Wednesday, Jun. 11, 2008

Byron Boys and Girls Club seeks funding

The Byron unit of the Boys and Girls Club escaped the danger of shutting down its summer programs like its Fort Valley and Roberta counterparts almost did, but funding still needs to be raised for the club to maintain its operation.

That was the message conveyed at a town hall meeting held Tuesday.

About 40 concerned citizens gathered in the cafeteria of the old elementary school to discuss the needs of the Byron unit of the Boys and Girls Club.

The Byron unit had the participation to support its current summer camp, which began June 2, with a waiting list holding steady. Furthermore, Byron parents pay $10 per week on top of a $25 fee paid by the other clubs per school year due to an arrangement that occurred before the unit converged with Roberta and Fort Valley to form the Boys and Girls Club of the Georgia Heartlands.

Nevertheless, board member Josephine Davis informed the crowd that $90,000 is needed to cover the costs of administering the program in Byron and overall administrative costs. The funding is needed by Aug. 1. Furthermore, the club needs board members to represent the Byron unit.

"In order for us to be successful, we all have to be on the same page," chief executive officer Paul Dominguez told the crowd.

Organization officials offered options to assist with meeting short-term and long-term goals.

For the short-term goal of maintaining the summer camp, one suggestion was to sponsor a child's participation in the club for $650 per year.

Tickets for $100 are being sold for the September raffle of a 2007 Chevrolet Colorado. In addition, supporters are asking for personal contributions and recruiting others who can help make the goal.

In the long term, the organization is seeking individuals and organizations to make three-year pledges to contribute directly to the organization or sponsor a child.

Byron unit director Anna Taylor said her club currently is operating out of a closet and an art classroom at the Byron Elementary School. Next year, she is unsure of how much space will be made available for the program because of school overcrowding, but she said she is willing to work with the parents to raise funds to keep the club alive.

"We need to give the children the opportunity to become viable, productive young men and women," Taylor said.

For 15-year-old Christal Oakes, the need for the club far outweighs the need for the space. To her, the club is a place to learn about art and music and how to grow into a young woman.

"Even if we meet outside, we are still a club," Oakes said.

To contact writer Natasha Smith, call 923-3109, extension 236.