2015 MID-YEAR REPORT 1
THANK YOU TO OUR MANY EVENT SPONSORS 2015 YOUTH OF THE YEAR: • Dinner with Friends Keystone $5000 Hendricks Family Foundation • YOY Sponsor $500 Trident Seafood
2015 SEDRO-WOOLLEY WINTER FUNDRAISER: Title Sponsor $2500 Dwayne Lane’s North Cascade Ford Event Sponsor $1000 Carl’s Towing
2015 ANNUAL BREAKFAST: • Title Sponsor $7500 BNSF Railway • Keystone Sponsors $5000 Mike & Dianne Crawford • Audio/Video Sponsor $3000 K & H Integrated Print Solutions • Torch Sponsors $2,500 Comcast Skagit Transportation • Meal Sponsor $2000 • Table Sponsors $1000 Barrett Financial Community Giving Project Mike Gubrud – Farmers Insurance Stiles & Stiles Inc., PS Annette Booth – Allstate Insurance Williams & Nulle, PLLC R. W. Baird & Co. – Carter & Ryberg Pat Rimmer’s Les Schwab Skagit Aggregates Sims Honda Skagit Bank Columbia Bank Windermere Skagit
2015 ANACORTES BREAKFAST: • Title Sponsor $2000 Kiwanis Sunrisers Anacortes • Event Sponsor $1000 Strandberg Construction Ris Insurance Services Cap Sante Inn
2
LEARN. LIVE. LEAD. A recipe for success and that’s exactly what we have been experiencing the first half of 2015. Recently we learned that among well over 4100 Club sites in the United States we are ranked in the top 40 for growth in average daily attendance over last year with an increase of 26.7%. This is a direct result of the dedicated work of Staff, Board, Volunteers, and proven programs in each one of our Clubs. Increased attendance is evidence we are providing opportunity for engagement and growth. Through the leadership of Executive Director, Ron McHenry, we have seen many positive changes throughout the organization. With measurable successes in growth, mentoring, programs, community collaboration, sustainability and expanded opportunities - the Boys & Girls Clubs are leaving a long lasting, positive impact on our youth, their families and the community. One major highlight has been our Skagit County Youth of the Year, Justice Lively, moving forward to be our first Youth of the Year for the State of Washington. Justice continues to reflect the positive attributes he has developed through all his years as a Club Kid, and we are excited to send him to the upcoming Regional program in California this summer, where we know he will represent us all with panache. We are proud of the quality summer programs being offered at our Clubs this summer, and that our successes are being modeled throughout the Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, especially in Marketing, Data Integration and Analysis. The Board continues to strive for excellence in commitment and transparency along with responsible stewardship of the Clubs in our community. We pledge to continue to exceed the goals set before us providing a high yield return on your investment in our Skagit youth. Thank you for your continued commitment to this organization, enabling us to enrich the experience and reach in changing young lives in Skagit County. We welcome any conversations you would like to have regarding volunteering and supporting our organization. Please feel free to contact us. Stephanie Hooper Bayside Specialties 2015 Board President
Friends, With so many great things happening in our organization in 2014, I didn’t think we could top it, but the first half of 2015 has certainly continued the trend. We crowned Justice Lively as our organizational Youth of the Year in front of our biggest crowd ever, and then witnessed the transformational development of his preparation for the Washington State program when he spoke again at our Annual Breakfast, in front of a large and very generous audience who not only broke, but shattered records in Philanthropy, with more than $125,000 being raised to support operations. Just a week later, and we would be in Seattle witnessing with enthusiasm as our very own Don Wick was inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Washington State Hall of Fame, and then simultaneously shocked and proud when Justice became the first member from Skagit County to earn the honor of being named the Washington State Youth of the Year, earning a $5,000 scholarship in the process. Our kids continued to vote with their feet, and in May, it was announced that our organization was amongst the top 10% nationally for growth, with a rate of 26.7%. Followed by an investment by the Tesoro Corporation of $50,000 a year for three years, announced at what would become an incredibly successful Keys for Kids event, and it’s hard to imagine topping all this moving forward. But we must. There are kids and families who need us now more than ever, and because of your increased support, we can serve them effectively, efficiently and with love. In service,
Ron McHenry Executive Director 3
• Table Sponsors $500 The Walk-In Clinic at Island Hospital Chief Bonnie Bowers & Officer Emerson Nordmark (Anacortes Police Department) Alice Bohnker Insurance Representative Jeff Morris John L. Scott Remax CPI Plumbing Curt Oppel - John L. Scott Cap Sante Court Retirement Anacortes Pizza Factory Soroptimist International of Anacortes Anacortes Community Health Council Barrett Financial Community Giving Project
2015 KEYS FOR KIDS: • Baby Grand Sponsor $4400 Jerry H Walton Foundation • Full Staff Sponsor $2000 Tesoro Corp • Octave Sponsor $800 Pacific Party Canopies • Major Chord Sponsor $300 Maggie Potter SB&C, Ltd. • Key Sponsor $100 Gentleman Gene’s Highland Animal Clinic Josh Anderson Insurance
2015 GOLF TOURNAMENT:
Thank you to Cloud9 Photography & Design, Jon Kull, & Azota Photography for donating photography for this report. 4
• Title Sponsor $5000 Blade Chevrolet • Swag Sponsor $3000 Annette Booth – Allstate Insurance • Dinner Sponsor $3000 Judd & Black • Driving Range Sponsor $2000 Skagit Ford Mazda Subaru • Contest Sponsor $1000 Skagit Transportation Mike Gubrud – Farmers Insurance Heritage Bank • Beverage Cart Sponsor $1000 Barrett Financial – Community Giving Project Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. • Snack Cart Sponsor $750 CPI Plumbing/SaviBank Louis Auto Glass • Hole Sponsor $750 Angel of the Winds Casino
Safelite AutoGlass Wells Fargo • Green/Tee Sponsor $400 Just Peachy Yogurt Cook Road Shell Conover Insurance LarsonGross, PLLC Gateway Transmission Central Moving & Storage Smiley Insurance Bob’s Burger & Brew Kamb & Kamb Rallye Auto Skagit River Steel SEMRAU Engineering & Surveying ServiceMaster Clean Keith Sorestad, Carol Lawson, Brad Methner (State Farm Insurance)
IN THIS REPORT... Thank You Event Sponsors
...2, 4, 5
Letter from our Board President
...3
Letter from Executive Director
...3
2014 ANNUAL GALA: • TA DA! Title Sponsor $10,000 HRC • ABRACADABRA $5,000 Jerry H Walton Foundation K&H Print Solutions Avenue Catering Mike & Dianne Crawford • HOCUS POCUS $2500 Judd & Black Alaska Airlines Samish Indian Nation Barrett Financial • OPEN SESAME $1500 Valley Electric Annette Booth – Allstate Insurance CPI Plumbing & Heating Strandberg Construction Columbia Distributing RIS Insurance Services Ashley Home Furniture
PRINTING The printing and mailing of this Semi-Annual Report was generously donated by K&H Integrated Printing Solutions. Thank you for helping us provide GREAT FUTURES for our youth.
Keys for Kids
...6-7
By the Numbers
...8-9
Targeted Programs
...10
Upcoming Events
...11
Outdoor Summer Fun
...12-13
Annual Breakfast a Success
...14-15
Healthy Meals for Kids
...19
Board of Directors
...19
Youth of the Year
...20-23 5
KEYS FOR KIDS; OUTDOOR SUMMER FUN 6
KEYS FOR KIDS The singing carried out into the night, and the smiles were plentiful, as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County presented “Keys for Kids”, a unique event at La Conner Flats that featured Dueling Pianos, great food, and an opportunity to invest in the lives of more than 1,500 youth. The evening, purposefully designed as an intimate gathering, filled a tent with just over a hundred guests on the picturesque grounds, raising more than $30,000 to support the operations of Clubs in Anacortes, La Conner, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley. A kaleidoscope of musical genres, from rock to country, patriotic to pop, kept guests entertained as they bid to have their favorite songs played, or in some instances to stop the performing of another song, by the incredibly talented duo of Kirk Garrett and Rich Wyman who traveled from Salt Lake City for the night. As the night came to an end, participants expressed enthusiasm and excitement, “As one guest who never attended one of our events before was leaving, she stopped to tell me that it was the single best fundraiser she has ever attended,” said Ron McHenry, CEO and Executive Director for the organization. “This was exactly what we had hoped for, an ability to reach a new audience to increase awareness about our mission and outcomes, raise money for our Clubhouses as they continue to see record numbers of kids, and have a whole lot of fun in the process.” During intermission, the crowd leapt to their feet in a standing ovation, but there was no music playing. Instead, it was James Tangaro and Matthew Gill from the Tesoro Corporation who caused the excitement. They were there to surprise the staff and Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs with a $50,000 check, and then announce that it was the first of a three-year commitment to the organization. The funds will create a Tesoro
Learning Academy at each Clubhouse, allowing for the purchase of two dozen computers that will be used for STEM Education enrichment and support activities to ensure the Academic Success of Club members, additional training and professional development for staff, an increase in staffing to provide more one-on-one educational assistance, and an incentive-based field trip for teens next summer. More than 45 youth will travel to Universities, Colleges, and Trade Schools in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana to become inspired to take their post-secondary future into their own hands. The week long trip will also feature a stop in Yellowstone National Park, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Club members, many of whom have never left Western Washington or Skagit County. “In our meeting at Tesoro, James and Matt never asked how Tesoro had been recognized for their previous investment of $40,000 in 2014,” says McHenry. “Instead, they focused on the results and wanted to know how kids lives had been impacted with the money. Their values and commitment to the community align with those of the Boys & Girls Club, and we appreciate their support, investment, and confidence in our ability to make a positive change in the lives of the youth we serve.” With such an outstanding evening just having come to an end, plans are already underway for next year, and include adding a second night because of the feedback and desire of guests to return and bring more friends. To get involved on the planning committee, become a sponsor, or simply book your table in advance for either the family-friendly evening planned for the Friday night, or the more raucous adult version on Saturday, contact Ian Faley at the Boys & Girls Club at 360-419-3723. Only 16 tables are available each night, and some have already been reserved.
Jay & Terry Ackley and K&H are proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County
Believe in Abundance Live in Abundance Give in Abundance
7 BGC Skagit Co 2015.indd 1
3/9/15 2:06 PM
WHY ARE THESE NUMBERS IMPORTANT? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County certainly has had a lot to celebrate over the last year. New records in attendance, membership, and service hours, combined with state and national level recognition, as well as significantly exceeding benchmarks in many measurable indicator categories has elevated our status amongst Clubs throughout the United States, as well as other Youth Development organizations in the area. However, the true measure of a highly-functioning non-profit agency that is mission-driven and data-informed is the response to less than stellar results. While still beating the averages across state, regional, and national lines, the margin is much narrower than other successes in three important categories: Sense of Belonging, Physical Safety, and Adult Connections. These indicators represent some of the most core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs that go back more than 150 years to our beginnings. When three women came together in Hartford, Connecticut in response to a growing problem of children wandering the streets during the day, and began what would quickly become a national movement with 53 Clubs established within ten years, they did so with intention and purpose. They wanted to provide a safe place, dedicated specifically to youth so they could experience what it was like to belong to something of their own, that engaged them through staff members that would be professionally trained so that the highest level of expectations for the children could be maintained in a supportive environment. Our Clubs are doing fine in these areas, but we must do better in these fundamental core areas so our impact is as deep as it is wide. Sometimes it is not about winning, but instead reflecting and reengaging in the basics so each win is more meaningful. 8
BY THE NUMBERS SENSE OF BELONGING SKAGIT COUNTY
WA STATE
12% 47%
41%
REGION
17%
16%
46%
15% 41%
39%
37%
46%
DOING FINE
ROOM TO GROW
NATIONAL
44%
DOING GREAT
PHYSICAL SAFETY SKAGIT COUNTY
WA STATE
28% 61%
11%
REGION
34% 56%
56% 10%
34%
57%
10%
DOING FINE
ROOM TO GROW
NATIONAL
33% 10%
DOING GREAT
ADULT CONNECTIONS SKAGIT COUNTY
WA STATE
19% 56%
25%
ROOM TO GROW
REGION
23% 53%
25%
DOING FINE
NATIONAL
21%
25% 50%
55% 25%
24%
DOING GREAT 9
TARGETED PROGRAMS AT OUR CLUBS 10
ANACORTES READING CORP Heading into the 2014-15 school year the Anacortes School District and the Anacortes Boys & Girls Club forged a trial partnership, thanks to an OSPI education grant, they were able to hire three AmeriCorps/ReadingCorps Reading Specialists. These specialists spend the first part of their day at Elementary schools in Anacortes, working with students in the classrooms then afterschool they come to the Club and continue that work in more advanced tutoring sessions. Those participating in the program have seen increased reading and writing skills as well as boosted confidence and better self-image. This program has been a huge success and we’re excited for it to not only continue in Anacortes but expand to our Mount Vernon Club.
POSITIVE SPROUTS: Positive Sprouts is a program focusing on improving habits of health and nutrition. One aspect of this program focuses on community gardening. Gardening provides the ideal mechanism to teach youth about nutrition; not only do members/children become engaged in the process of growing food for themselves, but they also appreciate the improvement in taste and texture detectable in their own homegrown fruits and vegetables. Members at all four of our Clubs get to participate in their own community gardens at the Club. Sarah Nevares, from Sierra-Pacific Industries visited the Mount Vernon Clubhouse this last June to present Club members with a grant to enhance Healthy Lifestyle programs this summer for youth in Skagit County. The $2,500 investment will be utilized to support Positive Sprouts. The funds will also allow all Clubhouses in Skagit County an opportunity to add an educational field trip centered around conservation and stewardship.
Marking its 20th Anniversary, our signature Golf Tournament is a time to come and enjoy the links, on behalf of the Clubs. With business partners from all over the Valley represented, visit with your friends, and celebrate beautiful course at Avalon Golf Links. Hosting great games, and fun competitions throughout the course, come and shoot par for the kids.
“WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS” ANNUAL GALA This year, our Gala celebrates the incredible work that sets our Clubs apart, both as a youth development agency, and as a non-profit operating in Skagit County. As it came time to start planning for this year’s event, we reflected on what has been accomplished recently, and what the increase in support from our community has allowed us to do in positively affecting the lives of more than 1,400 youth, and the theme seemed to just develop on its own. On Friday, November 6th, we will present our “We are the Champions” Gala to the community. 2015 will go down as quite historic for our young organization, just nearing our twentieth anniversary. With each week seemingly setting a new record or achievement, the word ‘Champion’ has taken on a new meaning for our staff, board, and volunteers. Not only do we work hard to champion the youth who need us most, we are doing so in ways that are receiving recognition in state, regional, and national ways. We hope that you will consider joining us in supporting “We are the Champions” through sponsorship and attendance, helping us to reach new heights in philanthropy, and demonstrating to our kids in Skagit County that there is a legion of Champions engaged in ensuring they reach Great Futures! Register at skagitclubs.org or contact Ian Faley at 360-419-3723 x7 or ifaley@skagitclubs.org
DON’T MISS OUR UPCOMING EVENTS
20TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
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THANKS TO YOU, OUR SEDRO-WOOLLEY Twelve kids from the Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club loaded into the van and headed out to Rosario State Park for a day at the beach. When they pulled into the park they were met with new friends, Brandon Boyle, a representative from Gone Diving, a Scuba Diving Shop in Bellingham and fellow diver Renee Buchanan, who volunteers regularly at the Club. Renee and Brandon had collected some sea critters for the kids to observe in touch tanks. The favorites among the kids were the sea cucumbers, starfish, nudibranchs, and crabs. Then everyone enjoyed a short hike around the bluff. After lunch, all of the kids took a guided tour of the tide pools on “Urchin Rocks� at low tide.
LA CONNER Even though the La Conner Club has been closed this Summer, their Club members were still able to enjoy their planned field trip to Brooks Running Corporate Headquarters and participate in the 2015 Washington Future Stars Elite Track Meet. They were even surprised with an impromptu Ride the Ducks Tour.
MOUNT VERNON Mount Vernon Club kids enjoyed a great trip to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) in Seattle. Club kids explored the fish ladder and watched the boats pass through the locks between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. They also visited the Fremont troll and ended the day with a visit to the Wallingford Club, part of Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.
ANACORTES Members of the Anacortes Boys & Girls Club took to the ferry on and visited the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula - Carroll C Kendall Unit in Sequim, WA. Anacortes members were quickly taken by the size of the facility, friendly staff, and most importantly, the new friends they made. Thank you Executive Director Mary Budke, Unit Director Dave Miller, and all the staff for sharing your Club with us. It was a blast. 12
SUMMER LOOKS BRIGHT
13 13
ANNUAL BREAKFAST A SUCCESS! Just a year after the community helped to break philanthropy records at the Annual Breakfast offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, donor-investors responded en force upon learning that the organization has seen an increase in attendance of more than 30%, with the Mount Vernon Boys & Girls Club operating at 176% of capacity. The previous record for funds raised was set just last year, with just over $97,000 generated to provide programs and services to youth ages 6-18 in Anacortes, La Conner, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley - up significantly from the $57,000 that was raised in 2013. When creating the budget for 2015, Club officials held income projections to those received in 2014, simply because the event had already seen a significant increase. “It would’ve been irresponsible for us to do otherwise,” says Executive Director, Ron McHenry. “We look toward sustainability in practice, but nonetheless, this year we prepared our case statement to the community the best we could, and our all-stars - our kids - really delivered their message on behalf of all kids.” The youth speakers, including Karen Gallardo from Anacortes, Ariana Harting from La Conner, Madisen Cork from Sedro-Woolley, and 2014 Youth of the Year Justice Lively from Mount Vernon, spoke of their personal story, impacting everyone in attendance. “Our youth and teens are the outcomes of our staff and program delivery, and the best testament we can provide about a return on investment,” McHenry said, beaming with pride over the results his cadre of Club kids managed to generate. When the last guest left the building and results began being tabulated, the excitement in the air grew. With a tinge of emotion, McHenry addressed the volunteers assembled to send out postcards to attendees informing them of the success; “we’re just over $125,000.” And so the celebration continued. “With these funds, we can look to increase our staffing ability to better meet the needs of our Clubs in Skagit County!”, exclaimed a rather excited Stephanie Hooper, recently installed Board 14
President of the organization. “We are so thankful for the support from our community, and the confidence they have shown in our ability to deliver results in an ongoing manner. We can now work to alleviate our capacity issues relating to space, and serve more youth.” BNSF Railways served as the Title Sponsor, increasing their own commitment by 50% from previous years, and underwriting the cost of the event completely, ensuring that all donations would go directly to make a change in the life of a child. With nearly 250 attending the Breakfast for GREAT Kids, the community voted with its feet, and because of the generosity, the Club will also be able to look at increasing capacity, specifically through a partnership with the Mount Vernon School District to respond to the needs of the youth who attend the facility co-located on the LaVenture Middle School Campus. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County has celebrated many successes in the last year, and they expect to continue to lead the way when possible, so a great change is affected in the community.
TOURS To learn more about the Clubs or to tour a Club, please contact Ron McHenry or Ian Faley at 360-419-3723. Staff are
MEMBERSHIP OUR MISSION: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
OUR VALUES: FUN • RESPECT • INTEGRITY COMMUNITY • ACCEPTANCE CLUB HOURS During the school year all of our Clubs operate from 2pm to 6pm Monday thru Friday, except for the Sedro-Woolley Club, which operates from 2:00pm to 6:30pm Monday thru Friday.
WHO CAN ATTEND THE CLUB? Youth ages 6 (or in First Grade) to 18
TEEN CENTER HOURS & TEEN NIGHTS Teen Center Hours are designated hours for teens with an area and programs designated just for them. Teen Nights are for teens only without other Members present. These are generally held on Friday Nights. Anacortes Teen Nights: Fridays, 6pm to 10pm La Conner Teen Nights: One Friday a month Mount Vernon: Teen Center Monday-Fridays: 2pm to 3:30pm. Teen Nights: 2nd & 4th Fridays of each month, 6 to 10pm. Sedro-Woolley: Teen Center Monday – Thursday, 2pm to 6:30pm. Teen Night Fridays 2pm to 10pm.
proud to show our Clubs
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS & REGISTRATION
and programs off to the
Each Club has their own hours for Registration and Renewals. Please consult our website were you can view hours and download forms: www.skagitclubs.org.
community that supports us so strongly, and welcome the opportunity to share with you about how lives are being changed each day.
HOLIDAYS & EARLY RELEASE DAYS The Clubs make every effort to accommodate the needs of Youth during holiday breaks or on weekdays for which there is no school. Each Club will have their own schedule based on their corresponding school district. We usually offer a morning and afternoon program. Clubs need at least 15 participants to be open. There is an additional fee for the Morning Program. 15
Administrative Office PO Box 947 1605 William Way, Ste B Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-419-3723 (phone/fax) Anacortes Club 904 6th St. Anacortes, WA 98221 360-588-9045 La Conner Club 305 N. Sixth St. La Conner, WA 9825 360-466-3672 Mount Vernon Club 1100 N. LaVenture Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 9827 360-428-6995 Sedro-Woolley Club 915 McGarigle Rd. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 360-856-1830 16
NEW INITIATIVES: HEALTHY MEALS FOR KIDS More than 15% of children are considered food insecure; they simply do not know when or where their next meal will be. In today’s world, this is simply unacceptable, and this year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County has stepped-up to make sure kids have access to quality, nutritious meals throughout the day. Providing youth in our summer programs with a full Breakfast, Lunch, and hearty afternoon snack, the Clubs are now a lead agency in the Summer Food Service Program. Through a partnership with the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction and United States Department of Agriculture, Clubs will ensure our kids grow their bodies in the same healthy way that we’ve worked to grow their minds for years.
9,625
NUMBER OF YOUTH IN SKAGIT COUNTY WHO DEPEND ON FREE/REDUCED LUNCH
30,000
NUMBER OF MEALS CLUBS WILL PROVIDE THIS SUMMER In Anacortes, we have been able to leverage resources that deepen our impact out of our Clubhouse as well. Through a partnership with the Learning & Lunches program, the Club is serving as the central kitchen, preparing meals for our own kids, and those being served at two satellite locations. This creates a scale of efficiency that benefits both our own operations, and that of our partner, allowing us both the opportunity to increase the level of service provided. The results have been significant and immediate, with the Club seeing 66% more youth than last year, while participation in Learning & Lunches has increased an astonishing 233%! This means more than 100 additional youth are being served in Anacortes, at no additional cost to the community. We are excited that we will be able to carry this initiative forward this fall in new ways as well, with our Clubhouses in La Conner, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley not only providing snack, but adding dinner as well. When combined with breakfast and lunch at school, we can help eliminate food insecurity in kids throughout our communities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephanie Hooper – President Bayside Specialties Mark Lawrence – Vice President Simply Yards Landscaping and Design Mike Gubrud – Vice President Mike Gubrud Farmers Insurance Agency Becky Taft – Treasurer Skagit Bank Carrie Wallace – Secretary Skagit Bank Annette Booth – Past President Booth Insurance/Allstate Insurance Co. Pat Barrett – Member Barrett Financial, LTD Dr. Carl Bruner – Member MVSD Superintendent Kelly Kutchick – Member Heritage Bank Kelly Tuohig – Member Tesoro Corporation Tom Pasma – Member Tom L. Pasma Auctioneers Co-Owner Double S Quarter Horses, Inc Karen Ray – Member Angel of the Winds Casino Mark Lione – Member Cap Sante Inn
Thank you to longtime Champions Maggie Potter & Mike Crawford, for your dedication, support, and service to the youth in Skagit County as past Board Members. You have established a legacy for our Clubs. 19
WASHINGTON STATE Tremendous Honors Received for Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County at State Event Wednesday, March 26th was a day to celebrate, and in quite a big way. For the first time in the history of our young organization, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County was named Washington State Youth of the Year. In a year that saw tremendous growth in candidates from the fifteen organizations represented, our very own Justice Lively earned the honor, and with it, an additional $5,000 in College scholarships. Justice Lively wasn’t the only honoree from Skagit County at the 2015 Washington State Youth of the Year Gala. Our very own Don Wick, Executive Director of EDASC, was inducted into the Washington State Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame. Starting in 5th Grade, and for six years, Don Wick was an avid member of the Ballard Boys Club. Don first encountered the Boys Club through using their sports fields for P.E. Class, and got hooked through the after-school activities. Don says, “We first went to play pool, and it was fun. But the people there made all the difference. The Club was about a lot more than just hanging out. Character, community, and caring were what you learned. It was great.” Justice’s journey began last fall, as each of our four Clubhouses entered the Youth of the Year process. Candidates composed essays, collected letters of recommendation, gained interview skills, and had to develop and deliver a three-minute speech. For three days in March, Mr. Lively joined peers from other organizations, representing more than 75,000 Boys & Girls Club members across the State, once again going through a significant judging process, while also attending workshops and sessions for personal development and growth. In a packed ballroom at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle, representatives from Skagit County shrieked with glee as Justice’s name was announced as the Washington State Youth of the Year. Things now turn to preparations for a Regional Program in Los Angeles this July, where Justice will join his peers from the 20
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YOUTH OF THE YEAR
21 21
Continued from page 20
other Pacific Region states, with the process starting all over to determine who travels to Washington, DC this fall as the Regional candidate and join five others in the Oval Office for a meeting with the President and a Congressional Breakfast in their honor. Skagit County Club Members Score Sounders FC Experience On Saturday, April 4th, eighteen members from the Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Clubs left Skagit County in the early afternoon destined for CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The youth, ages 10-17, knew they would be attending a Sounders FC match at the Clink, and some knew they would have a special pre-game experience, but nothing prepared them for an afternoon that is sure to last in their memories long after their days at the Club end. Upon arrival, the Skagit County Club representatives were ushered into a VIP Parking area and entered the underbelly of CenturyLink field, getting a unique opportunity to witness first-hand what happens behind the scenes on any given game day. When they entered a special locker room, they were briefed a bit more on what the next couple of hours had in-store for them. The youngest eleven would become members of the Dream Team, and walk the starting eleven for each side on to the field, and our older members and some volunteers and staff would handle the flags, all during the pre-game festivities. It was time for preparation and run-throughs, after which, some excited fans, some of them quite new to join the Sounders FC phenomena, returned to their temporary base of operations, the locker room. Upon arrival, they found full Sounders FC kits waiting for them; a pin drop could be heard, with only the breathing of the shocked youth registering on ears. That lasted about ten seconds, and then it was bedlam when they were told that they not only would get to wear these authentic Sounders FC uniforms on to the field, they got to take them home after. When their duties were done, the group was broken into three, with Washington State Youth of the Year Justice Lively, from Mount Vernon, earning a cherished seat at a private table pitch-side where he was announced with his military counterpart, enjoyed the coverage on the big screen, and even had the privilege of a visit from Sounders FC legend Roger Levesque who had arranged 22
everything. Sedro-Woolley members were escorted to their seats at the Hawk’s Nest, and our Mount Vernon Club kids, representing the home Club of Justice, were taken up to private VIP Suite where they watched the game in style. “While this was an amazing opportunity for our Club kids, my favorite part was seeing how well they behaved and represented Skagit County,” says Executive Director Ron McHenry. “Their smiles and excited commentary said a lot about what they got out of the day, but how they acted told the story of the difference our Clubs, staff, and volunteers make in their lives.” By the time the convoy reached Skagit County that night, it was well past bedtime, but you wouldn’t have known it. All of the kids involved continued their conversations about their experience, and will likely do so for a long time to come. Photos of the Club kids and their special experience can be found on the Club’s Facebook page by searching Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County. Our Clubs are looking for members ages 14 to 18 to participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County Youth of the Year program. Club winners earn scholarship money with a chance to compete at a State level, with the possibility of moving on to the regional and national competitions as well. The program begins in the fall with Club Staff mentoring participating Club Members in essay preparation and development and continues with participants gaining important experience in interview and public speaking skills. Club winners are announced at events in November and December and earn at least $250 in Scholarships. Additional program elements, including a weekend retreat, ensure that our youth receive strong preparation and skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. In January, the four Skagit County Club winners will participate in a culminating experience that will result in one being named the Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, earning at least $500 toward their post-secondary education and representing the organization at the Washington State event in March. The process continues at the State level where winners earn an additional $2,500 in scholarships and move on to the regional and national stages. The National Youth of the Year receives up to an additional $50,000 in scholarships and is awarded the honor by the President of the United States. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Club member can achieve, and the process has proven time and again to benefit participants far beyond the scholarships associated with the program. In addition, a Junior Youth of the Year competition will be held. This gives younger youth, ages 10-13, an opportunity to practice and learn about the larger competition. The county wide winner will get to travel the State Youth of the Year Competition. Each Club will have a dinner, starting in November (dates TBA), where each Club winner will be judged and selected. Tickets to the dinner will be available for sale through each Club. If you are interested in judging the competition, want tickets, or would like to learn more, please contact the Club Director in your area.
Join us this November as we celebrate our selected Youth of the Year at the Club level, culminating in the County-wide event in January. Hear their first person accounts of their experience of growing up in the Club while enjoying a delicious dinner. There is no cost to attend these events. Selected participants earn at least $250 in scholarships. The Skagit County youth will earn at least $500 in additional scholarships and will move on to the State level, with the possibility of regional and national as well.
DINNER WITH FRIENDS DATES SEDRO-WOOLLEY THURS, NOV 12 LA CONNER MON, NOV 16 ANACORTES WED, NOV 18 MOUNT VERNON FRI, NOV 19
YOUTH OF THE YEAR JANUARY 27, 2016
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PO Box 947 Mt. Vernon, WA 98273
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