Kasey Earnest, who has worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) as program director, and later, executive director, for nearly 15 years, is honored with a Dolphin Award for her service to local kids and families as well as the greater Malibu community.
As executive director, Earnest’s responsibilities include overseeing club houses, which provide various services to students, at local elementary schools and a teen center at the high school. A wellness center was added to the teen center a few years ago.
BGCM provides “free mental health and wellness services through a formal contract with the school district to all Malibu public school children and their families.”
Last year, Earnest, with BGCM, took over the much-anticipated Malibu Chili Cook-Off. The 37th Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off and Country Fair was a success, bringing a fresh take on the yearly event.
Many people, including a handful of Malibu City Council members, a school board member and even a state senator, submitted nominations for Earnest on account of her regular work as executive director and later, of her coming to aid of Malibu residents during and after the Woolsey Fire.
She set up the Malibu Emergency Relief Fund in less than a week to provide disaster relief; so far, the organization has awarded more than $1 million to local individuals, families and workers.
Editor’s note: This brief has been updated.