Boys & Girls Clubs youth are celebrating a Denver victory – off the field.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver triumphed over Boys & Girls Clubs of King County in the inaugural Boys & Girls Clubs Bowl, an online fundraising challenge inspired by their cities’ appearances in the Super Bowl.

In the final minutes of the competition, Denver pulled into the lead by raising $28,584 to Seattle’s $24,066. The terms of the competition are that the staff and kids of the losing organization are to wear the colors of the opposing team for a day.

“Although we lost the official challenge, all King County and Denver-area Boys & Girls Clubs kids are the winners,” said Calvin Lyons, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County president and CEO.

Kathy Luna, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver agrees: “What an incredible way to raise more than $53,000 for club kids in just over a week.”

Last week club kids at Boys & Girls Clubs of King County’s Wallingford Branch made good on the challenge. Club director Meghan Sweet saw this as an opportunity to promote good sportsmanship.

“We focus on building character in our members and that means learning that every good game is followed by a genuine handshake,” Sweet said. “Being a good sport, even in the face of defeat, is an important lesson we can teach at the Club.”

While wearing Broncos orange, the Wallingford Club kids created a congratulations banner they sent to the Denver organization.

“I’m glad both of the Clubs got the funding,” said 12-year old Wallingford Club member Van Kirby. “I hope we get to do it again next year.”

Although the challenge officially ended last week, the community can continue to donate to the campaign at www.gofundme.com/BGCBowlSeattle.