Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Launches Summer Success Campaign to Raise Funds for the Summer

MONTEREY, Calif. - June 11, 2013 - PRLog -- SEASIDE, CALIF. – This year the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) is facing record numbers of enrollment for their Summer Learning program and a demand beyond their capacity to fill. Within weeks of opening up summer program enrollment, a waiting list was filling up.  To help bolster the financial challenge of funding the summer programs, the Clubs have sought the investment of local corporations and businesses along with reaching out to the community with the launch of the Summer Success Campaign.  

“Our unfunded need is just over $600 per child,” explains CEO Donna Ferraro.  “Investing in this need is a real opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child.”  Currently, Wells Fargo has committed a challenge grant of $25,000 to match contributions to the Club’s Summer Success Campaign – to date, over $11,500 has been raised for the match.  The Club has until the end of June to reach the $25,000 goal.

Research now shows that summer has long-lasting effects on a child’s education.  The average student – regardless of their family’s economic status – will lose two months of math skills during the summer months.  Low-income students face the additional loss of nearly three months of reading skills.  The cumulative effect of these losses over time can be staggering to a child’s education and their likelihood to graduate on time.  

Quality summer learning programs are necessary to closing the gap on Summer Learning Loss.  The Summer Learning program at the BGCMC is a complete, all-day program over an eight week period, which focuses on academics, provides physical recreation, and serves breakfast, lunch and snacks every day.  "The program uses field trips, technology, creativity, movement, and active participation so kids are learning while also having fun," explains Ferraro.

The summer program is offered at the Seaside and Salinas Clubhouses, as well as two Salinas middle schools. This summer, the Club is expanding into the high-need communities of Castroville and Gonzales, and is bussing children to the Clubhouses.  The 8-week program will serve 900 children a day and requires a significant financial commitment of the Club.  “Nearly 20% of our annual budget is invested in the summer months,” shares Ferraro.  "And it’s our leanest time of year for fundraising income, so it’s difficult to balance with the growing demand.  The funds from this campaign are essential to helping us serve these children during the summer."

To contribute to the campaign, visit www.bgcmc.org and for more information call Mary Ruberry at 831-394-5171.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County has played an integral role in the community for 45 years, providing daily programs and services to nearly 800 young people in their Seaside and Salinas Clubhouses. Over 95 percent of the budget supporting the two Clubhouses comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 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.