Underwriting support from:
Glenn Steil, Sr. donated $250,000 to build the Steil Boys & Girls Club in 2000.
Ceremony will take place on Monday, July 19, 2010 at 4pm at the Steil Boys & Girls Club.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth mourned the loss of one of their strongest supporters this past May. Mr. Glenn Steil, Sr. passed away on May 7, 2010 in his Florida home from a heart attack. Mr. Steil, who graduated from Aquinas College and Davenport University, was a Michigan senator, but most importantly, a philanthropist.
Mr. Steil donated $250,000 to help create what is now the Steil Boys & Girls Club, which was built in 2000. This facility acts as a positive place for Grand Rapids’ youth ages 8-18 to go and find fun activities as well as academic support. Mr. Steil supported the construction of the Steil Club because growing up he always could find a safe haven at the youth center that existed previous to the Club. He wanted youth to be able to find a place where they could belong and find the attention they needed to succeed.
In memory of the overwhelming support of Mr. Glenn Steil, Sr., Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth will be planting a tree in front of the Steil Club to remind every visitor of his great contributions. The tree planting and memorial presentation will take place on Monday, July 19 at 4pm in front of the Steil Club (285 Straight Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Glenn Steil Jr. will be in attendance to honor his father’s amazing efforts for the Club as well as Boys & Girls Club members, staff and board members.
“I want this to be a teachable moment for kids to see that facilities like this do not just fall out of the sky,” said Interim Executive Director Andrew Page. “It is important that our Club members understand the dedication involved in providing them with such positive opportunities.”
This event is open to the public, and Boys & Girls Club would like to invite anyone who knew Mr. Glenn Steil, Sr. to come by to celebrate in the memorial tree planting. If you would like more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, or would like to donate in memory of Mr. Glenn Steil, Sr. please call 616.233.9370 or visit their website at http://www.bgcgryc.org/ .
Article written by Phil Bunce & Sara Schneider
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