Boys & Girls Clubs begin fund-raising campaign
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on April 27, 2005 1:45 PM
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County has started its campaign to raise funds for the clubs' after-school programs and services for youths ages 6 through 18 who live in Wayne County.
The campaign, called "One Campaign," seeks donations from individuals, companies and corporations throughout Wayne County. The goal is to raise $100,000 for the clubs' annual operating budget.
The Boys & Girls Clubs mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, founded in 1947, is a non-profit, privately funded organization and depends on private donations and volunteers to accomplish its mission. To make a donation or to volunteer, contact the Boys & Girls Club office at 735-2358 or visit the website at www.bgcwaynecounty.com.
Funds raised will help sponsor boys and girls to attend summer camp. They will also be used throughout the year to provide quality after school programs like the Power Hour homework help program, computer skills training, career exploration, arts and crafts, fitness, sports, health, life skills and character and leadership programs like Smart Moves, Youth of the Year and Junior Staff.
The cost of providing the Boys & Girls Club experience to one child for a year is about $460, said Mary Ann Dudley, executive director.
"You can see what a valuable investment that is when you compare it to the cost of incarcerating a youth who went in the wrong direction - usually $50,000 or more," she said. "The clubs give a good return on investment."
The clubs in Wayne County are making a difference in the community, said Marvin Ford, unit director. Last year, the clubs served 2,100 youth.
"But there are still many more children in our community that need the kind of positive influence and guidance the clubs provide," he said, "and we want to reach out to these youth and their families."