A Letter from the CEO...
Greetings Boys & Girls Club family!
I hope this message finds you and your families healthy and well.
The Boys & Girls Club continues to live up to the principles we were founded upon. This foundation will not only help us sustain, but will also prepare us for what is next. There are many unknowns at this time, but what we do know is that when we are able to fully re-open, it won't be business as usual. Things, like social distancing, will be here for a while and that will force us to change the way that we do things. The impact of learning loss, increased abuse and the multitude of ways this will impact us all, will require us to provide new solutions, new services and build new partnerships.
Kids, teens and their families need the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington Normal now more than ever. The Club is uniquely positioned to leverage our meaningful relationships with families and youth to provide important resources, as well as the highly trained and caring staff needed at this time.
Staff have been working tirelessly to meet needs with bright smiles and kind hearts through “Power Hour” tutor and mentor support, virtual programming, relationship building using technology and keeping things fun for Club members and their families. We have also continued to provide meals to youth and families in our community through partnerships with Midwest Food Bank, the Tinervin Family Foundation, Feed BloNo Kids, the Chamber of Commerce, United Way and many other community partners.
Your support is and will be essential in ensuring that the Boys & Girls Club will continue to deliver quality impactful programs. Programs that will be needed now and into the future more than they have ever been needed before to support the dreams of the future leaders of our community. Learn more below and find out how you can help!
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to stand shoulder to shoulder with us to provide strength and stability for our community. We have been pillars of our community for nearly 30 years and together we will get through this. Together we will get our community back on track.
We are committed to do “Whatever it takes to build GREAT FUTURES,” together! We wish you all the best. Stay safe and healthy. We miss you all and hope to see you soon. Thank you.
I CARE,
Tony Morstatter
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Volunteer Spotlight
Ed Miller
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Ed Miller
came to the Club early in the school year on a tour. After speaking with him for a short period of time we knew that JA Titan would be a perfect match for him. He worked in the industrial industry and was an accountant. He signed on board for our Impact Volunteer program and was ready to begin in the spring 2020 to prepare our students for the competition in May.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit our community, Ed called us immediately and asked what he could do. He was still very interested in facilitating the sessions. We contacted the JA team in Peoria and figured out how we could proceed.
In a weekend, he was able to learn and understand the content, and our team at the Club was able to create the Zoom environment, recruit youth and create the businesses for our kids.
He met with the kids each day for two weeks, teaching them the content and best business practices to make informed decisions about their businesses.
In a time when many people are just trying to get by, Ed went above and beyond to provide programming to our kids. His dedication and commitment to the program allowed him to connect with our youth during a time of crisis. Something I am sure our kids will not soon forget.
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JA Titan is not the only program we have offered for our kids in a real time experience. With the help of tutors from America Reads America Counts we offer Power Hour daily. We have two 2-hour blocks of time geared towards specific age groups throughout the day Monday – Thursday. This is opened to all the kids within our community.
Our first All-Club Zoom calls were so fun. It was the first time we saw some of our kiddos. This was just to touch base and let our families know the services we are offering during this time.
We launched Jackbox Games a group gaming software which allows us to play with up to 8 of our members at our time. We are planning to make that a weekly program for our youth and families.
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In addition, we will have our first social emotional learning programming utilizing Zoom and our Second Step Curriculum. We are targeting a small group of members and trying to determine how we will move forward with programming.
We are also promoting virtual mental health services through our amazing collaborations with ABC Counseling and Integrity Counseling Services. They are still providing one on one sessions, just virtually, to take care of the emotional needs of our kids and families.
Through these virtual program options, we are continuing to provide the Virtual Club Experience on Facebook, Snap Chat and through our website. Should you want to participate check out BGCBN Virtual Club Experience on Facebook for inspiration. Contact Jenny Hall
[email protected]
for more information on how you can share something with our kids.
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Bloomington-Normal, April 22, 2020 – Selected among five outstanding youth, Jakayla Sculfield has been named the Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 73rd year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Jakayla went on to contend for the Illinois Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“Becoming Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey,” said Tony Morstatter, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal, “We are proud to have Jakayla representing us on this adventure.”
Jakayla has been a member of the Club since moving to the area in 2010. The Club has connected her with many other youth serving organizations including Girl Scouts, Project Oz and 4-H.
Jakayla is passionate about her community as well as making people feel good about themselves. As a child she loved doing hair and make-up and aspired to be a cosmetologist. She participated in Funtology, an interactive cosmetology, barbering, nails and skin care program for youth at the Club.
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While she still is pursing hair and skin care as a hobby, she has shifted her focus and is looking forward to starting her nurses training at Bloomington Area Career Center in the fall. She seeks to be a pediatric nurse after attending Heartland Community College and Illinois Wesleyan University once graduating from Bloomington High School.
Jakayla has been a committed, loyal participant of the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal since she was five years old. She mentors other participants and often volunteers to lead projects that benefit the well-being of others. She is also an active member of the Project Oz program HYPE (Helping Youth Progress and Excel). HYPE students lead arts and culture programs, teach safety tips and develop information campaigns. She has been a positive member of the community, modeling the way for her peers and others.
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At the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bloomington-Normal we realize our club members need our support now more than ever. We still have a responsibility to this community and to those kids and families to deliver on our mission.
Our job is to provide meaningful opportunities for kids and families when they’re at home. And we are doing that through the Virtual Club Experience we have developed.
As well as feeding their minds, we are feeding their bodies. The Club is providing meals for 750+ children daily. The meals provide more than nutrition. It’s about the structure and the stability of it. Some of our children are used to having three meals a day two at school and one at the Boys and Girls Club, and we are glad that we, as well as the schools, are able to continue this service.
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*Photo taken prior to social distancing restrictions
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We are able to provide dinner each weeknight due in part to our CACFP Grant and support from the United Way. This resource not only helps us to feed our youth, but also help to support our community restaurants.
The Club could not provide any of these services without our amazing team. We would like to thank this amazing team for their commitment and support in these difficult times. These individuals make up who we are, and we cannot do it without them.
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Resource Development Highlights
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2020 GREAT FUTURES ANNUAL APPEAL
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Our 2020 Great Futures Annual Appeal kicked off on May 5th and will run through June 30th. Our volunteer leadership teams have worked hard to prepare for this launch.
Would you like to host a virtual event to support our kids? Reach out to our Development Director, Kimberly Wright at
[email protected]
for ideas. Below are a few ideas how you can help.
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Would you like to be an Advocate for our club? Please
CLICK HERE
to start your own fundraiser and reach out to our Development Director, Kimberly Wright, at
[email protected]
or 309-829-3034
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Would you like to give a month recurring gift to the Club
?
CLICK HERE
to
join Club '92 today!
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- Does your employer have a matching gift program? If so, you can double your gift!
- Does your employer provide grants for your volunteer service? If so, your employer can provide a financial gift to the club!
- Does your employer have a workplace giving opportunity through payroll? If so, you can gift to the club PRE-TAX!
- For more information, check with your employer!
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THANK YOU
FOR THE GIFT OF YOUR STIMULUS CHECK
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A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE GIFTED THEIR STIMULUS CHECK (OR PART OF IT) TO THE CLUB!
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COVID-19 CARES Act Tax Benefits
INDIVIDUALS TAKING STANDARD DEDUCTIONS
can now take up to $300 in above the line deductions for qualified charitable gifts Married and filing separately should double that deduction.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ITEMIZE
may now deduct up to 100% of their taxable income via qualified charitable donations in 2020 (used to cap at 60%).
CORPORATIONS WHO ITEMIZE
may now deduct up to 25% of their taxable income (up from 10%) and food donation deductions up to 25% (up from 15%).
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*To pledge your support,
CLICK HERE to download our Annual Campaign Pledge Form
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GOLF OUTING RESCHEDULED
August 14, 2020
Ironwood Golf Course
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Please check our website for registration information! For sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Kimberly Wright, at [email protected] or (309) 829-3034.
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SAVE THE DATE
OCT 3, 2020
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Mark your calendar for October 3, 2020 for our second annual Over The Edge event in partnership with the
Child Protection Network
! Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!
We are looking for TEAMS of 4-5 people, individuals, partners and more! Get your team together now and we will see you #OnTheRoof!
For sponsorship opportunities, reach out to our Development Director, Kimberly Wright, at [email protected] or (309) 829-3034.
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The Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal was established in 1992, hence the name Club ‘92. This prestigious club is for donors who want to contribute monthly recurring gifts online or through our Resource Development office to benefit kids' lives at the club.
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Our Current club 92 Members:
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Al & Barbara Nathan
Andrew L Finks
Annetta Marie Blair
Anthony Rozanski
Ashley Walter
Austin James Myers
Barry & Lisa Reilly
Ben Matthews
Betsy Myers
Bill & Jan Lawrence
Blake Mier
Brandy Finney
Brian & Sarah Day
Briana Turcotte
Cheryl Magnuson & Sahan Kuruppuaratchi
Chris Deering
Christopher Clemens
Colin & Cheryl Logue
Dale & Laura Avery
Darren & Angela Brant
David Duffey & Sandra Rose
Dean Carr
Deborah Boston
Desmond Anderson
Dodie & Jaci Dunson
Donna Boelen
Douglas & Teresa Minter
Edmund Miller
Evelyn Rose Young
Father David & Amy Halt
Griffin Design - Tracy Feger
Jacob Perganson
Jason & Jeannie Higdon
Jay & Jane Rich
Jay & Pamela Reece
Jeff & Melinda Leverton
Jennifer Cave
Jennifer Hall
Jerry & Carole Ringer
Jessica McDermott
Jill & Rob Jones
Jim & Lisa Spachman
Jo-Anna Ramsay
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Joel Ramseyer
John & Karen Schmidt
Jon & Tracy Farney
Jonathen & Edith Voegele
Judy Gibson Stone
Kathie & Alan Chapman
Kathleen Boudeman-Nicholas & Mark Nicholas
Katie Grojean
Keith & Falicia Cornille
Kelvin Schill
Kenneth Tolson
Kimberly Wright
Kris Kline
Krupal Swami
Leah Daigle
Levi Bauer
Lintfighters of Central IL LLC - Tom & Jamie Sennett
Matt Riehle
Matthew & Stacy Spurgin
Mercedes & William Davison
Michelle Ashendorf
Mike Flaherty
Mike O' Grady
Neil Alcorn
Omar Khokhar
Paul S. Hursey, Jr.
Reid Butts
Rex & Valerie Schaeffer
Ross & Amber Amend
Sayed Abbed & Suad Abu-Shahla
Scott & Molly Davis
Shelleigh & Kevin Birlingmair
Sonya Stremming
Steve & Sue Seibring
Steven & Erin Kennedy
Terri Cannon
Terry & Dele Ogunleye
Tony & Steph Morstatter
Travis & Kate Williams
Wade & Jeanne Koehler
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Thank you for your support of our Club!
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Do you shop on Amazon? If so, Amazon will donate .5% of EVERY Amazon purchase you make to the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal! Just log in to your amazon account and visit our organization link:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/37-1308723 to select the club as your charity of choice. Thank you!
#EveryDollarCounts
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Would you please invite us to come and share our mission?
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We would love to share our mission with your company, group, or organization.
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