KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – (April 29, 2010) – Today, during the Gift of Hope Fundraising Luncheon that benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Moll Anderson representing the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation announced an outright gift of $150,000 to the organization, plus another $150,000 as a challenge grant. For any person or organization donating funds during or after the luncheon, the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation will match that contribution, dollar for dollar, up to $150,000.
Since any funds donated will be matched by the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation, this is the best opportunity to donate to Boys & Girls Clubs. Essentially, this campaign has the capacity to generate $450,000 for the organization.
“We had heard of the struggle that Boys & Girls Clubs is going through right now. Budgets are tight for everyone, but this is an organization that the East Tennessee community should never be without,” said Moll Anderson. “I personally have a wonderful history with Boys & Girls Clubs through my son and I can say first-hand that the organization makes an extremely positive difference in the lives of our youth. So, my husband Charlie and I are doing everything we can to motivate the community to donate as well.”
It costs Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley approximately $1,000 per child each year to serve all 6,000 members of the organization. If the goal is reached and $450,000 is donated from this campaign, that means 450 children will in essence be “sponsored” from the community.
“We are challenging organizations and individuals to give or raise $1,000 and sponsor one child each. And this is a great way to get friends involved – host a bake sale, a car wash, and have fun with it! We’ll match dollar for dollar, so any money that’s donated will go even further,” said Moll Anderson.
“We are thrilled that the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation is stepping up to the plate with this contribution. We have had to cut $1.2 million from our budget over the past two years and we cannot cut further without seriously curtailing services,” said John D. Lee, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
The Gift of Hope Award, which was presented today, was created to honor and recognize Emmet P. “Buck” and Linda Vaughn for their many years of outstanding dedication, inspiration and hope they have provided to the members of Boys & Girls Clubs. Buck and Linda honored the George Sampson Family and Cherokee Distributing Company with the award in appreciation of 32 years of exceptional support of fund raising events, programs and services of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
Boys & Girls Clubs is embarking on a 15-month fundraising effort to raise $1.3 million, beginning with the annual Gift of Hope Fundraising Luncheon. Half of that is needed between now and Dec. 31, 2010, in order to maintain programs and critical outreach services. The organization also must raise $1.3 million every year in the future to sustain operations.
Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves 5,825 members, ages 5 to 18 years old throughout the region. The organization also provides 414,970 USDA hot meals and snacks annual for members free of charge. The Clubs see as many as 1,200 youth walk through the doors on any given day. There are 15 Club locations in Knox, Blount, Loudon and North Anderson Counties.
Those who are interested in donating may do so by visiting www.bgctnv.org. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact John D. Lee at (865) 248-1100 or jlee@bgctnv.org.
###
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs has served the Tennessee Valley region since 1943. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need the organization the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The organization’s programs are focused on Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, Sports and Fitness & Recreation. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley serves members in Knox, Blount, Loudon and North Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.
Media Contact Sarah Malak Ackermann PR (865) 584-0550 smalak@ackermannpr.com