KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – After raising $9 million so far in their capital campaign, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo will break ground Tuesday, September 12 at the site of its new flagship facility on Portage Street.
The 10:00 a.m. event is open to the public, and will be attended by community leaders, governmental officials, community partners, volunteers and donors.
Officials with the group say Boys & Girls Clubs’ half-century presence at Edison School came to an end two years ago with the demolition of that school. The Clubs have continued to serve some 1,300 youth at school sites throughout Kalamazoo, but the organization’s leaders say they look forward to the restoration of complete programming possible at the new site.
The new facility will feature space for computer work, arts and media activities, health and wellness, quiet study space, games and sports space, science exploration, and teen activities. The building will also serve the administrative needs of all unit locations.
Former long-time executive director and capital campaign co-chair Bob Ezelle says the fundraising will extend beyond the groundbreaking to account for inflation and supply chain issues that dramatically raised building costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ezelle says “In a word, our $9 million building is no longer a $9 million building. We’ve made construction compromises, but we need the community’s help to fully realize our vision for this facility.”
Matt Lynn, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo, said the groundbreaking event will include details of the new site and future programming at Boys & Girls Clubs. “I have to salute our board and our campaign cabinet for an incredible effort during these challenging times. Donors clearly heard our message about the need to help develop the young people in our community.”
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