Community Celebrates Grand Opening of Boys and Girl's Club New Salida Headquarters
Photo caption: Happy Boys and Girls Club members performed the ribbon cutting June 12 at the new Salida headquarters at 709 Palmer St. From left are Athena Kintgen, Georgia Schwed, 12, Irene Alvarez, 15, Sam Evans 10, Gianna DePetro (with scissors) 10, Henry Pottenbaum, 10 and Gunier Kintgen 14.
The Boys and Girls Club formally opened its spacious new Salida headquarters Saturday with a ribbon cutting and tours of the facility at 709 Palmer St.
The former Exer-Flex facility was purchased in early 2020, and was opened for just two weeks before the COVIN-19 pandemic forced closure and a switch to online classes.
Board chair Duncan Campbell who directed the fundraising campaign for the organization, welcomed board members, community supporters and members and noted while more than $1.2 million has already been raised for the building and interior refurbishing, more than a half-million dollars is still to be raised for equipment and programs to serve the more than 800 members from age six through 18.
Executive Director Brian Beaulieu acted as master of ceremonies, and acknowledged how much the organization relies on community support and how gratified and appreciative the organization is for the support shown in the past year and four months.
The Boys and Girls Club focuses on three critical youth areas, academic success; healthy lifestyles and character/leadership.
Member Irene Alvarez, Junior Youth of the Year for Salida, spoke to the crowd about her nine years at the club saying she’s had been able to do ‘anything and everything; have fun with kids, go on wild adventures, and, my favorite, build connections with staff and kids.” She thanked community donors and sponsors, and added “I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
Public tours of the facility were given and younger members were allowed to roller-skate in the spacious gym.
For more information, or to contribute to the further funding campaign, visit BGCChaffee.org or call 719-539-9500.