Donors step to the plate to keep Boys and Girls Club afloat
Kids cut vegetables in the kitchen of the Columbia Falls Boys and Girls Club in this file photo.
The future of the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country is full of hope, says club executive director Cindy Hooker.
Several grants and donations have provided the funding that was needed to keep both the Columbia Falls and Evergreen club locations open. They were on the verge of closing after losing two grants in the last few years.
The Club has received several individual donations and also a large gift of $40,000 from an anonymous donor before Christmas. The club is working with local organizations for potential grants and also to share resources. In particular, Hooker said that a partnership with a local youth organization is in the works.
“As a nonprofit we are always in need of funding,” Hooker said. Grants are few and competitive.
The Lions clubs and Rotary clubs in Columbia Falls, Evergreen and Kalispell have been supportive, Hooker said. Specifically, the Columbia Falls Rotary Club is working on a grant to support programs within the club.
“It’s been really exciting that these groups take such an interest in the club,” she said. “That’s what it will take to serve all the kids in the community.”
Hooker said the club no longer fears the future.
“I’m so hopeful,” she said.
An upcoming fundraiser is with Ross Dress for Less in Kalispell. Ross Stores, Inc. invite customers to give at the register during the month of February to benefit local clubs. It’s a national four-week program called, “Help Local Kids Learn,” beginning Feb. 4.
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised at the store will benefit the local club. Every $3 donation helps provide one hour of homework help for a club youth and $15 helps keep a kid safe after school for one day.
“We want to encourage everyone to get really great deals at Ross,” Hooker said.
The club also received a $9,000 grant for SMART moves, a national Boys & Girls Club program on alcohol and substance abuse education, and a $7,500 grant for their mentor program. The mentors are staff or community members who provide one-on-one relationships with selected kids in the club.
“We’re always looking for people to be part of that mentoring process,” Hooker said.
The club is also looking for potential board members.
The roller rink in Evergreen hasn’t closed, Hooker said, but it’s up for sale and will stay open while it is listed. It’s open Fridays 7-10 p.m. and Saturdays 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.