Month: August, 2017

 

Boys & Girls Club kids are having a blast this summer! At the Club, members have access to a wealth of programming that help combat summer learning loss. This summer, in particular, is a special one because 2017 marks the 15th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Black Hills.  Prior to the Club being chartered in September 2002, it was known as the Hill City Teen Center. Over the years, the breadth and scope of the Club has expanded exponentially. While it was a grassroots vision for our steering committee to realize the need in our community and start the organization 15 years ago, I am not sure anyone could have envisioned the kind of growth the organization has experienced since that time. From a small 800 foot building with a single ping-pong table to an organization that works from three sites in the communities of Hot Springs, Hill City and Lead-Deadwood, annually serving nearly 800 school-aged youth.

 

Over our history, we have been blessed to have exceptional leadership at the board and fundraising committee levels. Many of our board members have been involved with the Club for over five years, and they continue to come back every year with a renewed passion to serve the kids in our community. People like our board president, John Pence, who has been involved in the Club since 2009, continue to be actively involved in fundraising and governance. We are very fortunate to have men and women who have given so much of their time and resources over the years to benefit the kids in our communities. We are also fortunate to have attracted highly qualified and motivated staff. Those in key leadership roles are staying with our organization longer and longer, which provides consistent services to kids. Our staff is constantly looking for ways to reach more kids, expand opportunities and provide new experiences. We would not be successful today if not their dedications to the Club and commitment to our members. 

 

Finally, and equally importantly, we are so fortunate to have such a supportive community that works so hard to provide the resources and support needed to meet the ever-growing demand for youth services in Hill City. Without the support of local businesses and individuals, we would not be able to reach the number of kids with the programs and activities we do today. Because of our supporters in the community, for only $25 a year, kids are learning how to excel in science and math, learning how to eat and stay healthy, give back to their community and to become leaders. With the school year fast approaching, it is our responsibility as a community to make out-of-school time a priority. It is critical that we keep our kids safe and engaged in positive programs after school. 

In closing, thank you for being part of  our movement and helping give countless youth in Hill City the opportunity to succeed while providing them a safe place to grow, have fun and be kids. 

 

Gifts toward the Great Futures Campaign may be mailed to your local Club. Every dollar raised in Hill City stays in the community to support our kids.