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.

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.

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Tags: Eau Claire Community Involvement
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