Boys & Girls Club of Langlade County kicked off its annual Great Futures campaign on June 1, 2015. The campaign will raise funds for the Clubs’ after-school programs and services for youth, grades 1-12, living in Langlade County. Scheduled to run through August 30th, 2015 the campaign seeks donations primarily from individuals. The Boys & Girls Clubs mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Serving as the campaign’s chair is Rita Stowe, Board President. The campaign’s goal this year is to raise $65,000 for the Clubs’ annual operating budget. Stowe said, “We are proud to announce that to date, our campaign has raised $19,605.05 as a result of some early lead gifts and gifts from 100 percent of our board members and staff. All we need now is the rest of our community to show their support, and we will be able to reach or maybe even exceed our goal.”

“Our Clubs are making a difference in the community,” added Stowe “Last year, our local Clubs served 1952 of youth through membership and outreach, a 25% percent increase from the year before. But there are still many more children in our community that need the kind of positive influence and guidance the Clubs provide, and we want to reach out to these youth and their families.” As a result of our outreach services we are continuing to increase our average daily attendance. So far in 2015 we are averaging 86.5 youth a day during the school year and 115 youth a day so far this summer.

Funds raised will help sponsor kids to attend summer camp and provide quality after school programs such as the Power Hour homework help program, internet safety, career exploration, arts and crafts, fitness and sports, and character and leadership programs such as SMART Moves (a prevention program) and Youth of the Year (the Club’s premier recognition program).

“The cost of providing the Boys & Girls Club experience to one child for a year is about $750, an annual membership is only $20” said Stowe. “You can see what a valuable investment that is when you compare it to the cost of incarcerating a youth who went in the wrong direction – usually $50,000 or more. The Clubs give a good return on investment.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Langlade County is asking the public to help the organization reach more kids and put them on the path to a great future. By helping them reach their goal of raising $65,000 for their Annual Great Futures Campaign.

One opportunity can make a lasting difference in the life of a child. One dream can give a sense of purpose for a lifetime. One voice can relay wisdom that resonates for generations. One Boys & Girls Club can give hope to an entire neighborhood. One person like you can help fulfill the dream of a brighter tomorrow for more children in our community.

At Boys & Girls Club, any gift—no matter how big or small—is immensely appreciated. This is the idea behind our Great Futures Campaign: It just takes One caring adult, One Boys & Girls Club, and One gift to forever impact the life of a child.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Langlade County
Founded in 2000, is a non-profit, privately-funded 501{c}{3} organization and depends on private donations and volunteers to accomplish its mission to enabled all young people, especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, our Club serves nearly 2000 young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Currently we have two Club locations one in Antigo and an afterschool extension site in the White Lake School. We provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. To make a donation or to volunteer, contact the Boys & Girls Club office at 715-627-1389 or visit www.bgclang.org