Dear Editor,
This time of year during the holiday season, generous hearts can be found around every corner. For this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign, the Boys & Girls Club was lucky enough to be able to find over 100 of those hearts to help raise over $5,268.
The most generous heart of all, Mr. George Kristo, matched every single one of those donations dollar for dollar. George’s generosity and selflessness are just two of the reasons he is a leader and champion for the youth in our community. The success of our first #GivingTuesday campaign in the new Club building would not be possible without him.
It’s hard to believe that we will have been in the new Tom & Soni Sheehan Club for an entire year this coming January! What’s not hard to believe is that our membership continues to grow. Within the first 11 months inside the new Club, we have reached some new heights. A total of 1,802 different members have participated in our programs since the move to the new Club facility. Also, 682 boys and girls have joined the Club as first-time members since the new Club opened in January.
Over 320 members are visiting the Club each day after school for only $55 per year, while the actual cost to the Club is $555 per child, leaving a gap of $500. The community support that helps bridge that gap is not only creating new and exciting after school opportunities for children in our own backyard, but it helps provide a home away from home that’s safe and committed to their Great Futures.
A recent study by the University of Michigan found that every $1 invested in a Boys & Girls Club returns $9.60 in current and future earnings and cost-savings to the community it serves. It is our goal to continue to provide safe, affordable after school programs to local youth, but it would not be possible without the community’s continued support.
Learn more about becoming a helping heart to over 2,300 local youth BGCNI.org or call the Club directly at 317-773-4372.
With gratitude for our community’s generosity,
Becky Terry
Executive Director
Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville