Changing young lives to be celebrated in September

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego will host its 12th annual “An Evening of Changing Lives” on Sept. 13 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

The event celebrates the organization’s mission to provide children and teens with mentorship, educational support, and opportunities in sports, art and other activities. Organizers say the programs foster respect, compassion and inclusion while helping youth set goals and pursue their dreams.

This year’s celebration will honor Robert L. Payne with the 2025 Todd Gutschow Lifetime Leadership Award. Payne, past president and board member of the Boys & Girls Club of San Diego, chaired the Building Committee for the Encanto Club. He became involved with the club in the mid-1960s and has supported its mission of offering safe spaces for young people.

Attendees can contribute to the “Dream Wall” with a minimum donation of $1,000, which will recognize donors during the event.