A: BGCML is currently in the process of finalizing contracts with local school districts to make sure that a bus will drop youth off at the Clubhouse during the school year. However, parents and guardians will still be responsible for picking youth up from the Clubhouse at the end of the day and pickup and dropoff during the summer. We hope to have a more accessible transportation plan as we continue to grow.

A: The Muskegon Heights Teen Zone, Timberland Charter Academy, Oakridge, and Orchard View Club sites will all stay open as satellite locations, and the operations from the former Nelson Elementary school will transition and expand at the new Clubhouse.

A: Each day after school 7,958 kids (1 out of 5) in Muskegon County would leave school with no place to go. The Clubhouse will allow BGCML to DOUBLE the capacity of youth we serve each day.

Muskegon has a need. Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore does not just serve a specific demographic or statistic. BGCML serves all Muskegon County area youth who will become the future community advocates, presidents of the United States, inspired entrepreneurs, all-star athletes, talented artists, and everyday heroes.

Muskegon County Youth Related Statistics

• Muskegon ranks in the bottom 5% of Michigan counties for childhood well being which is based on economic security, health & safety, family & community, and education. With 1 in 4 Muskegon youth living in poverty, the Club’s accessibility removes barriers for youth who need us most.

• 1 in 5 youth do not graduate from high school. With help from the Club’s academic programs, 97% of our members expect to graduate high school.

• In our Club alone, over 59% of our members live in a home with annual income levels of under $20,000 and nearly 50% of our youth live in single parent households. BGCML costs each member $5 per year to have access to priceless opportunities.

A: The goal is to open the doors to the Clubhouse by summer of 2021. Follow us on our social pages for updates!

A: Sustainability is our #1 priority. Our goal is not just to build a Clubhouse for this generation of youth, but for the generations to come. On the first day of BGCML, April 20th, 2015 a little girl came up to the team and stated, 'this is fun, but how long are you going to be here? Things and people around here come and go." Since that day, the BGCML teams’ focus has been securing the diverse funds and operating with the motto "do more with less." Specific to the Clubhouse Campaign, there will be a portion of fundraising efforts that will be endowed, restricted to maintaining the building.

This building has assets that can be rented out to generate revenue such as the gymnasium, pool, and other rooms to offset building expenses. In addition, some necessary building project updates including new HVAC, a building management system and more efficient lighting will keep the building more sustainable. BGCML is going to do all we can to keep the pool going because it is a great community asset. However, the Boys & Girls Club is a greater community asset and we must be prepared to neutralize costs if it risks the future viability of the Club.

A: Your donation is an investment in Muskegon County’s future, and its impact will be far-reaching. Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by state and federal law. Tax ID: 61-1736056

Gifts to the Club House Campaign may be made through a one-time cash gift, a multiple-year pledge commitment, appreciated assets (stocks, etc.), commemorative gifts or a planned gift. Gifts of all amounts are needed and gratefully accepted.

Special naming recognitions will be given for gifts of $10,000 or more. To learn more, contact Dakota Crow, CEO, at 231-375-9437 or by email at clubhouse@bgclubmuskegon.com.

Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore offers flexible giving opportunities that welcome a large selection of personalized donations, from memorial gifts to endowments that create a legacy. The Club encourages you to give in a way that supports your charitable goals as well as areas that are meaningful to you.

A: House Foundation $1,000,000

Tom DeVoursney $295,0000

Hines Corp $250,000

John & Kathleen Workman $100,000

Max McKee $50,000

Chris McGuigan & Gary Neil $30,000

Andy & Kelly Hoezee $10,000

Nate Heyboer $25,000

Steve & Deb Olsen $25,000

Versatile Fabrications $25,000

Kindred Marketing $20,000

Joe & Kris Balaskovitz $10,000

Nancy & Wayne Kohley $10,000

Greg & Shelley Olson $10,000

A: The Clubhouse Campaign is led by Chris McGuigan with support from many board members, leadership, and community members.

BGCML’s Board of Directors

DJ Hilson

Ted Anton

Jon Covington

Christopher Dean

Tom DeVoursney

Christina Fecher

Jenny Hart-Locke

Nate Heyboer

Spencer Hines

Don Kalisz

Tim Kozal

Jack Kennedy

Chris McGuigan

Bob Scolnik

Brianna Scott

Andy Hoezee

Peter Wills

Anthony Wilson

A: It is wild to think that just several weeks ago we were full steam ahead on $5.5M goal to redevelop the former Angell School building into an out of school time youth center. As projected expenses increased at the Angell Site it was clear compromises would need to be made to come in on budget. Facility size would need to decrease, which would lead to fewer youth served and a longer waiting list of youth. One of the biggest sacrifices would have been the gymnasium, costing an estimated $1.2M alone. The 900 West Western property will allow BGCML to do more with less for Club Members.

We cannot express enough gratitude to the Angell Neighborhood Association and Angell Community Church for their guidance and support in our planning. We look forward to continuing those partnerships with the Angell neighborhood community and other neighborhoods by offering transportation services to and from the Clubhouse, back to the areas our youth members live.