The Holiday Season was a time of joy, and plenty of smiles went around thanks to all our friends who took time out of their busy schedules to lead a toy drive for our Club youth – over 1,000 gifts were generously donated! A heartfelt shout out to ACCO Brands, Goldman Sachs/Ayco, HomeRoots Crossfit, Kristin Keevins, Greg Teipel, Tom McMahon, Laura Hoffman/Allstate, Nike/Gurnee, Tamika Jones/Synergy, USA Blue Book, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and the Illinois Lottery. We are grateful for the support of friends and partners like these who are eager to help enrich the lives of our youth. 

In December 2023, the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County excitedly joined the nationwide Code initiative by participating in the Hour of Code. Club youth from eight sites took part in this event, setting the stage for the launch of a comprehensive coding program in January 2024. To ensure the success of this initiative, 25 staff members underwent professional training to lead coding lessons effectively.

One key aspect of this educational initiative is the emphasis on hands-on experience and practical application. Instead of merely imparting theoretical knowledge, students are encouraged to explore the world of coding by designing phone apps, creating games, and even delving into the exciting realm of artificial intelligence (AI) in app development. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also equips students with tangible skills they can apply in real-world scenarios. We are excited to see where this journey takes our Club youth!

Donor Showcase: Craig Omtvedt

Craig Omtvedt, a former executive at Fortune Brands, discovered his calling to support his community through the Boys and Girls Club of America. Retiring in 2012, Craig redirected his attention to Lake County, recognizing the pressing need for local assistance. His involvement with the Boys and Girls Club transitioned from corporate citizenship to personal commitment, as he aligned with their mission of providing every child with equal opportunities. Craig's dedication led him to join the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, where he actively participates in various initiatives, including the Annual Golf Outing, while generously contributing through his family foundation.

One pivotal moment for Craig was judging the regional Youth of the Year program, where he heard stories of resilience that deeply touched him. Inspired by the struggles of young individuals overcoming adversity, Craig vowed to never complain about trivial challenges again. Recognizing the support he received throughout his life from a supportive and loving wife, parents and family, and inspiring mentors, Craig feels a profound responsibility to give back, embodying the philosophy of "30 years to learn, 30 years to earn, and 30 years to return." He emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, championing the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County as a cornerstone for positive change and inviting others to explore ways to contribute to their communities.

In the face of darkness, the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County serves as a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of countless children. Craig's journey reflects a profound sense of compassion and purpose, inviting others to join him in creating a brighter future. As he witnesses the healing power of the Club, Craig extends an invitation to all to become neighbors in fostering positive change and embracing the light of hope together.

Save the Date and Sponsorship Opportunities

A signature annual event for BGCLC, our Bright Futures Gala helps raise the resources critical to sustaining our Club. Please save the date and join us on April 13, 2024 at Independence Grove where we will once again gather to support our Club youth. For more information email Jennifer Flatley at jflatley@bgclc.org.

Welcome to Our New Board Members

We welcome to our BGCLC family three new board members: Glennys Hedderman, Head of CRM Marketing at Ford Motor Company; Brian Johns, Global Commercial Director at Abbott Laboratories; and Greg Weider, Executive Director at the Lake County Bar Association & Foundation. They each bring a wealth of experience from their respective fields and a dedicated resolve to create brighter pathways for the youth and families we serve. We eagerly anticipate the invaluable contributions they will undoubtedly bring to our organization's mission and vision, along with the rest of our board.

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¡Síguenos en nuestros canales sociales para conocer todas las cosas que suceden en el Club!