Tenino Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Hosts Grand Opening of The Bruno & Evelyne Betti Teen Center

[Tenino, WA] – Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) hosted a Grand Opening Celebration and ribbon cutting for the The Bruno & Evelyne Betti Teen Center at the Tenino branch on Thursday, November 14, 5-6:30 pm.

The celebration was held at the Tenino Branch located at Tenino Elementary School, 301 Old Hwy 99 N, Tenino, WA. Doors opened at 5:00 pm and a brief program followed recognizing the legacy of The Bruno & Evelyn Betti Foundation and the support from Tenino schools and community partners who helped make the Club Teen Center a possibility. An official ribbon cutting, youth-led Teen Center tours, and reception followed.

The Bruno & Evelyne Betti Teen Center will feature a dedicated space for youth grades 6-12 to foster learning, innovation, and activity. The Tenino Branch opened its doors at the start of the 2016-17 school year, operating out of the Tenino Elementary multipurpose room and focusing on programs for members in grades K-8. Its membership has grown to 96 registered members with an average daily attendance of 57, necessitating a stand-alone space for teen members. An estimated average of 25 teens will use the Teen Center on a daily basis. Both spaces offer youth a safe place for structured enrichment programs when school is not in session.

Chris Woods, BGCTC CEO, noted, “The opening of The Bruno & Evelyne Betti Teen Center is testament to a couple known for their kind deeds and generosity to help young people. Their gift, coupled with the support of school and community partners in Tenino, will help families in the community and create new opportunities for youth in Tenino.”

The Boys & Girls Club experience supports youth during critical out-of-school hours, helps them see success is possible, and ensures members are on track to graduate from high school with a plan for future. Young people attending the Club experience fun and nurturing activities focused on supporting academic success, living healthy lifestyles, and demonstrating good character and citizenship.

# # #