Thanks for your enduring support | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 3:24 pm Monday, April 30, 2012

To the editor:

The kids, staff and advisory board of the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island thanks everyone in our community for making our 2012 IslandWood Gala a success.

Each year, with support from generous community champions including IslandWood, Bloedel Reserve, Mixtur, Sound Reprographics, Eleven Winery, Lobo Hills Winery, Hale’s Ales, and the many island businesses that provide auction items, the gala raises funds that allow us to grant scholarships to island youth and teens who would otherwise be unable to attend the club.

Our club:

Serves more than 300 Bainbridge Island youth and teens every year;

Has never turned a kid away due to lack of financial resources;

Is serving 30 percent more kids today than it was two years ago;

Offers programs ranging from educational assistance, digital and culinary arts, leadership development and outdoor games; and

Has granted over $30,000 in need-based scholarships over the last year.

We also thank everyone who joined us for dinner at IslandWood on Saturday. Your enduring support helps us achieve our mission “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” More information about the club, volunteer opportunities, and a link to our on-line donation page can be found at www.bi.positiveplace.org.

The Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island is a dedicated youth service agency, serving young people ages 5 to 18. Our programs include after school drop-in activities and summer, winter and spring full day camps for club members. Participation in our programs requires only a $36 per year Boys & Girls Club membership and minimal program fees for after school drop-in programs, day camps and early release days. The club offers volunteer and community service opportunities for youth and teens.

We are a branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, which is one of the largest Boys & Girls Club organizations in the nation. Although we receive administrative support from King County, 90 cents of every dollar received by the club originates from local fundraising efforts and donations. The funds remain here in our community to support programs for local youth.

KIMBERLY HUGHES, BOARD PRESIDENT

Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island