YOUR impact
Stories about the kids and families you have helped your response to WKYC telethon was heartening
The recent Boys & Girls Clubs Day of Giving, sponsored by Oswald Companies, raised more than $200,000 for BGCNEO, which has been hit hard by federal funding cuts. The way the community responded was uplifting. The comments from donors were inspiring.
“Keep up the great work in supporting our youth!” wrote donor Charly Yaniga. An anonymous donor commented, “Such a great organization! Thanks to the workers at BGCNEO!” Another wrote, “Keep doing a great job helping and supporting our local kids.”
Donor Alan Goldstein wrote, “I am a product of the Boys & Girls Club in the Pittsburgh area. I got a lot out of the program
growing up. Living here in Northeast Ohio now, I wanted to give back.”
An anonymous donor wrote this: “I wish I could do more for this worthy program. God bless you all for providing education, recreation and a safe place for children!” Donor Mitch Kokish wrote, “Keep up the good work. Youth brings hope.”
Tim Callahan, president and executive director of The Callahan Foundation, which provided a $50,000 matching gift, said, “When we heard of the funding shortfall related to federal funds being withdrawn, we felt that the foundation community needed to respond.”
Interested in donating? Scan this code or visit www.bgcneo.org. Thank you!
Kids, volunteers, alums provide hope and energy
We asked a lot of you over the past six months. You answered. You helped us buffer the unexpected loss of federal funding and continue to provide safe, fun places for thousands of kids.
We’ve been through tough times lately. But when I look around our Clubs, talk to our young people, amazing volunteers and Club alums, I know any struggles we may have now will not last and will never overshadow the positive impact our Clubs have on kids.
I need look no farther than Jaylen, 12, coordinator of a cleanup effort in his community; King, 10, an emerging leader at his Club; alum Samarion Newell, a former Youth of the Year and current honor student at Cleveland State University; and the volunteers who have given more than 2,900 hours to our Clubs (see page 2) doing everything from providing homework help to sprucing up our grounds. We have had so many victories, so many good moments – and it is because of you.
You are helping our young people become the best versions of themselves. Thank you.
Allen Smith CEO
