SOUTH ELGIN – Oct. 11, 2021 – On Thursday, October 14th at 4:00 pm CT the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin is holding its official groundbreaking for the construction of its new 20,000 square foot Clubhouse at the village’s former public works building (735 Martin Drive in South Elgin). Slated to open later this year, the state-of-the-art facility will provide daily education, meals, and activities for over 250 children from kindergarten-eighth grade. The Club encourages members of the public to attend and participate in this exciting event.
Although construction is scheduled to begin in late October, attendees will be able to learn more about the new Clubhouse and view artist renderings of specific spaces, such as the gym and STEM lab. The event will also include a program, beginning at 4:30 pm, featuring a student testimonial and remarks from South Elgin Village Manager Steve Super, CEO Cathy Russell, Illinois State Senators Don DeWitte and Christina Castro, and key donors, including Gretchen Hoffer of the Hoffer Foundation and Dave Barnett, Chief Human Resources and University Relations Officer for DeVry University. A ribbon-cutting and press conference will occur at 5 pm CST. To bring this project to life, the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin is creating a donor tree to be displayed in the new South Elgin lobby, and those who attend the ceremony will also be able to see sample “leaves,” which can be purchased and engraved with their name or in memory of a loved one. Refreshments will be served as well.
Among the chief priorities for the Club is the ability to provide warm meals for the students. In addition, volunteers and Clubhouse leaders, and employees will work to ensure the programming remains inclusive of basic life skills such as culinary programs and garden programs focused on nutrition, as well as homework and after-school activities such as physical, emotional, and sensory education.
Cathy Russell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin, said: “We see a need in South Elgin now more than ever. We are excited about this project and the official groundbreaking ceremony and look forward to opening up the facility later this year. This facility will create so many opportunities for the kids of South Elgin. We look forward to fulfilling our Club’s mission and making a continued difference in the community.”
The Club is well positioned to prepare young people for 21st-century success through its 26 plus years of experience serving at-risk youth in the Elgin area, dedicated social/emotional resilience training, mentorship programs, focus on skills development in STEM and the arts, workforce development initiatives, and its strong community partnerships in South Elgin.
Major donors of the Boys and Girls Club of South Elgin include the South Elgin-based Hoffer Foundation and the Wayne-based Wisdom Family Foundation — each gifting $1 million towards the $4.25 million fundraising goal. Additionally, DeVry University has sponsored the funding of the Club’s state-of-the-art STEM Lab.
To learn more about the Boys and Girls Club of South Elgin, please visit http://www.bgcelgin.org/southelgin.
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About Boys and Girls Club
Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
At the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin, we believe that every child deserves a place to feel safe and connected —but most importantly, a place to belong.
With the help of professional and caring mentors, the use of enriching programs, and support from community members, the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin can provide such a place for kids to feel safe, connect with others, and build the skills and confidence needed to reach their highest potential.
More
Chicago Tribune: Boys & Girls Club of Elgin planning clubhouse in South Elgin, more after-school programs in Streamwood
Daily Herald: Boys & Girls Club gets massive mask donation in South Elgin
Daily Herald: Boys & Girls Club of Elgin gets $1 million donation to expand into South Elgin
Chicago Tribune: Wisdom foundation donates $1M to Boys & Girls Club of Elgin’s new South Elgin clubhouse project
