> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Boys & Girls Club jazzes it up for community service
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/boys-girls-club-jazzes-it-up-for-community-service/
- Published: 2005-10-26T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T08:02:19.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Community, Venice, #archive-import

*A local real estate leader has been honored for his commitment to youth and community service.*

*By Daily Press staff*

Oct. 16 marked the Fourth Annual Champion of Youth Jazz Brunch benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Venice. Held at the Casa del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, the event honored Steve Aguilar of Boardwalk Realty.

The morning not only boasted a silent auction, but also a chance to win a pair of diamond earrings courtesy of Universal Jewelers in the Marina del Rey. Guests, including Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, enjoyed the buffet brunch and then settled in for the program. After a warm welcome from Cathy Hession, chairman of the club’s board of governors, was a performance by a group of club kids who danced throughout the room and who presented Aguilar with a lifetime membership card to the club.

The Boys & Girls Club of Venice 2005 Youth of the Year, Joseph Poakwa, spoke about growing up in a gang-infested neighborhood and the role that the club played in helping him reach his goals of overcoming his surroundings and entering college at Loyola Marymount University this fall.

“Joseph is a true inspiration to us all,” Hession said. “He is a prime example of how important the club is in helping young people overcome adversity and reach their goals.”

Renee Aguilar introduced her husband, who was presented an award by Hession for the work he has done in the name of the youth of the community. Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl also was on hand to present Aguilar with one of many commendations.

“What an amazing event,” Aguilar said. “But more importantly, the Boys & Girls Club of Venice is a remarkable place. By providing a nice, safe place for youth to hang out, the club has a powerful impact not only on the kids, but also on the community at large.”

Steve Aguilar is a 20-year real estate veteran and president of Boardwalk Realty. His philanthropic side dates back to his teenage years, when he raised money for cancer research, M.S. and cerebral palsy. More recently, Aguilar has been a mentor with the LA Men’s Center, as well as donated time and money to AIDS Walk LA, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk, Venice Arts, several local area schools, and the Boys & Girls Club of Venice.

“We are proud to be able to honor a man who has set a tremendous example for the community,” said J.R. Dzubak, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Venice. “Steve Aguilar is a true ‘Champion of Youth,’ and we are glad to have him as part of the Boys & Girls Club of Venice family.”

The event concluded with a lively performance by Danny Seraphine and friends. Seraphine was the drummer and one of the founding members of the band Chicago.

Boys & Girls Club programs help young people find positive alternatives to negative influences, especially during the critical after-school hours from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. when juvenile crime doubles. The number of young people victimized by violent crime — including murder, sex offenses, robbery and assault — also goes up during after-school hours. At least 7 million children are left alone after school each day, according to U.S. Department of Education estimates.

“Through its encouragement of young people, like Joseph Poakwa, the Boys & Girls Club of Venice Youth of the Year, the club is an example of what can happen when you support kids in being the best that they can be,” Aguilar said.

The Boys & Girls Club of Venice has played a role in the community for more than 35 years, providing daily programs and services to approximately 4,000 young people. With core program areas in character and leadership development; education and career; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and special initiatives, the Boys & Girls Club of Venice offers a safe environment for youth ages 6-18 in the hours they are not in school.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/102605-15_01.jpg)

(Photo: Norman Harris/Special)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 26, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/102605.pdf?ref=smdp.com)