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Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson Named 2026 Nonprofit of the Year by Carson Chamber of Commerce

CARSON, Calif. — Community and business leaders gathered Thursday, June 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Carson for the Carson Chamber of Commerce 2026 Excellence in Carson Awards luncheon, celebrating organizations making a lasting impact throughout the city.

Among the event’s honorees, Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson (BGCC) was recognized as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for its longstanding commitment to local youth, families, and the Carson community.

Founded in 1991, BGCC began with a single Club site on Main Street in Carson, created to provide young people with a safe and supportive place to learn, thrive, and build positive relationships outside of school hours. The organization has since evolved into one of the region’s leading youth development agencies, serving children and teens across the Greater South Bay and South Los Angeles.

Over the past 34 years, BGCC has expanded its programs to meet the evolving needs of local youth, with a strong focus on academic success, college readiness, workforce development, STEM education, and social-emotional wellness. The organization has received national recognition for its teen engagement and volunteer excellence, including the HALO Award from the Deutsche Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Champion for Youth Advocacy Award.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson is humbled and grateful to receive this award,” expressed Kim Richards, CEO of the organization since 2005. “We would not be here without the hard work and dedication of our incredible board of directors and staff, and the unwavering support of the companies and community partners who have stood beside us on this journey.”

Barry Waite, who served on the awards selection committee, shared his thoughts on why the organization was deserving of the recognition. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson has long been a vital part of the Carson community, building connections that unite local businesses, families, and youth,” he said. “Those connections have created a lasting impact, inspiring community leaders to invest in young people while strengthening Carson as a whole.”

BGCC now serves nearly 7,500 youth annually through nine afterschool sites, five school-day program locations, and community events that connect young people with caring mentors, enriching programs, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

Individuals interested in supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson through volunteering, partnerships, or donations can learn more at www.bgccarson.org.

Featured individuals in this photo include (left to right): Kim Richards, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson; Members of the Excellence in Carson Awards Selection Committee: Barry Waite, Past President of the Carson Chamber of Commerce; Shirley Smith, Public Relations Commissioner, City of Carson; and Ray Aldridge, Owner of Expressions to Wear.

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In-kind donations save Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson thousands of dollars each year. 

Right now, BGCC has a high demand for the following in-kind donations:

  • Gently used books – all ages
  • Business attire – male and female for high school students
  • Art supplies – new pencils, crayons, paint and markers
  • New or used laptops for Club members 

Please contact our Administrative Office for assistance in making an in-kind contribution at 310.522.0500 or by email at [email protected]. 

Make a greater impact with your stock investments! 

Fill out the Wells Fargo Stock Transfer Application and fill in our information below: 

  1. Brokerage Account Number 4843-4988
  2. Brokerage registration : Boys and Girls Club of Carson
  3. Our code for ACAT transfers : 0141

Jeremiah Milbank was a remarkable person and lifelong volunteer who gave generously to Boys & Girls Clubs programs. It is through his legacy that Boys & Girls Clubs of America created The Jeremiah Milbank Society as a way to pay tribute to local Club donors on a national level.

The society was created to inspire and recognize higher level unrestricted giving from individuals within local Clubs. Each member of the society has given a minimum of $10,000 to their local Boys & Girls Clubs organization. Through their leadership and generosity, Jeremiah Milbank Society members have helped to assure that every young person who attends Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson is provided with hope and opportunity, through a safe place to learn and grow, and have adult mentors who positively impact their life.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson are honored to have Jeremiah Milbank Society members, who support the work that goes on at our Clubs. We thank them for their generosity and their unwavering dedication to the youth in our community.

The benefits for joining the Jeremiah Milbank Society includes recognition throughout Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson materials and national recognition within the Jeremiah Milbank Society catalogue.

For more information about the Jeremiah Milbank Society contact:
Melissa Wickman, VP of Development & Marketing
310-522-0500 ext. 205 • [email protected]

Diana’s commitment to lifting up the voices of the community began in Wilmington as the youngest community organizer and Honorary Mayor of Wilmington. Diana continued organizing with the California State Assembly where worked with leaders in various cities and neighborhoods to advocate for the advancement of education equity, immigration justice, supportive services, and reentry programs. She most recently served as the Neighborhood Revitalization manager with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles leading the implementation of an innovative framework to improve the quality of life of residents in the city of Long Beach through sustainable partnerships and creating a model for collaboration across neighborhoods. Her efforts were commended by the Long Beach Rescue Mission awarding her partner of the year for creating lasting connections across all sectors.
Nina's passion for the non-profit sector began in 2011 with the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. Over the course of five years, she led the Foundation's fundraising endeavors, initially focusing on district-level initiatives before stepping into the role of President. In 2015, she joined The Friendship Foundation as the Development Director and was promoted to Managing Director shortly thereafter. Nina joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Caron in August of 2022 bringing with her extensive experience in fundraising, event planning, and operational and strategic insight. She was honored with the National Newcomer Excellence Award in Resource Development in 2024 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her outstanding contributions in fundraising. Nina is active in the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club and has served as the International Chair, Vocational Chair, and Social Chair. Together with her husband, Nina has raised three boys in Manhattan Beach.
Don Abbe has 35 years of experience working in the private and nonprofit sector. He joined the Club in 2010 and ensures that every dollar is spent in the most efficient manner. Don works closely with auditors to make sure that our organization complies with all federal, state and local statutory requirements. He also ensures that all stakeholders get a complete and accurate assessment of the financial health of the organization. Don’s past nonprofit work experience includes working with the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles. He received a BS in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Washington. Don’s favorite Club program is Youth of the Year.