Bruno & Evelyne Betti Named BGCTC’s 2021 Governor’s Leadership for Youth Awardees
Longtime BGCTC supporters, Bruno and Evelyne Betti, posthumously received the 2021 Governor’s Leadership for Youth Award at the organization’s annual Foundation for the Future Breakfast held May 13, 2021. The award is a nod to Bruno and Evelyne’s generosity to the community and achievements as small business owners that helped support and contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the South Puget Sound region.
Support from Bruno and Evelyn has allowed the Clubs to provide member scholarships, support staffing, and strengthen Club Operations. In 2019, the Tenino Boys & Girls Club opened the Bruno & Evelyne Betti Teen Center, a dedicated space for youth grades 6-12 to foster learning, innovation, and activity.
The Betti’s philanthropic interests and generosity has also extended to vocational and technical trade students as well as support for degrees in business, education, engineering, medicine, nursing and other sciences.
Hear more about what motivated their giving and how the impact of their charitable works continues today throughout the South Sound.
About BGCTC’s Governor’s Leadership Award:
The Governor’s Leadership for Youth Award was first presented in 2007 as a way for Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County to honor and recognize community members who in their personal and professional lives prioritize the needs and positive development of youth.
Criteria for award recipients (an individual, couple, or family) include a dedication to youth and youth serving organizations, respect from the community, and a long-standing commitment to youth through service, fundraising, and philanthropy.
Past Recipients Include:
2020: Dr. Tony and Christie Agtarap
2019: Jamie Will
2018: Ron Rants
2017: Dick Cvitanich
2016: Raj Manhas
2015: Joe Ingoglia
2014: Cynthia Dinsmore
2013: Don Secena
2012: Bill Lahmann
2011: Jerry Farmer & Walter Neary
2010: Paul Grudis
2009: Dr. Jim Koval
2008: Jay Wood
2007: Governor Christine Gregoire
About the Bruno & Evelyne Betti Foundation
In 1948, the Bettis purchased a 440-acre Christmas tree farm becoming early pioneers in Hawks Prairie (now part of the City of Lacey, WA). Together, Bruno and Evelyne built rental houses and operated a farm, feedlot and custom farm slaughterhouse. Beginning in 1972, they began building warehouses for rent to new business ventures in the local area. They were thankful to those who helped them get started in their various enterprises and, as a result, committed to giving back to their community. The Bettis became instrumental in the startup of many small businesses, and through these successes, they began a lifelong program of “Giving a Leg Up” to support others.
Following the deaths of Bruno and Evelyne, the Foundation was created through their estates to continue the philanthropic mission they followed during their lifetime. In 2006, South Sound Partners for Philanthropy named Evelyne “Individual of the Year” in recognition of her charitable work throughout the community.