GREENVILLE, NC – In light of recent updates from the CDC, state health department, and local hospital
officials regarding the current Delta variant surge of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Boys & Girls Clubs
of the Coastal Plain announced today that the 2021 Ultimate Pre-Game Party, Presented by First Citizens
Bank and scheduled for Friday, September 10, has been transitioned to an online auction event.
“Everything we do is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the youth and families throughout
our Eastern North Carolina communities,” said Kimberly Boyd, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain
President & CEO. “This difficult decision comes at a time when collectively we have overcome so much
adversity and were looking forward to coming together for a night of fun and fellowship.”
With the generosity of sponsors and guests who had already purchased tickets, the 2021 event was on
pace to raise nearly $200,000 to directly support young people from 17 Clubs and seven counties in
Eastern North Carolina.
“First Citizens Bank is a long-time advocate for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain. While we
were looking forward to the 2021 Ultimate Pre-Game Party taking place as an in-person event, we
certainly understand and support the decision to transition to an online auction and fundraising event
due to the ongoing pandemic,” stated Gordon Jethro, First Citizens Bank Area Executive. “Despite the
change of plans, First Citizens Bank is resolved to continue our sponsorship of the Boys & Girls Clubs this
year, and hope others will do the same.”
Fundraising efforts will now transition to an online auction and online giving event at www.bgccp.com
beginning Friday, September 10. Additional details regarding the online auction, which includes items
such as signature events and experiences, jewelry, fine art, and more will be announced in the coming
days.
Sponsors of the 2021 Ultimate Pre-Game Party, Presented by First Citizens Bank include: Greenville
Convention Center, Barnhill Contracting Company, Ferguson Waterworks, BB&T (Now Truist), Baker
Roofing, Grady-White Boats, Hendrix-Barnhill, Minges Bottling Group, PBMares, Physicians East,
Practicon, Service Roofing, Ward & Smith, P.A., Eastern Trust – Mullarkey Real Estate Group, Taft-Mills
Group, ARK Consulting Group, Eastern Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Engineering Consulting
Services (ECS), Greenville Utilities, Inner Banks Media, Meridian Park, TowneBank and Towne Insurance.