Since the start of COVID times, a few local organizations have made a difference for families and especially children. For many in our community, The Boys and Girls Club is a lifesaver.
Parents with essential jobs in healthcare and retail. Single parents who are the sole support of their families, many of whom are working from home. Children with no siblings who need friendship and social time. These are just a few of the groups of families who rely on the local Boys and Girls Club here in Fountain Hills.
Only 5 of 8 branches of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale have reopened since mid-May, after a 2-month closure due to COVID 19. Here in Fountain Hills, we are fortunate that the McKee Branch—the town’s local B&G Club outlet–is one of the branches reopened. Headed by Lauren Stratton, the organization was one of 22 local nonprofits who, early in the year, received grant funds from the Fountain Hills Community Foundation. The money could not have come at a better time.
The Club currently serves over 40 children while following CDC guidelines. This is about half of the normal attendance. Some families who cannot afford weekly or monthly fees need only pay a $25 annual membership fee. The balance of fees are covered by donations from individuals and organizations like the Fountain Hills Community Foundation. Every dollar donated and specially tagged for the McKee Branch stays here Fountain Hills.
In response to demands placed on families by COVID, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale– including McKee branch–created programs to support kids who needed to build remote learning skills to make them better prepared for homeschooling.
The Fountain Hills Community Foundation recognizes the need to support local groups like Boys & Girls Club. This year, the foundation has introduced a major new fundraiser starting in early October and culminating on November 7th with a day-long gala format that accommodates social distancing. Called Flutter at the Fountain, local artisans have spent the summer painting unique metal butterfly sculptures of all sizes that will be available during the month-long auction. The group is also seeking sponsorship funds that will allow local businesses and individuals to “foster” the butterflies through the end of October, encouraging the public to stop by and get acquainted with the winged creatures and their hosts.
In a small community like Fountain Hills, a small collaborative effort by many people can often get great results. Like the popular Butterfly Effect which contends that the flap of a butterfly’s wings can eventually lead to a hurricane, the Community Foundation believes that every bit of financial help and sponsorship will find its way to helping someone in need. And in 2020, that need is great!
The Foundation is currently seeking sponsors. Interested businesses can get more information at www.fountainhillsgives.com/. Or call Foundation President Dori Wittrig, at 602-558-5901 or Directors Nicole Perkins at 602-510-2767 or Jenny Willigrod at 602-318-9618. Every dollar helps!
Photo credit: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. Used with permission