Today is a GREAT day for the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield! We are thrilled to officially announce that earlier this afternoon the Connecticut State Bond Commission approved a $2 million dollar grant to the Growth Campaign! We couldn't wait to share the news with you!
As you know, the Boys & Girls Club is vital to the greater Ridgefield Community and the Growth Campaign is an investment into our future….the future of the Club, and the future of Ridgefield’s youth for generations to come. With the award of this bonding money, we are very close to the finish line of our fundraising goal. Our community giving phase will begin in early 2022, and we are confident that with the support of the Ridgefield community, we will be able to break ground in the near future!
This is a historic moment for the Club, as this is only the second time in our 85 year history that we've received a grant from the CT Bond Commission. Previously, we were awarded $400,000 for our 2006 expansion, which also makes this the largest state grant we've received to date!
The Growth Campaign will allow us to serve more Club members, more often, ensuring the Club and our programs are available to any child, tween, or teen who needs us. More importantly, it will allow us to expand our award-winning programs and have a bigger impact on Great Futures than ever before.
A very special thank you to the Office of Governor Ned Lamont, State Senator Will Haskell, State Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo, State Representative Kenneth Gucker, and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi. Specifically, Senator Haskell, State Representative Berger-Giravalo, and First Selectman Marconi, who have been true advocates in Hartford for the Club and this funding for the past two years. They are true champions for youth, and for Ridgefield, and we are incredibly grateful for their unwavering support and commitment.
And of course, a huge thank you to our entire BGCR Club community - our Board of Directors, Donors, Community Leaders, Supporters, Advocates, Club Families, and most importantly, our Club kids (past and present). The Club is special because of all of you and your unwavering support and belief in the Club. We are grateful every day to be a part of such an amazing community!
We look forward to Building Great Futures together in 2022 and beyond!