Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Celebrates 45th Anniversary

MONTEREY, Calif. - March 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Seaside, CA - March 11, 2013 - On March 16, 2013, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) celebrates 45 years of providing a safe place for youth after school, where Club Members are encouraged to pursue their dreams and discover their interests.  Every day, between 800-1,000 children and teens ages 6 to 18 come to the Seaside and Salinas Clubhouses, or to one of three Middle School extension sites in Salinas after school.  Active annual membership is over 4,100 strong, and additionally, through community outreach and partnerships, over 17,000 youth are served annually in Monterey County.

BGCMC had its beginnings in 1968, when Reverend Al Benton of Seaside contacted Boys Club of America seeking information to start an official Boys Club here in Monterey County.  In 1985, the Club changed the name of The Boys Club of Monterey Peninsula to the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey Peninsula, when girls attended the Club for the first time.

In 1994, the brand new 24,000 square foot Seaside Clubhouse opened its doors to youth.  In September of 2003, Salinas Clubhouse opened the doors of its 42,000 square foot Clubhouse to welcome the youth of Salinas, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County as we know it today began a new era of serving local kids and teens.

Donna Ferraro, CEO/President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, has been with the organization for over 21 years.  She shares - “The legacy of BGCMC over the past 45 years is a testimony to the vision and commitment of this community to serve children.  We started out in a small house with 10 kids and now we’re serving 800 children and teens every day.  This has only been possible because of the support of this community and its belief in the limitless potential of our children, no matter their background.”

Just as it was 45 years ago, the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County is – “To inspire and empower the youth of Monterey County to realize their full potential to become responsible, healthy, productive and successful citizens.”  The staff and Board of BGCMC believe that every child has the potential for success, and that it is the staff and Board’s responsibility to provide a safe place for each child to belong, to learn, and to explore their passions and interests.  It is also critical that staff be a constant presence, offering steady guidance and support to each young person whose future is waiting to be discovered.

Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County has their feet firmly planted in addressing the many youth development challenges that exist by ensuring that every child we touch maintains on-time grade progression, graduates from high school, goes on to complete higher education or career training and earns a livable wage.  With the continued support of the community, this goal will surely be carried out well into the future.

Contact:  Donna Ferraro
Email: dferraro@bgcmc.org
(831) 394-5171

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has played an integral role in the community for over 43 years.  With Clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas, BGCMC provides youth between the ages of 6-18 an afterschool safe haven where they are mentored to achieve academic success, acquire healthy lifestyles, and develop good character and citizenship.  Over 95% of the total budget comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during summer and school breaks, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.  Additional information is available at www.bgcmc.org or via phone at 831-394-5171.