Wellington Boys and Girls Club plans full summer program
By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News
The Wellington unit of the Boys and Girls Club remains open three days
a week until its summer program starts on June 1. At that time, it will
go back to five days a week.
Last summer it looked like the club could close for good from lack of funding.
The Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County has three units located in Fort
Collins, Loveland and Wellington, and donations from the Wellington community
were not thought sufficient.
Wellington club supporters, however, secured a $30,000 matching grant from
the national organization to keep the local club alive. To date, local
matching contributions have reached $11,300.
Executive director Kathi Wright said the Boys and Girls Club board is keeping
the Wellington unit open because of the impressive effort made by the community.
A $15,000 grant now under consideration by a Colorado foundation could
cover the rest of the matching funds Wellington needed to raise.
The local club, which meets in a building provided rent free by the town,
is still putting lots of effort into fund-raising. The next fiscal year
for the Boys and Girls Club starts July 1, and its costs about $78,000
a year to run the program even at reduced hours. The Wellington club serves
about 25 youth each day during the school year and 40 during the summer.
Several events are in the planning stages to raise funds through the end
of the year. On April 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., professional pet groomers
will hold a benefit dog wash in conjunction with the Wellington Pet Fair
at the town park. A wine-tasting benefit may be scheduled in May.
The Wellington Jaycees are planning a July 4 carnival that will raise funds
for several youth programs, including the club and after-school programs
at Eyestone and Wellington Junior High. The carnival will include a "jail,"
dunk tank, duck "fishing" for prizes and possibly a climbing wall.
Work is also under way on a fall festival, but club supporter and parent
D. Dennison said she needs more volunteer help. "In saving the club, you
save our community and save our children," she said.
Those interested in supporting any of the fund-raising activities may call
Dennison at 568-3189 or e-mail d@k99.com.
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