About Us | Our Mission & Vision | Our History | Our Core Programs | Club Events | News | Archives | Newsletters | Videos
Another Boys & Girls Club Worthy Addition to Community
The Olympian Editorial -- January 6, 2012
Members of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County have passed the hat and raised nearly $1 million to build a new club on Olympia’s west side.
It’s an outstanding start toward the ultimate goal of $5.95 million to erect a 20,000-square-foot club, complete with full-size gym, on the site of Garfield Elementary School.
It’s our hope that the public will respond favorably when they are asked to contribute to this worthwhile cause. Nothing is more important than getting youngsters off to a positive start in life and that’s the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County.
Boys and Girls Clubs Holidays to Shine with Generous Donation from Macy's
Published on ThurstonTalk.com -- November 22, 2011
Olympia, WA — November 22, 2011 – Macy’s Northwest and Macy’s Southwest, two of eight divisions of the retail icon, announced that together with its customers, it projects raising more than $1 million with its Thanks For Sharing campaign with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).
This donation will directly support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County with proceeds funding education programs that enable Club members to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, set goals, explore careers, prepare for employment and embrace technology to achieve a great future.
Through Macy’s Thanks For Sharing campaign, shoppers are encouraged to charge a one-time enrollment fee of $25 to their Macy’s credit card, in turn, a portion of this fee will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County plus customers receive a 10 percent reward on most of their credit card purchases.
“We are extremely grateful for the Macy’s Thanks For Sharing campaign since so many of the young people we serve need the most, but have the least,” said Joe Ingoglia, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “We believe there is no better investment than our nation’s youth especially when it comes to ensuring their academic success, so essential to the prosperity of our community.”
Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County's Annual 'Born to be Wild' Auction is Revving Up
Published on ThurstonTalk.com -- October 13, 2001
This year marks the 10th anniversary since Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County opened the doors of their first Club, on the campus of Tumwater High School. There are now four Thurston County Boys & Girls Clubs – the original Tumwater location, plus Clubs in Rochester, Lacey, and Olympia. All offer programming, mentors, and a safe, happy place to learn and grow for more than 2,000 area kids.
“We’re an after-school program,” explains Sarah Austin, Marketing Coordinator for Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “We do have a before-school program at a couple of the clubs too, but the heart of what we do is the after-school program.”
But unlike most drop-in centers or daycares, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County have structured curriculum and trained professional staff that lead different activities.
Boys and Girls Clubs Illustrate a Community of Compassion
The Olympian, Editorial -- October 3, 2011
The South Sound community recently gathered to rededicate the Lacey Boys & Girls Club building. Thanks to a $380,000 renovation project, it’s a place that’s safer, quieter and more fun for the 250 kids who walk through the doors on an average day.
“This is a place where they belong,” said branch director Shellica Trevino. “A lot of the kids have come for several years, and this has become like a second home to them.”
The truth is the same good work going on in the Lacey club day in and day out, is happening across this county in other Boys & Girls Club facilities.
It’s hard to believe, but it was 10 years ago this month when community residents, led by auto dealer Steve Boone, came together to open the first club in a former bus barn adjacent to Tumwater High School. In the last decade, the organization has opened three other clubs – one each in Lacey, Olympia and Rochester.
It’s a success story that merits community applause.
Read the complete story
Like Boys and Girls, Club is Growing Fast
By Lisa Pemberton, The Olympian -- September 22, 2011
About 250 kids show up each day for the Lacey Boys & Girls Club’s supervised after-school activities. And now, thanks to a $380,000 renovation project, it’s a place that’s safer, quieter and more fun, club officials say.
“This is a place where they belong,” said branch director Shellica Trevino. “A lot of the kids have come for several years, and this has become like a second home to them.”
The organization offers a variety of programs including art classes, homework help, sports and games.
During the summer, crews:
• Transformed a nearby empty lot into a park that features a playground and soccer field.
• Built a gymnasium wall so that kids can work on homework without being distracted by noise from activities such as dodge ball and basketball games.
• Installed a fire sprinkler system in the 9,000-square-foot facility.
A grand reopening celebration is slated for today to recognize donors, thank supporters and give folks in the community a firsthand look at what happens at the Lacey Boys & Girls Club.
Read the complete story
Great Futures Start at Boys & Girls Clubs
FTE Magazine Combined Fund Drive Supplement -- September 2011
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is proud to have 15-year-old Lacey Club member Brandon Pavlick as the 2011 Youth of the Year. As a representative of Thurston County, Brandon is among thousands of youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for strong character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. The program — founded over 60 years ago — recognizes the outstanding contributions honorees make to their family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as the personal challenges they have overcome.
Brandon, a sophomore at Timberline High School, has been a member at the Boys & Girls Club since 2007. In the last year, he has thrived as a Club member, leading several community service projects and helping younger members with homework. Brandon has become natural leader and last school year, with encouragement and help from Club staff, he ran for freshman class treasurer and won. As an aspiring chef and author, Brandon knows that a college education will be the first step on the path to achieving his future goals.
More than 2,000 kids in Thurston County are members of the Boys & Girls Clubs, located in Tumwater, Lacey, Olympia and Rochester. As the majority of the kids come from lower income families and/or single parent households, the Clubs are often the one consistent and positive thing in their lives. The goal of the programming in the Clubs is to ensure each child learns to believe in themselves and have the confidence to say no to risky behaviors like drugs, crime and sexual activity. Annual Club membership is only $25 per year and is waived in cases of financial hardship. Therefore, the success of the Clubs is truly dependent on financial donations from the community.
FTE Magazine 2011 Combined Fund Drive Supplement
Great Futures Start Here: Boys & Girls Clubs of America Awards Local Tumwater Teen with Recipe for Success™ Scholarship
Published on ThurstonTalk.com -- August 1, 2011
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has named Danielle Adams, a 4-year member of the Tumwater Boys & Girls Club, the 2011-12 Darden Scholar. She receives a $3,000 college scholarship from Recipe for Success™ workshop sponsor Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation. Adams was one of 68 members selected as a BGCA Darden Scholar after participating in the highly interactive, college-readiness workshop.
Free Lunches Fill Young Bellies
By Lisa Pemberton, The Olympian -- July 2, 2011
Several community groups are working to make sure children don’t go hungry this summer.
Free lunches – and in some cases, morning or afternoon snacks – are available for anyone 18 and younger at nearly 20 sites throughout South Sound.
About 25 youngsters lined up for box lunches Thursday at the Rochester Boys & Girls Club, which has teamed up with the Thurston County Food Bank to provide summer lunches and afternoon snacks.
“Many of the kids who drop by are teenagers who come in to say ‘Hi’ and magically, it’s lunch time,” said branch director Christine Hoffmann.
A typical lunch included a package of pine nuts, a juice box, graham crackers, a turkey-and-cheese sandwich and a carton of milk. There also were lunches with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or tuna salad.
Read the complete story
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Welcomes New Board Members
June 21, 2011
Two new members have joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County board of directors: Jerry Farmer, Sales Manager at 94.5 ROXY and Nicole Williams, Sales Associate at Panowicz Jewelers.
“We are thrilled that Jerry and Nicole have agreed to be on the board,” says Joe Ingoglia, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County CEO. “They each bring a unique set of talents and a wealth of knowledge and experience in serving this community.”
Jerry Farmer, a member of the North Thurston Education Foundation, has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to organizations like TOGETHER!, Lacey Rotary, Habitat for Humanity, Homeless Backpacks, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. Farmer has also given his time as an emcee for numerous community events and has helped raise thousands of dollars for local scholarships.
Nicole Williams grew up in Thurston County and has supported several local causes over the years including the Hands On Children’s Museum and Sand in the City. She also serves on the PTA at Pioneer Elementary where her son Blake attends school. While Nicole is new to the board, she is not new to giving time to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. Her husband, Brendan Williams, is a former board member and Nicole has worked on the annual Born to be Wild Auction since 2007, serving as the auction committee chair since 2009.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri-Joplin
June 6, 2011
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County will host a fundraiser at each of its four Club locations to support Club and family members of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri-Joplin who were affected by last month’s tornado. The funds are being raised by the kids of Thurston County for the kids at the Joplin Club. The goal is to raise at least $250.
The tornado was reported to be the worst, single tornado in the last 60 years, with over 124 deaths reported so far. Four Joplin staff members lost their residence, and one Club member lost his life. The Club is currently open 12 hours per day to better serve the Joplin community.
“As a fellow Boys & Girls Club organization, it is our duty to reach out to those affected by this terrible tragedy,” said Joe Ingoglia, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County CEO.
The Rochester Club started a week-long dollar drive last Thursday and will put on a community carnival this Thursday. Also taking place this week are bake sales at the Olympia and Tumwater Clubs. Kids from the Lacey Club are collecting pledges and will participate in a Run-A-Thon next Monday, June 13. If you cannot attend the events but are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution, please make your check payable to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, noting that your donation is for the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri-Joplin. The mailing address is 905 24th Way SW Ste. B3, Olympia, WA 98502. You may also donate via credit card online at www.bgctc.org.
Update: Almost $1,000 was raised by the four Clubs!
Boys & Girls Clubs an immense asset to community
Editorial, The Olympian -- June 4, 2011
Thumbs Up: Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County held its ninth annual “Foundation for the Future” fundraising breakfast at Saint Martin’s University recently. It was a rousing success with more than $278,000 in contributions and matching grants in addition to $83,000 in sponsorships for a total of $361,000, according to Joe Ingolia, executive director. The breakfast drew an amazing 907 participants, a clear indication of the depth of support the club enjoys in the South Sound community. When the first club was formed on the campus of Tumwater High School 10 years ago, the club served 25 children. Today the four clubs have 2,000 members and serve an average of 700 kids a day. Regrettably, Olympia is the only state capital in the nation without a Boys & Girls Club. Supporters hope to remedy that situation with plans to build a new facility on the grounds of Garfield Elementary School on Olympia’s west side. The area is within walking distance of six schools and will have a pool of low-income students to draw from. The new club will add to the 2,000 youngsters who already have found a safe and positive place for fun, fellowship, help with their homework and outstanding role models who help mold them into productive adults. A big thumbs up to the Steve Boone family and their Stars Foundation and the Titus Will Families Foundation who agreed to match contributions at the breakfast up to $100,000. The South Sound community is extremely fortunate to have individuals investing their finances and their time to the noble effort of helping youngsters reach their potential. As Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, the keynote speaker for the fundraising breakfast, said, the Boys & Girls Clubs are all about relationships, trust, positive attitudes and finding passion in life. A big thumbs up to the clubs, their staff members and supporters in South Sound.
Read the complete story
Boys & Girls Clubs offer free memberships to military youth
April 29, 2011
Times of national crisis can dramatically disrupt a military family’s life. Even when parents are not deployed, military children still face a unique set of challenges including frequent moves resulting in having to change schools and make new friends. Through a partnership between the Joint Military Services and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, military youth can now access local Clubs for free. This new program, Mission: Youth Outreach, allows military families who do not live on active duty installations to receive free memberships for their children at Clubs in their communities. While their parents are serving our country, the Clubs help create a positive, supportive network for these kids, allowing them to reach their full potential. “The Club is a place where kids from all backgrounds can come together to learn important life skills from our staff and each other. We are committed to ensuring all Club members stay in school and out of trouble,” said Joe Ingoglia, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “Having a consistent, positive environment like the Club helps kids from all variety of family situations find support and stay on the right track towards a healthy and productive future.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County has four locations participating in this program: Lacey, Olympia, Rochester and Tumwater. Club membership is open to youth ages 5-18 and free after-school transportation from most schools in Thurston County to these Club locations is available.
Boys & Girls Clubs serve our community's youth well
Editorial, The Olympian -- March 21, 2011
When looking for local success stories, certainly the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County must be included on the list.
The local club was founded in 2001 in what was once the bus drivers’ lounge on the campus of Tumwater High School. When the doors were opened, 45 boys and girls signed up to participate in a variety of activities.
Today Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County has four locations, serves more than 2,000 youngsters and will soon launch a $5.95 million capital campaign to raise money for a new club on the campus of Garfield Elementary School on Olympia’s west side.
It’s a project the community can, and should, embrace.
It’s not an overstatement to say that the Boys & Girls Clubs save lives. The national organization has more than 4,000 chartered clubs in every state in the nation and serves about 4.2 million young people annually. Go to any club and talk to the youngsters, or talk to graduates of the program, and you will hear story after story about how the club and its adult role models turned troubled lives around.
Boys & Girls Clubs, Comcast team to ensure kids learn latest technology
By Breanne Coats, The Business Examiner -- March 7, 2011
Access to technology is no longer a privilege; it has become a necessity for students to achieve success.
Unfortunately, some South Sound youth are unable to compete with their peers because they don't have experience with computers, smart phones and other devices.
But Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County and Comcast are working to solve this disparity by providing computer access and literacy to children who might not have those experiences otherwise."Kids need to learn and conquer technology. It's used everywhere," said Joe Ingoglia, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. "You hear talk of bridging the digital divide. We are trying to bridge that gap for kids. We want to provide those kids with opportunities they might not otherwise have."
Last month, The Comcast Foundation gave the Thurston County nonprofit a $25,000 technology grant. The money will ensure that all four club locations —Lacey, Olympia, Rochester and Tumwater—are able to provide the most current technological resources and software available to help prepare at-risk youth for college and future careers.
Read the complete story
Boys & Girls Club looks at Olympia site
By Lisa Pemberton, The Olympian -- March 15, 2011
Garfield Elementary School in Olympia could be the next site for a Boys & Girls Club.“We’re at the very initial stages of the process,” said Joe Ingoglia, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “If everything goes right, we would expect that a club could be open in three years.”The organization is partnering with the Olympia School District on the effort, Ingoglia said. It’s also launching a $5.95 million capital campaign to raise money for the facility, which would likely be built on school district property, he said.
Meet Brandon -- Our 2011 Youth of the Year!
15-year-old Brandon Pavlick attends Timberline High School and has been coming to the Lacey Club since 2007. Early on, Brandon lacked self confidence and kept mostly to himself. With the encouragement and support of Club staff, he has transformed into a role model and friend to many at the Club. As an active participant in Keystone Club and Jr. Staff, he enjoys helping other kids and giving back to the community. Brandon has also proved himself to be a leader by helping to start the Teen Store as well as being elected freshman class treasurer at his high school. An aspiring chef and author, Brandon already has a plan in place join the Army after graduation to help pay for college. Congratulations Brandon!
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THURSTON COUNTY RECEIVES $25,000 GRANT FROM THE WALMART FOUNDATION
Financial donation helps promote health and wellness for Boys & Girls Club members
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County received a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s Washington State Giving Program, allowing the clubs to support their highly successful Triple Play program. By focusing on mind, body and soul, this comprehensive program teaches Club members how to eat right, keep fit and form positive relationships to add up to a healthy lifestyle.
If you have comments, suggestions or questions, please email us.