Boys and Girls Clubs agency achieves BIG Futures campaign goal

By Jonathan Streetman 812-331-4353 | jstreetman@heraldt.com January 20, 2017

Everyone at the Boys and Girls Clubs knew that $6 million was a big goal.

Near impossible, actually.

But the Lincoln Street facility in Bloomington needed an overhaul, and the Crestmont club had been outgrown. Thus, the BIG Futures Capital Campaign project was born.

On Thursday evening, amid friends, board members and donors — many of whom fit into all three categories — Boys and Girls Clubs of Bloomington Executive Director Jeff Baldwin announced that the goal had been met.

Along with a $275,000 endowment fund and a $500,000 donation from Cook Group for an operating fund, the capital campaign raised an additional $6,052,592.

“It is a surreal feeling to be here tonight to talk about (achieving the goal), because you envision it and see it, and I am humbled,” Baldwin said, adding that the new facilities will have a profound effect on the lives of local children.

Campaign chairman Tim Henke spoke about the impact of the club, and the implications this successful campaign has on the rest of the community.

“This is recognizing that every kid deserves the support and the opportunity to succeed. That’s what this is about, and that’s where we’re headed,” Henke said.

In 2006, the Boys and Girls Clubs agency was able to serve 200 children a day. The organization currently provides services daily for upwards of 400 children. With the proposed changes, including a completely new facility, the Boys and Girls Clubs will be able to affect more than 600 children per day.

“The BIG Futures campaign and its success has served as a declaration from this community that the most important investment we can make — all of us — is an investment in our youth,” Baldwin said. “Our children are our hope.

“On behalf of our club youth and the community they will impact, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Baldwin said the Lincoln Street facility will be completely renovated, with work likely starting in late 2017, while work on a new club in the Crestmont community is already underway.