Slidell youth club nearing completion; fundraiser, open house events this weekend

A pair of events are planned this weekend to help drum up support for Ohana Pier, the youth club set to open in the Slidell Athletic Club shopping center on Gause Boulevard.

On Saturday from 6-8 p.m., a private, luau-style reception will take place, featuring entertainment by world-renowned pianist Ronnie Kole. Tickets are $1,000 per couple, and according to Administrative Director Lisa Braniff, the money will go toward putting the finishing touches on the center.

“We’re about two-thirds of the way through construction,” she said. “Among the things we still need are flooring, smoothie and snack bar, a sprinkler system, the stage, signage for the front of the building, and the surveillance system.”

On Sunday, a free open house from 1-5 p.m. will give parents a chance to see the work in progress.

“They can see the model of what the finished club will look like, to show where we are now and where we’ll be when it’s completed,” said Braniff.

Greg Bounds, the club’s youth director, said the club is aimed at teens ages 12 to 18 and will be open weekends only, from 3 to 10 p.m., and will feature activities, video games and occasional live music.

“It will be a positive experience,” said Bounds. “Parents can have confidence their kids are safe and not involved in things that can harm their lives.”

Membership will be limited to 500 boys and girls who may pay a membership fee or monthly dues. The club will be staffed by a combination of volunteers and part-time employees, who will be required to provide reference and undergo background checks.

Go to www.ohanapier.com, or call 288-0842.