Thanks to a generous donation from Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri supporters Gene and Frances Loveall, Club members will have more reliable transportation sooner than expected.
Last week the Club launched the Take Pride In Our Ride Campaign to raise funds for a new 12-passenger van to replace its current school bus manufactured in 1989. To help advertise the venture, Sedalia Democrat columnist Bob Satnan wrote about the campaign, prompting the Lovealls to contact the Club and offer to pay for the full price of the van.
“I want to thank the Lovealls from my bottom of my heart,” said Site Manager Vicki Hart, who drives the bus most regularly. “It’s hard to put into a few sentences the kindness they showed in donating that money so we can get a new van.”
The van will allow members to be transported to and from educational learning opportunities throughout the summer and school year.
“Having the new van, it will absolutely positively effect the kids,” Hart said. “When I started the Outdoor Adventures Program, I had small goals about where I wanted to take the kids for learning field trips. But with this new van, I can expand those goals and take them farther.”
“The board couldn’t be more excited the Lovealls made this contribution to the Club,” said BGCWCM Board Member RJ Lindstrom. “The extreme generosity and kindness shown will benefit hundreds of Club kids for years to come.”
Club staff have decided to keep the momentum going and continue with the Take Pride In Our Ride Campaign to purchase a second 12-passenger van.
“With a second van we can offer even more of our members opportunities to get out into their world and explore,” said Director of Development Melissa Boeschen. “We hope that the generosity of the Lovealls will inspire others to invest in the Boys & Girls Club and help us achieve this goal.”
For more information about how to donate to the Take Pride In Our Ride Campaign, contact the Club at 660-826-8331.
