The Great Valley Community Organization helps build a strong, vibrant and connected community by providing facilities, activities and programs enriching the lives of all local residents.
September 2020 GVCO Newsletter
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

We're Still Here!!

As you are well aware, in April 2020 our GVCO Board made the unanimous decision to close the GVBL Center at 19 N Bacton Hill, a leased space that was home to our programming for the past 15 years. The Board struggled with the decision but felt it was the fiscally responsible thing to do amidst the uncertainty at the time.

Fortunately they had the foresight to make this tough decision, as to date, we would still not have gotten into the building for any significant programming. The carrying cost for maintaining the empty space would have reached nearly $75,000 by the end of this month...and with an uncertain end to the pandemic, that cost would have continued and been unsustainable for GVCO.

However unlike many other 501(c)3 nonprofits across Pennsylvania who are either struggling to offer services or have shut their doors, GVCO continues to offer programming.

Through the early months of the pandemic, our GVCO Caring Hands foundation assisted local healthcare workers and helped feed local families in need. This past July & August, we resumed our basketball programming by hosting a summer league, outdoors on a small court at the Desmond hotel. In late August our Crew programming resumed and has a record number of participants for the fall season.

During the April-July period, GVCO installed a practice field and storage shed at the GVCO Community Center site, allowing us to offer the K-1st flag football program once again. In addition we expanded the programming with a Co-ed flag football program for high school aged kids. Finally, we just opened our GVBL winter basketball program registration that we will be hosting at the Phelps School, a long term community partner of GVCO’s.

With all this programming, GVCO’s focus is on how we bring the programming to our community in a safe and healthy environment during these uncertain times brought on by the pandemic.

As we move into the new school year, GVCO will continue to provide the quality programming it has given our community and region for the past 20 years.


Keith Walsh
GVCO Executive Director
COMMUNITY CORNER
Surrey Logo
GVCO Programming
GVBL 2020-21 Winter Basketball League
GVBL 2020-21 Winter Basketball League has opened registration for boys 1-8 grades and girls 1-6 grades. We are looking forward to providing a healthy and fun basketball season!

With the closing of the GVBL Center and while awaiting the new GVCO Community Center, games and practices will be held at numerous other facilities in the area. Each division focuses on appropriate age level skills to help the athletes improve while showing good sportsmanship.

As in prior years, all players, new and returning, must attend a skills assessment session in mid-October to help GVBL ensure fair & balanced teams.

GVBL implemented new COVID-19 policies and procedures that includes a screening questionnaire as well as social distancing, disinfecting and masking procedures. With your help, GVBL will continue to provide a safe and fun experience for all during these challenging times.

Stay tuned for more information regarding Junior Hoopsters and the High School League.
GVCO Caring Hands
GVCO Caring Hands is gearing up for a new season of service and giving back to the Great Valley community.

Our 2020-21 Student Leadership team is Caroline Getz and Julia Dill.

Whether you would like to donate an hour of your time, volunteer throughout the school year, or are interested in committing to a more significant leadership role with our Caring Hands organization, please contact us via email at community@gvco.org  or by link, Get Involved.

Here's a sample of what's coming up in October/November:

Cradles to Crayons Fall Donation Drive
GVCO Caring Hands Tent Sale
Notes to Seniors in nursing homes
GV Crew
GV Crew thanks everyone who came to the GV Crew
Car Wash at REMAX Barbera last week!

We raised over $1,000 in much needed support for the
GV Crew program!!

Stay tuned for more information on our fall fundraiser and consider donating items for the online auction.
GVCO Flag Football
GVCO expanded its Flag Football league and the Fall Season is off to a great start!

GVCO K-1 Flag welcomed new players and the kids worked hard on learning new skills. Games start this weekend! K-1 Flag Football Schedule

GVCO HS Co-Ed League has 4 teams enjoying the fresh air and friendly competition! HS Co-Ed Flag Schedule Thanks to GVFL alums for staffing and reffing the games.


For more information:
GVCO Sideline Cheer
GVCO Sideline Cheer is back with new Fall 2020 Programs under the leadership of Stefanie Robinson, Cheer Director.

    Flag Football Cheerleading Squad (for children in grades K-1)
    Cheerleading Clinics (for youth in grades 2-6)

GV Sideline Cheer is an instructional cheer league for kids, ages 5 through 13 for beginners to experienced cheerleaders.

For more information:
Project Update
We were on the verge of several events involving our new GVCO Community Center project last March when Covid-19 shut everything down. During the several months since the state of PA moved to the "yellow phase", we have continued our engagement with the project.

The new GVCO practice field and storage shed were installed at the north end of the facility; the clearing of the backside of the site continued; and a temporary grass parking along 51 N. Bacton Hill Rd was established.

Since the beginning of summer our business partners involved in the project have had an opportunity to "catch up". The community has had an opportunity to quasi-adapt to the current pandemic environment and begin the new school year. And the economy has adjusted to the “new normal” despite the continued struggles for the local small business community. With the closing of our old GVBL Center, it is now critical that we attain the financing and begin to move forward with the project so that there will be a 2021 delivery on the new GVCO Community Center.

Working with our project partners and the East Whiteland Township, we will keep the project moving forward as we cross into the final months of the quarter. Our goal would be to get....see more.

New GVCO Community Center
See the Future GVCO Community Center
We need your help to finish what we've started! We will not get the necessary financing to complete the project without raising additional funds.

DONATE NOW to finalize the building of our brand new GVCO Community Center!

The time is NOW.... Together we can make it happen!

Check out the program pages:
GVCO Sponsor
The Chuck Barbera Team of REALTORS/ RE/MAX Partners with GVCO in “REALTORS Giving Back” Program
BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME?

Over the next year, for anyone who contacts the Chuck Barbera Team at RE/MAX Fine Homes and signs them to serve in the purchase or sale of their next home, GVCO will receive 10% of the real estate commission received!

Let's DO GOOD TOGETHER!!!  
Does your company match employee gifts? It's a great way to maximize your impact!

List of companies with corporate matching gift programs. Please check your company policy.
Connect with us
CharlestownPaving