Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids launches final phase of Building Bridges for Brighter Futures Campaign

For nearly 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth (BGC-GR) has put the youth of the community “front and center” with the goal of “improving the lives” of what will become Grand Rapids’ next generation of leaders.  A community’s youth is a most precious resource for which no investment is too great.

In an effort to help grow, the organization has recently launched the final phase of their $3.9 million “Building Bridges for Brighter Futures” Capital Campaign. They are reaching out to individuals to raise the last $75,000. Campaign resources continue to go toward giving Grand Rapids youth the safest and best possible spaces to learn and grow – as well as the experiences, programs, and guidance to help prepare them for their futures. A full breakdown of the project costs can be found on the campaign’s webpage: www.bgcgrandrapids.org/campaign.

“All of our campaign projects combine to help develop a generation of young people who are educated and job-ready, with strong values and great social skills, who will build a healthy workforce and a strong community,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk, co-chair of the campaign.

Already thanks to the earlier phases of the Building Bridges for Brighter Futures Campaign, BGC-GR remodeled their Paul I. Phillips Club in June 2012 and when they reopened the doors, Club attendance tripled. There are plans to renovate the Seidman and Steil Clubs over the next two years. They will also make extensive repairs to Camp O’Malley, their summer camp located 25 minutes outside of Grand Rapids. Camp serves almost 600 youth each summer, during 5-day sessions, and employees over 15 teens and many Club alums.
Now through the end of June, every dollar donated to the campaign is DOUBLED! The Frey Foundation is providing a 1-to-1 match for any gift under $10,000.

In addition, BGC-GR is one of two Michigan charities entered in the Art Van Furniture Million Dollar Charity Challenge happening now through June 23, 2014. Every dollar donated to the campaign through this challenge will end up being TRIPLED. Donations can be made at: www.crowdrise.com/boysgirlsclubsofgryc-avf.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. Founded in 1938 by Grand Rapids Superintendent of Police Frank O’Malley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth engages youth in building positive and meaningful relationships with police officers, staff and adults through programs in the areas of recreation, education, leadership development, healthy life skills, arts, education and positive community services.  Boys & Girls Clubs offer programs and services that promote and enhance development by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. For more information about Grand Rapids Boys & Girls Clubs visit www.bgcgrandrapids.org.