Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is pleased to announce that the organization has been awarded a $10.75 million donation from the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation. This is the largest gift in the organization’s 54-year history. Funds will be used to create an endowment and make capital improvements for the Arthur E. Johnson Boys & Girls Club located in west Denver.
“With 15 Clubs throughout the metro Denver area, it is a relief to know that one of our Clubs now has long-term security to support the families and kids who need us most,” said John Barry, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver CEO. “This significant donation further demonstrates the Johnson Foundation’s investment in the young people in our community. We are proud to honor their incredible legacy every year at our Youth of the Year celebration.”
In 1967, the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation helped Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver acquire the property and open the doors of the Arthur E. Johnson Boys & Girls Club. The Johnson Boys & Girls Club serves a high-need population facing the daunting challenges of poverty. With an annual membership fee of only $2 per year, the Club provides much-needed programs, services and resources to kids and families in the community. Nearly fifty years later, the Johnson Boys & Girls Club continues to address the neighborhood’s ongoing need for quality after school programming for 150 kids and teens each day.
“Many years ago our founders, Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson, first witnessed the positive impact of Boys and Girls Club programs, and our family foundation has been a proud partner of the organization ever since,” said Lynn Campion, Chairman, Board of Trustees. “We continue to be amazed by the remarkable youth who emerge from these programs and are honored to help foster such long-term community impact with this gift.”
Of the $10.75 million donation, $8 million will allow the organization to create an endowment that covers annual operating costs of the current Johnson Boys & Girls Club and an additional $2.75 million will be used for capital improvements.
The Johnson Boys & Girls Club is one of 15 metro Denver locations operated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. An average of 2,000 kids and teens visit a Club each day and 90 percent of Club members come from low-income households.
“Our programs make a measureable impact on the lives of our Club members by helping them make real gains, both academically and socially,” said Barry. “For these young people, the Clubs fill a critical void in their lives that would otherwise leave them lagging further and further behind. We hope that we can build upon the generosity of the Johnson Foundation and encourage more community members to partner with us to create bright futures for the next generation of leaders.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver (BGCMD) is to empower every Club member, through safe and impactful experiences, to: graduate high school with a plan for college or career, contribute to their community and live a healthy life. Since 1961, BGCMD has been helping kids, ages 6 to 18, achieve academic success, live healthy lifestyles, and develop good character and citizenship. The organization operates 15 safe neighborhood sites throughout metro Denver and a residential summer camp. Learn more at www.GreatFuturesDenver.org.
About the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation
In 1948, Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson started a philanthropic tradition of thoughtful giving that has thrived for nearly seven decades and four generations of Johnson family members. Through both financial support and strategic guidance, the private family foundation has helped hundreds of outstanding nonprofit organizations make a lasting impact in communities throughout Colorado and beyond. Learn more at www.JohnsonFoundation.org.
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