- November 29, 2024
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Donations helped, but fundraising efforts still important
Wayne Grant
News Editor
Growing up in Minneapolis, Joe Sullivan said the Boys and Girls Club facilities were much nicer than those available in Volusia County. But that’s not what he remembers.
“I remember that one staff member that took time to help me out,” he said.
That’s why he has been working in local Boys and Girls Clubs for 23 years and now serves as chief professional officer. He knows what a difference they can make in a young person’s life.
After being hurt by state budget cuts this year, donors have stepped in to help, and replaced the state money. But Sullivan said they still need to raise money because state cuts are expected to continue, and they must raise 96% of their own funding each year.
“We’re set for the short term,” he said. “But we’ve got to get back into the saddle.”
Chris Tolland, of Ormond Beach, an executive at Brown and Brown Insurance who is on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club, hopes to raise money with fundraisers this October, including Swing for Success and Run for Success (See Box.)
He remembers a child, at the organization’s annual steak dinner fundraiser, who said, “I haven’t had steak in a long time.”
“It’s special to see how appreciative they are,” he said.
He said the Boys and Girls Clubs of Volusia / Flagler provide a safe place for children to learn and grow, and have positive relationships with caring adult professionals.
“They get help the studies and they are physically active,” Tolland said.
Sullivan said one fundraising challenge is that people here have not grown up with the local Boys and Girls club, because it’s only been around 23 years.
“We need people with wealth and influence to help poor kids and families,” he said.
There are no clubs in Ormond Beach, but they are in several local communities including Daytona Beach, Holly Hill and Palm Coast. The program helps the underprivileged, with 92% of the kids are on the free-lunch program. It’s busier in the summer, when they don’t have school to occupy their time.
“It’s there for youth 365 days a year,” Tolland said.
When they announced the state funding cuts this year, businessman and philanthropist Gale Lemerand pledged to match $100,000 in donations. They were able to raise the money through many private and corporate contributions. In addition, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office donated $100,000 in confiscated drug money.
Fundraisers for the Boys and Girls Club
Swing For Success
This will be the 17th annual Michelob Ultra “Swing for Success” event on Oct. 29. It’s the “Monday after” Charity Tournament of the LPGA’s Symetra Tour Championship. Visit symetratourchampionship.com and click on Swing for Success.
Run For Success
The annual Run for Success 5K and 10K had about 350 participants last year. To register, for the Oct. 10 event, visit thedriven.net/RunForSuccess.
