Boys & Girls Clubs youth are celebrating a Denver victory – OFF the field – as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver triumphed over our King County groups in the first ever ‘Boys & Girls Clubs Bowl,’ an online fundraising challenge inspired by their cities’ appearances in the Super Bowl.
In the final minutes of the competition, Denver pulled into the lead by raising $28,584 to Seattle’s $24,066. The terms of the competition are that the staff and kids of the losing organization are to wear the colors of the opposing team for a day.
“Although we lost the official challenge, all King County and Denver-area Boys & Girls Clubs kids are the winners,” says Calvin Lyons, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County President & CEO. Kathy Luna, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver agrees, “What an incredible way to raise more than $53,000 for Club kids in just over a week.”
Last week Club kids at Boys & Girls Clubs of King County’s Wallingford Branch made good on the challenge. Club Director Meghan Sweet saw this as an opportunity to promote good sportsmanship. “We focus on building character in our members and that means learning that every good game is followed by a genuine handshake. Being a good sport, even in the face of defeat, is an important lesson we can teach at the Club.”
While wearing Broncos orange, the Wallingford Club kids created a congratulations banner they sent to the Denver organization. “I’m glad both of the Clubs got the funding,” says 12-year old Wallingford Club member Van Kirby. “I hope we get to do it again next year.”
Although the challenge officially ended last week, the community can continue to donate to the campaign at http://www.gofundme.com/BGCBowlSeattle
Boys & Girls Clubs of King County exists to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. With 12 Clubs, 2 Teen Centers and 26 child care and early learning sites, the organization is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, serving more than 15,000 members annually. Program areas offered to youth include character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, computer training and sports/fitness/recreation opportunities. For more information, visit www.positiveplace.org.