More children will have a chance to attend two Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri Club Sites, thanks to a $25,000 gift from the Tyson Foundation. Earlier this summer, BGC received the notification that it was selected as a grant recipient from the foundation; proceeds will go toward scholarships at the La Monte and Dresden sites.
“Tyson has always been a tremendous community partner with Boys & Girls Club,” said Executive Director Gary Beckman. “Whether its sponsorship at an event, hosting a truckload sale for us or just donating chicken for a Club Site’s family night meal, Tyson has always been generous with us.”
Approximately one-third of BGC members at the two sites are on some form of scholarship and the additional boost in funds will allow even more members to attend, no matter their family’s financial circumstances. The La Monte and Dresden sites were chosen for funding due to their proximity with the Tyson complex and that a majority of Club member parents or guardians work for Tyson in some capacity.
“Boys & Girls Club has been an important organization in our team members’ lives,” said Tyson Complex Manager Alan Johnston. “We’re always happy to partner with local organizations and are proud of the work we do with Boys & Girls Club.”
Currently the La Monte Site has 70 Club members and the Dresden Site, which was opened just last fall, has 20. Club Staff expect these numbers to rise, especially as information about scholarships is more available to families.
“Every day after school, Boys & Girls Club strives to improve the lives of our members and their families by offering a safe, welcoming and fun place to go,” Beckman said. “We are very excited for the new opportunities this grant affords our Club families.”
