INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County relies very heavily on support from generous donors and the local business community to continue providing their programs and services to more than 1,500 children in our community each year.
Without the clubs, many of these children would have nowhere to go after school or all day during the summer, and wouldn’t benefit from the positive mentoring, homework help, and renowned youth development programs that they receive while attending the clubs.
In efforts to gain more business support, a Booster Program was recently launched. For an annual donation of $100 or more per year, a business can make a significant difference in the life of a child by making membership in the clubs within their reach.
“While membership in the clubs is very affordable, budgets are tight for many of our families. Nearly half of our families have an annual household income below $20,000, and every dollar is accounted for,” said Angela Astrup, director of development and marketing for the clubs.
“These are the children who need the clubs the very most. Donations from our Booster Program provide scholarships for families who qualify and allow us to continue our operations in the county,” Astrup added.
Participation in the Booster Program doesn’t just benefit the clubs; it is an excellent opportunity for businesses to promote themselves. Boosters receive a “We Proudly Support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County” window decal to affix to their office door or window.
A publicity photo of their staff is taken for use in the media, on the Boys & Girls Clubs Facebook page, and in the Boys & Girls Clubs monthly e-newsletter. Boosters are included on a special “We Appreciate” page of the Boys & Girls Clubs website with a direct link back to the business site.
Boosters are also featured in a special section of the Annual Report, sent to many of our community’s most affluent individuals, and will be recognized in thank you advertisements.
For businesses seeking a more enhanced level of publicity, Business Partnerships are available through special event sponsorships and direct program support.
For more information about these opportunities, please contact Angela Astrup at (772) 299-7449 or by email at AngelaAstrup@BGCIRC.org.
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. They operate three clubs, one each in Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere, all within a school bus ride to every child in the county.
More than 1,500 children in our community are served by the clubs annually, equipping them with the tools necessary to succeed in school and in life.
You can learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County by visiting them online at www.BGCIRC.org. To stay up to date on all club news and activities, like them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BGCIRC.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County is recognized as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator, its highest ranking, and is proud to be supported by the United Way and the Children’s Services Advisory Committee.