Boys and Girls Clubs begin annual campaign
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on February 12, 2006 2:12 AM
From staff reports
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County have kicked off their annual fund raising campaign.
The public is invited to attend a guided tour any afternoon from one of the members, and one event will be held as a part of the lead-in to the organization's National Boys and Girls Club Week festivities, which will run from April 2-8.
The campaign, called "Support the Children," will raise funds for the clubs' after-school programs and services for youth who live in Wayne County and are aged 6 to 18. Scheduled to run through Feb. 31 the annual campaign seeks donations primarily from individuals, community leaders and businesses.
Richard Slozak is serving as the campaign's chairman. The campaign's goal for 2006 is to raise $100,000 for the clubs' annual operating budget.
Sarah Wheeler, development coordinator, said the campaign has already raised $46,000 as a result of some early lead gifts from the board and community leaders.
"All we need now is the rest of our community to show their support to reach our goal," she said. "Our Clubs are making a difference in the community, but there are still many more children within our county that need the positive influence and guidance the clubs provide, and we want to reach out to these youth and their families."
The money raised through the campaign will help sponsor members to attend a leadership summer camp, provide quality after school programs, computer skills training, career exploration, arts and crafts, fitness and sports, character and leadership programs and Youth of the Year.and Girls Club experience to one child for a year is about $325.
"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. The clubs give a good return on investment."