Blog / Community

The Boys and Girls Club of Eau Claire: Bettering the Lives of Children throughout the Community


Alaina (9), Evan (8), Logan (8)

The Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has been helping children for almost a decade, affecting the lives of more than 1,000 children in and around the Eau Claire community since opening its doors in 2004.The Boys and Girls Club was established in 2001 and opened in 2004 as a place to “inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need it the most,” said Sara Antonson, the club’s executive director. Mary and Lee Markquart, along with Ed Sturgal, the new car sales manager at Markquart Motors, had a hand in helping get the club up and running in Eau Claire, which is why it remains close to our heart. Currently, the Eau Claire club has 800 members, ranging in ages from 8 to 18. There is a Chippewa Falls chapter, which has 200 members, that is expanding into Menomonie. The club has over 40 programs for kids to get involved in and participation is mandatory to be a member of the club. The five core programs of the Boys and Girls Club include the Arts; Education and Career; Character and Leadership; Health and Life Skills; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

Boys and Grils Club - Eau Claire
Andrea (11), Destina (12)

The Boys and Girls Club is more than just a place for kids to go after school. It is a place for the children to learn about themselves and the world, gain confidence, learn about respect, and learn how to make smart decisions in life.According to the Boys and Girls Club website, 89% of members say that club staff and members have helped them feel proud of themselves. “We really want to make sure we help kids to be good citizens,” Antonson said. Looks like they are headed in the right direction.It doesn’t take much to change the life of a child. You can help members of the Boys and Girls Club by volunteering and being a positive role model, or you can donate money to help the club function. If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference, go to the club’s website at www.bgca-chippewavalley.org to fill out a volunteer application or make a donation.
Posted in:

Related Posts

Chalkfest

Markquart Toyota is excited to be a Presenting Sponsor for Virtual Chalkfest 2020

Markquart Toyota is excited to be a Presenting Sponsor for VolumeOne’s Virtual Chalkfest 2020. This year the event will be taking place entirely online, allowing artists to use as much space and time as necessary. This year, registration is just $5, with all proceeds going to Together Chippewa Valley. Supplies are not included, but you are welcome to use your own or order them through Volume One and The Local Store. Important dates: Registration- NOW- June 12 th Deadline to submit art- June 12 th Online voting- June 19 th -July 1 st Winners announced- July 7 th Artists can register as individuals, groups, or families and have creative freedom in designing their sidewalk square. This event is open to all ages and artistic abilities. Follow Markquart Toyota and VolumeOne on social media for updates and deadline reminders. We are excited to sponsor this family-friendly event and help showcase all of the talented artists who live around the Chippewa Valley. Happy chalking! REGISTER NOW

Toyota General Manager, Josh Zuleger

Meet General Manager, Josh Zuleger

After 5 years as a Sales Manager at Markquart Toyota, Josh Zuleger is excited to take on the role of General Manager. He has worked in automotive for the last 15 years and learned the ins and outs of the industry, which makes him an excellent fit for General Manager. Josh was initially attracted to Markquart because of the positive reputation in the community, today his favorite part about his job is interacting with the Markquart customers and team. He loves working directly with our team members to help ensure that they enjoy their time here and can be successful. Outside of work, Josh enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He and his wife Ali have two boys, Jackson and Jameson, and a chocolate lab named Lambeau. An interesting fact about Josh is that he has had 3 holes-in-ones, but he says, “it’s better to be lucky than good.” Josh is always looking for improvements and how to make us the best we can be. He loves what he does, and that shows in how he conducts business. The next time you are in the area, stop in and chat with Josh! EMAIL JOSH

Markquart Gives Back

Markquart Gives Back 2019 Recipients

Thank You for Voting! Markquart is proud to be a part of this amazing community, and we are honored to give back to many of the organizations that help keep the Chippewa Valley strong.  For the second year in a row, Markquart let the community decide where we should donate $50,000, and the results were overwhelming.  Over 12,000 community members cast their votes, and over 350 different organizations were voted for. We are excited to announce the winners of Markquart Gives Back 2019! The 2019 recipients are (in no specific order): Pony Tails Refuge and Rehab - Pony Tails provides refuge and rehab for neglected and abused horses. They provide the compassion and training needed to prepare the horses for adoption. Eau Claire County Humane Association - The ECCHA provides medical attention and shelter to homeless animals in the Eau Claire area. They provide humane and loving care to dogs, cats, and other animals until they are ready to be adopted. L.E. Phillips Senior Center - The L.E. Phillips Senior Center provides a welcoming gathering place for individuals ages 50+ who reside in Eau Claire County. The center helps promote independence with access to programming to develop skills to enhance emotional, physical, and social well-being. Chippewa Valley Free Clinic - The Chippewa Valley Free Clinic provides health care and advocacy for individuals with no reasonable healthcare alternative in the Chippewa Valley. Helping Hands for Children in the Chippewa Valley - Helping Hands for Children in the Chippewa Valley provides furniture, toiletries, clothing, and various other items to families and children within the area. Community members can donate good-condition items, and Helping Hands for Children will match them to those in need. Dunn County Humane Society -The Dunn County Humane Society is committed to the prevention of animal suffering in the area. They find permanent loving homes for the animals in their care in a no-kill facility. Feed My People Food Bank - Feed my People has been providing nutritious food to families and individuals throughout west-central Wisconsin for over 30 years. FMP Partners with food pantries, meal sites, and other programs to help those who struggle with food insecurity. Bob’s House for Dogs - Bob’s House provides a loving home for senior and special-needs dogs in the Eau Claire area in a kennel-free environment. Their dogs receive constant love and attention, high-quality food, and the medical care they need. Eau Claire Veterans Services - Eau Claire Veterans Services is a resource that provides for veterans and their families. Resources they provide include education on the benefits and programs veterans are entitled to. Chippewa Humane Association - The Chippewa Humane Association works to relieve the suffering of homeless companion animals by providing care and shelter. They care for the animals and work to find them forever homes, while also educating the community on the proper care of animals. A huge thank you to everyone who voted for their favorite local organization during Markquart Gives Back. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and response from the Chippewa Valley. Merry Christmas!