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As we welcome the new year, I can't help but think back on the amazing moments that we had at our 8 Club locations in 2023. Throughout the year, thousands of youth walked through the doors of our Clubs and received academic assistance, mental health support, meals, connection with caring adults and so much more. Kids were able to have a place where they felt a sense of belonging and knew that they were valued and supported. It is because of you that these moments are possible.
I continue to be amazed by the support we receive from this incredibly generous community. We cannot thank you enough for seeing the true value in our mission and the services we provide for kids. You helped give kids the simple things that mean the world to them. Please enjoy the highlights below of an exciting 2023. I look forward to all of the opportunities the new year will bring. Thank you and Happy New Year!
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Your gift helps us continue to inspire & empower all kids. | | |
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Increased Mental Health Support
We kicked off 2023 by hiring a full-time Youth & Family Services Director who provides guidance to our four Youth & Family Specialists helping take our mental health programming to a new level!
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Increased Academic Assistance
In addition to several part-time tutors, we now have four full-time education positions. We have two Graduation Specialists working in the high schools and two Education Directors in our Clubs.
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Increased Attendance
Our organization served a total of 4,787 members throughout the year with an average of nearly 900 youth per day at all of our sites and athletics! In addition to our members, over 7,000 youth were served through community outreach such as tournaments, community family nights, partner events and more.
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Brenengen Club Cooking Challenge
We were able to celebrate the completion of our Brenengen Club kitchen remodel by hosting a cooking competition with our members and "Club celebrities" - Paul & Melissa Borsheim, Ryan Rieber, Jake & Jessie Erickson and Don Brenengen.
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McDonald's Classic
We had another record setting year with 137 teams participating in our McDonald's Basketball Classic making this our biggest tournament of the year!
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Kids in Construction
We had a blast hosting Kids in Construction! Club members were able to explore heavy-duty machinery while team members from J.F. Brennan, Wieser Brothers, and Mathy Construction were on hand to answer all of their questions and share more about the exciting world of construction. Click HERE to see a video outlining the program.
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Commodore & First Mate
It was an honor for our organization to have our CEO, Jake Erickson and his wife, Jessie, selected to be the 2023 Riverfest Commodore and First Mate. The best part was having our members get to celebrate them and feel like they were part of the event.
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Summer Fun!
Summer at the Club is always a favorite! From 7am-5pm, members are able to enjoy theme week activities, special events, swimming, field trips and more! This past summer, our Clubs were busier than they've ever been!
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Recognizing Youth Accomplishments
We were thrilled to honor deserving youth at our annual Mission Awards and Celebration of Champion events. Our Youth of the Year, Tristen, also represented us well at the Youth of the Year competition in Madision.
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Meeting New Friends
Building positive relationships is crucial for fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. This year, Members at our Skogen and Brenengen Clubs were paired together as pen pals. They spent weeks writing back and forth and becoming friends. Members from the Brenengen Club then visited the Skogen Club for a pizza party and to meet their pen pal. A fun way to make new friends!
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Community Family Nights
Mathy & Erickson Clubs hosted monthly family nights to build connections and increase family support and engagement. Each event served a free meal and provided fun activities for families to do together. Thanks to other community partners, unique experiences were introduced to our families as well.
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Lyche Club Ground Breaking
We were thrilled to host a ground breaking ceremony in partnership with the School District of Onalaska and officially announce the future home of the John & Linda Lyche Club in the new Onalaska Middle School!
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Season of Giving
We closed out the year with one of our most successful Seasons of Giving! 50 families were fully sponsored with meals, gifts and household items, 100 individual kids received gifts and 2,500 Rotary Lights bears were gifted to kids throughout the community! Thank you for brightening the holiday season for kids and families in need.
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Director of Workforce Readiness
Welcome to the team Brian Fukuda! Brian's connection to the Club began "many years ago" as a Club member. He was then a volunteer coach, and most recently, he served on the Club's Board of Directors. Now, as a member of the staff team, Brian's new role at the Club will give kids increased opportunities to explore career options and follow their path to a successful career. In his free time, Brian and his wife, Andrea, enjoying watching their two kids participate in various activities. Brian also places a strong focus on his community by serving on several community Boards and committees.
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Director of Finance
Welcome to the team Rose Reinert! Rose was first introduced to the Boys & Girls Club when she was hired at our Hamilton Branch in 1997. Rose served in various roles within the Boys & Girls Club movement as well as other non profit organizations. Most recently, she was the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of West-Central WI. Now, 26 years after her days at the Hamilton Club, she has rejoined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse team as the Director of Finance! When she's not at work, Rose has two sons, one poodle puppy and three cats that keep her busy and loved.
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Join Us for a Day at the Ballpark
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Sunday, March 24 | 1:10 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club CEO, Jake Erickson, Viterbo University President, Rick Trietley and Aquinas President, Ted Knutson invite you to join them for a Milwaukee Brewers spring training game at American Family Fields in Phoenix, Ariz.
Cost is $55, which includes a reserved seating section above the Brewers dugout, lunch, and an exclusive area for socializing before the game. Click HERE to register.
Registration deadline is Feb. 16
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The Club is thankful for the opportunity to honor individuals who have been a part of the Club and have helped us grow to the successful organization we are today. | |
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www.bgclax.org
(608) 782-3926
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