersey, eagerly awaited the cheerleaders and mascot.
Rachel Rooney, Senior Director of Philanthropy for Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, underscored the crucial role of community support. “These kids are so happy. They were clawing at the doors, ready for this night to happen,” she remarked. While physical gifts are valuable, she reminded that experiences like these leave lasting impressions.
The Boys and Girls Club serves over 10,000 children across 27 locations in Metro Denver, but this year, the need for holiday donations has increased. Rooney stated, “We have enough toys to cover about 75% of our clubs, but we could use more. Our goal is to ensure every child gets several gifts to take home.”
As laughter filled the air and children engaged in various activities, Speller shared an empowering message: “I tell the kids all the time—there’s greatness inside of them. No matter what their present circumstances are, it’s a box they can get out of. Their future is at their fingertips. They were born an original—don’t die a copy.”
The Boys and Girls Club continues to welcome toy donations until Christmas Eve, aiming to spread holiday cheer to as many children as possible.
For those interested in contributing, further information on toy donations can be found online.
In summary, the Denver Nuggets’ involvement in the Boys and Girls Club event not only created joyous memories for the children but also highlighted the importance of community support in fulfilling the needs of local youth. This effort to inspire and uplift kids is a hopeful reminder of how collective donations can positively impact future generations.