A Message from Debbie Wagner, CEO |
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As schools opened with virtual learning, parents continue to scramble to find ways to manage family and work responsibilities with limited options and resources. On August 3rd, our Clubs started helping meet the needs of working families by offering Extended Programs for Distance Learning at all six Club locations until in-person school resumes for all. Recent crises have highlighted how significant the technology gaps and food insecurity challenges are for families.
Clubs are part of the solution to creating social and economic equity, and provide social and emotional connections needed for stability and security. Members can bring their school work and technology/device to safely log-in at the Club. For students who need care during the virtual school day, the Club is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm and is serving meals, snacks and coordinated breaks away from their screens with fun, engaging, active activities for our members.
The costs to operate at this level, with extended hours, increases in staff and safety precautions are significant. Like all nonprofits, BGCT relies on supporters like YOU. Many families are struggling to make ends meet but with your support, the Clubs are here to help working families and youth when they need us most.
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you, friend and those in the community that have stepped up and supported us in serving our mission during the COVID-19 pandemic with grants, emergency funding and special gifts over the six months. We can't do it with you!
With gratitude,
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We are so grateful to you and all that have stood by our side throughout this long and protracted crisis, helping us to provide essential services and to emerge strong. During these challenging times, your generous support is needed now more than ever as our Clubs continue to be a beacon of hope for so many kids and families.
Although learning looks a little different this school year, we believe every child still deserves the excitement that back-to-school time brings, as well as essential supplies they need to succeed – notebooks, backpacks, computers and new clothes. Our Clubs will be open as distance learning centers, so no child is left behind.
So how can YOU help? Here are a few ways:
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We know that so much has been taken away from Tucson's young people this past school year and summer. Thank you for being part of supporting BGCT youth and their academic success. |
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Fall Membership and Distance Learning |
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As we move into September, the Clubs will continuing to serve our community Monday through Friday with extended hours of 8:00am until 6:00pm. Every Club is staffed with amazing Youth Development Professionals who are ready to support youth with virtual learning linked to their schools. After our members complete their school day, the Clubs will engage them in recreation, art and other enrichment activities focused on their development. To register your child or to learn more, click here.
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A photo can be worth more than 1,000 words. But can it capture the hopes and dreams of a child?
Since 2010, the Pictures of Hope Program has made this their goal. For the last 10 years, the program provided Tucson youth a digital camera and the opportunity to run around town to capture their heartfelt hopes.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson participated in a celebration of Panda Cares Day™, to commemorate the anniversary of the philanthropic arm of Panda Express®. To honor the holiday, which takes place each year on August 8th, Panda Express organized a surprise virtual story-time for the members of Boys & Girls Club. Dakota Fanning surprised the kids with a video message filled with words of encouragement, followed by a dedicated reading of “All Are Welcome,” written by Alexandra Pendfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. In line with Panda Cares’ pillar of education, the organization also donated books aimed at developing reading skills, enhancing critical thinking skills, and broadening perspectives. The members of Frank & Edith Morton Clubhouse were also treated to lunch and received special panda masks.
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Gratitude and Appreciation |
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We'd like to take this opportunity to thank those in the community that have stepped up and supported us in serving our mission with emergency COVID-19 relief funds, programmatic grants and special gifts over the last month. We can't do it without you!
- Connie Hillman Family Foundation
- Harry & Marjorie Stewart Foundation
- James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation
- MGN Family Foundation
- Taco Bell Foundation
- TMC Foundation
- Trico Electric Cooperative
- Washington Federal Foundation
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Ways to Support the Clubs |
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Help Tucson’s Youth and Accrue Tax Benefits |
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The CARES Act, designed to help the nation recover from the pandemic, has five important implications for charitable giving.
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New Charitable Deduction for Non-Itemizers: Taxpayers who take the standard deduction can claim a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash donations in 2020.
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Higher Deduction Limits: Individuals will be able to deduct cash gifts in 2020 to the extent of their entire adjusted gross income rather than a cap at 60%.
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Increased Deduction Limits for Corporations: The contribution limit for corporations has been raised to 25% for cash contributions this year.
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Required Minimum Distributions Waived: For the year 2020, there will be no mandatory distributions from retirement accounts, thus allowing those accounts to recover. Once they do recover, retirement funds are a tax-wise giving strategy.
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Waiver of Penalties When Retirement Funds Are Used for Coronavirus Purposes: If you are under the age of 59½ and withdraw money from your retirement plan to cover expenses incurred by you or a family member related to the treatment of the Coronavirus, the 10% tax penalty will not apply. In the future you may consider a retirement fund gift.
Please reach out to Jill Long, VP of Fund Development to discuss what type of gift may make sense for your situation. Jill can be reached via email at jlong@bgctucson.org or direct line 520.308.3332.
Information provided above does not substitute for the advice of your tax advisor or attorney. Please see your tax advisor or attorney for full advice on implications of the CARES Act.
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Blue Tiles Campaign is an opportunity to make an investment in our community’s youth and to leave a legacy for future generations.
The support and commitment of the entire community is needed for this project to succeed to support the transformational growth of the organization. This growth will include capital improvements at each club, scholarship funds for more youth, an increase in STEAM activities, Workforce Development Programs, and sports.
Blue tiles will hang on front of the Harold Ashton Resource Center at 3155 East Grant Road. Each tile will be engraved with your personal message or tribute. Please consider securing a lasting tribute by purchasing your own blue tile today. To learn more, click the link below or contact Jill Long at 520.730.3369 or jlong@bgctucson.org
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Round UP at Taco Bell and Support the Clubs and Tucson’s Youth |
All funds collected through the Round Up program at our locally owned and operated Taco Bell supports our local Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson and provides Live Más Scholarships which are awarded to local teens. These dollars provide grants for the Clubs focused on education and career readiness, and funds the Live Más Scholarship which supports the educational needs of future young leaders here in Tucson. Together, we are creating great futures. Be sure to visit our locally owned Taco Bell and Round UP your next purchase. |
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Michael's Back2School Drive Through August 29th
Local Michaels stores are still collecting donated arts supplies for Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson’s kids and teens! Hope is not cancelled for our youth and neither is dreaming in color.
Be sure to shop these participating stores:
North Pima Center
3749 W. Ina Rd
West Point Crossing
1161 W Irvington Rd
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Jersey Mike's at River Road Grand Opening Fundraiser
to Benefit Clubs
For each coupon redeemed, Jersey Mike's Subs (River Road location) will donate $2 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. Redeem coupons between August 26th and September 4th. Click here to print flyer.
Participating Location:
98 W River Road
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Tucson Conquistadores Charity Raffle - NEW DEADLINE OCTOBER 15th |
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SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF TUCSON
with your purchase of
Tucson Conquistadores Charity Raffle Tickets!
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Tickets are still on sale, and previously sold tickets are still valid, but the Grand Prize drawing date has been moved from Thursday, May, 28, 2020 to Thursday, October 29th. The last day to purchase tickets is Thursday, October 15th.
Disclaimer: Actual ticket will still show the original Drawing date of May 28, 2020, however, actual Drawing date is October 29, 2020
Tucson Conquistadores and O’Rielly Chevrolet have partnered to benefit members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, as well as other local charities! Join the Club in supporting Tucson’s youth by purchasing raffle tickets for just $10 each. Your purchase will help Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson continue to provide more than 12,000 of Tucson’s youth and more than 4,600 Club members with proven out-of-school programming that promotes healthy practices, skill building and pathways to GREAT FUTURES!
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Swing for the Kids Day of Play - SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, October 25th
Topgolf of Tucson
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Census - Make Sure You're Counted |
Help ensure that everyone living in Arizona gets counted by September 30. Act now in order to help get what Arizona needs for health and well-being statewide. Visit azcensus2020.gov for more.
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Thank You To Our Partners |
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