By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – A matching gift could put a fundraising campaign over the top for the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal.
The Great Futures Campaign is seeking to raise $125,000 by June 20. Toni and Duane Farrington and Willie Brown have offered a challenge. If the group can raise $10,000 by the end of the month, they will match it dollar for dollar.
“The efforts of the Boys & Girls Clubs makes a positive impact on the lives of our youth and our community,” said Duane Farrington. “We are proud to support their mission and this challenge.”
The campaign has already raised about $100,000.
“The Club received tremendous support from the community as a result of last year’s challenge gift,” said Brown. “I have agreed to put forth another challenge so we can continue to support the youth who attend the Boys & Girls Club.” said Brown.
Club CEO Grant Anderson said recent standardized test results and other indicators show low-income and minority youth are lagging behind in Bloomington-Normal compared to the rest of the state.
“We need to do better for our kids,” Anderson said.
The Boys & Girls Club serves more than 800 at-risk youth through afterschool and summer programs.
A donation can be make by sending a check made out to Boys & Girls Club to 1615 W. Illinois St. Bloomington, Ill., 61701. Donations can be made online at www.bgcbn.org.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
