Great Futures Gala raises funds for Boys & Girls Club
The 3rd Annual Great Futures Gala was held June 13 at the Peninsula Golf & Country Club’s Poolside by the Terrace. Over 300 people attended the event with the proceeds benefiting the Oak Orchard Riverdale Boys & Girls Club’s building expansion project.
“We started fundraising about three years ago for this project after realizing just how badly a capital campaign was needed for this club,” said sponsorship committee Chair Kathleen Schell. “With the help of our awesome community and the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, we have raised close to $1M and will be able to start the renovation and expansion this fall.”
The club is only large enough to service 100 children and the waiting list has over 70 families on it. The expansion will increase the number served to 200.
“The expansion of the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club will double the size of the existing building, bringing it to 4,350 square feet,” Schell said. “We were able to secure a variance from county council to build this expansion a few months ago after presenting the plans and drawings. This expansion is greatly needed. It will add additional classroom space so kids can be grouped by age and ability, bathrooms, an art room, offices and much-needed storage.
Our big dream is to be able to build a multipurpose center and gymnasium to start a "Teen Program" in this area. We have been exploring options to find the right site hopefully in close proximity to the existing building for the younger kids. Right now, there is no teen program for this club because they have never had room. After age 13, the Boys & Girls Club of Oak Orchard has not been able to provide services.”
“The teen years are so pivotal in a young person’s life, and we want the kids in this area to have a safe place to go where they can get good advice, a meal, and have safe fun,” shared Leanne Silicato Prosser, Great Futures Fund Director and Steering Committee Chair.
"We are hoping, in next couple of years, we can fundraise for this project and build a community gym with multi-purpose classroom spaces, where teens can get help with homework and play sports indoors - and have a place to go for mentoring and just a place to hang with friends after school,” Schell shared.
"We are thrilled that we have raised the funds for the expansion project of the existing building, now we will set our eyes on Phase 2 - helping the teenage kids have a place to go,” shared Prosser.
For more information about the Great Futures Fund, to donate or to learn more visit: www.greatfuturesgalade.com or email info@greatfuturesgalade.com.
