Editor,
I am writing to thank and congratulate the Laguna Beach community for its incredible support of the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach in 2010. Thanks to over 500 donors and many more participants at our special events, we raised more than $1.2 million for the club. In our 59th year of continuous operations in Laguna Beach, we had a record number of donations and raised more money for club operations than ever before.
Our accomplishments for 2010 were significant: Over 100 new members joined the club, a 13 percent increase in membership; thanks to a generous grant from Mission Hospital, we added a health and wellness program focusing on reducing obesity; we expanded our partnership with the Laguna Beach Unified School District, bringing online access at the club to district academic resources; and we expanded our professional staff to provide greater individual attention and care for club members.
Serving 1,500 youth a year at our two Laguna Beach club locations, we remain the largest youth-oriented service organization in the community. We provide a vital resource for working parents in Laguna and Aliso Viejo, who count on us every day to care for their children after school.
We have four major goals for 2011: Open our Saturday skateboard park at the club (now happening); continue our triple A program focus on academics, art and athletics; expand our board of directors and support groups; and set a new record for number of donors and continue to strengthen our finances.
Our board of directors and staff appreciate tremendously the support of all our donors, volunteers, friends and program partners in Laguna Beach. The club is a place where great futures begin, but it only happens because of the great supporters in our community. Thanks to all of you for caring about our future!
Bob Whalen, Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club president
