Our Spring Fling was a BIG success!
(If you didn't make it, please consider a greatly-needed investment at this time)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County Board of Directors, staff and members would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of our inaugural Spring Fling Fundraiser held on April 14th. The night was magical; there was hope and optimism. Together, we raised just over $30,000 which is greater than we anticipated. Without the numerous volunteers, sponsors and in-kind donations this event could never have been as successful as it was. With an annual operating budget of about $620,000, our fundraisers are important components to our economic engine.
Throughout the evening, two comments came up consistently that I thought I would share with everyone. The first was general amazement that our organization needs so much to operate. We do our best to run a lean organization without compromising safety or quality, however with two locations, a four-day school week, and a full summer program our financial
needs are significant. For this reason, we have posted our "Fund-A-Need" list on our website so others may contribute who may not have been able to attend the event.
Others were concerned about our Youth of the Year Breakfast. Rest assured, we still honor the youth and families but do so at an evening dinner so parents are better able to attend. This year the event was held in Buena Vista where we honored our Youth of the Year, Josh Hodgson, along with 143 other award recipients, parents, staff and Board Members
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County continues to be a place where great futures start. Our sincere thanks once again to everyone who made this year’s event a huge success!
Please patronize and thank all those who helped!
When 3 year old “Jimmy” was removed from his home by child protective services after years of abuse, his mother – restrained by authorities – lashed out one more time. In one final defiant gesture, she kicked her son in the face, knocking out his teeth. When Jimmy first came to the Club, he was an angry young boy, lost in a world that had showed him no kindness; he never felt he deserved any. Jimmy did not play well with others at first. An active game in the gym quickly turned into bursts of rage. Attempts to help him with homework left him feeling frustrated; incompetent. Our staff has never given up hope and has encouraged Jimmy to participate in our programs, including Passport to Manhood. In this program, Jimmy faced his inner demons and learned skills to cope with conflict, relationships and self-esteem. The road has been bumpy, but now in his teens, Jimmy can play a game in control of his emotions and feels good about who he is.
Talk about a man-bites-dog story: The adults in the room -- from a senior White House official to an executive with Major League Baseball2 -- stood in awe of 17- and 18-year-olds... (article by Jonathan Alter of Bloomberg News - You MUST READ these inspiring stories about REAL Boys & Girls Club members!) PLEASE READ THIS!!!
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RECENTLY VOTED "BEST NON-PROFIT IN SALIDA!"
Nate Solder, BVHS grad and now New England Patriots rookie (#77), signed autographs after speaking to members at the Youth of the Year Breakfast.
"This was the BEST day of my life!"
comment from a new member.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County is the ONLY community organization that provides proven programs and safe, positive year-round places for kids to learn and grow. We want Club members to:
"I wouldn't be doing this (Governor's Youth Advisory Council) if it weren't for Boys & Girls Clubs." Reh Vanatta, past Youth of the Year
Read what Denzel Washington has to say about the importance of Boys & Girls Clubs.