Coming Home and Giving Back: Anton Fok Joins the Board
Anton Fok
When Anton stepped back onto Petaluma soil after years abroad, he was returning to a community that helped raise him. Now a Sales Director at Liftoff and a dad to a first grader at McNear Elementary and a newborn, Anton is stepping into a new role as a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin. But his journey with the Club started long before strategy meetings and Zoom calls.
Growing up on the west side of Petaluma, Anton spent his afternoons at the Boys & Girls Club. With his parents busy running their business, the Club offered more than just a safe place to be after school, it gave him mentors, a sense of belonging, and the kind of support that sticks with you long after your homework is done. “The staff, many of them young adults, served as mentors and role models, and their support helped me feel seen and valued,” Anton shared. “That experience had a big impact on me, and it's one of the reasons I feel so strongly about supporting the Club today.”
Now living just blocks from his old stomping grounds, Anton loves having his son in Club each afternoon. There’s something poetic about it, like life giving him the chance to pay it forward in the most personal way possible.
We asked Anton what shaped the person he is today.
What values did your family or upbringing pass on to you that still guide you today?
”My family has a diverse background — my father is originally from Hong Kong, and we have relatives around the world who speak many different languages. Growing up, I learned to appreciate and respect other cultures, traditions, and perspectives. That global mindset has stayed with me, and it’s something I’m actively passing on to my own children, with the hope they’ll do the same one day.”
When did you first understand what it meant to give back or be part of a community?
”In high school, I used to accompany my grandfather to the Petaluma Soup Kitchen. Being there, serving meals, and seeing how deeply grateful people were during a difficult time left a lasting impression on me. It was my first real understanding of the impact small acts of kindness can have — and how important it is to support your community when you're able.”
Why do you think a place like Boys & Girls Clubs would have mattered to you as a kid?
”It did matter — I grew up attending Boys & Girls Clubs in Petaluma. With my parents busy running their business, after-school care played a big role in my upbringing. I often struggled in school, and the Club became a place I looked forward to every day. The staff, many of them young adults, served as mentors and role models, and their support helped me feel seen and valued. That experience had a big impact on me, and it's one of the reasons I feel so strongly about supporting the Club today.”
From Club kid to Club parent to Club board member, Anton’s journey is the kind that gives you goosebumps. He’s bringing a global perspective, a deep love for community, and a full-circle story to the table — and we’re lucky to have him.
You can make a difference like Anton. Give the gift of summer camp to North Bay kids! Donate today to our Summer Campaign.