The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area recently announced the kick-off of its $2 million Community Endowment Fund Campaign, which the organization says is critical in establishing a long-term funding strategy for the Club and the 900 children it currently serves.

In 1998, Kenny Lewis Sr., Pat Daly, Sr., James Slade and other concerned community members, launched a campaign which began the start of the Boys and Girls Club in Danville, and the building of the much needed facility located at 123 Foster Street (Danville). To meet the needs of the children in Pittsylvania County, a second location was added in Chatham. Due to a generous donation made by Phil & Fran Daly, the Foster Street location was able to complete the Daly Teen Center.

 “Over the past several years the Boys and Girls Club has experienced tremendous growth,” said Trina Pratt, Executive Director of the Club. “Now it’s time to aggressively plan for the future by establishing this endowment which will provide a stable foundation on which the Club can continue to give kids a safe place to learn and grow, as well as provide opportunities for them to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

In just a brief campaign time, the endowment has reached 10% of its goal, with $200,000 in donations and pledges already received by the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region (CFDRR). One hundred percent of donor gifts and pledges will be placed in the endowment with a percentage of the earnings from the endowment made available for operational use by the Club each year.

 “We are very excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Club in securing funds for this endowment,” said Debra Dodson, Executive Director of the CFDRR.  “The Community Foundation was established in 1996 with a mission of improving and enriching the lives of those living in our community primarily through the generosity of donors.  What better way to support our mission and our community than enriching the lives of our youth.”

Nearly half a million dollars is needed annually (approximately $475,000 per year) to operate our two clubs,” said Steve Farrar, Treasurer of the Club. “With the help of generous donors and other supporters, our plan is to reach and exceed our $2 million campaign goal. Eventually we’d like to see this endowment support 25% of our Clubs operating expenses.” 

The Boys and Girls Club strives to provide kids a safe, positive environment where they receive tools to fulfill their potential – and to have fun! Focus areas for the Club include academic success, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyle behaviors.

“Our staff and board are committed to providing high-quality educational programs, building a sense of character and citizenship, maintaining diversity, and offering kids a safe, nurturing, and affordable environment,” said Mike Taylor, President of the Clubs Board of Directors.  “Kids in our community need the Boys and Girls Club and we’re glad we can be here for them.”

Note:  An Endowment is a permanent fund, kept separate from the Club’s operating fund, consisting of cash, securities, and/or property, which is invested in a diversified manner to produce income. A Club can only use a portion of the fund as directed by the policies and procedures governing the endowment fund and without invading the principal.

About The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area

Established in 1998, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area serves over 900 children each year in the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County.  The Club has locations at 123 Foster Street in Danville and 115 South Main Street in Chatham, Virginia. Donations and pledges may be made at the Club, the Community Foundation and online here.  All checks should be made payable to the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, c/o Boys & Girls Clubs Endowment Fund, 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541. For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs, visit their www.bgcdanville.org or call 434.792.3449.