Local business leaders stepped up for the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of Ottawa Thursday morning, allowing the organization to surpass its fundraising goal.
BGC hosted its annual morning social fundraiser at the Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse on Heatherington Road Thursday, evoking memories of summer camp with a nature backdrop, bright red canoes and a (fake) campfire on stage.
The organization set what it called an “ambitious goal” to raise $750,000 through a silent auction and individual donations. Though the auction had not closed yet, BGC announced on Facebook that it had already exceeded its goal, raising more than $850,000.
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According to Fahd Alhattab, one of the emcees and a BGC alumnus, the funding will support BGC programming, including free after-school clubs and summer camps, as well as meals and supplies.
“A $500 gift is enough to provide a full week of delicious, nutritious after-school snacks for one clubhouse, helping the kids stay focused, helping them be energized and ready to dive into learning,” said Alhattab.
With many Ottawa families dealing with food insecurity, Alhattab said BGC programming can be a lifeline.
“My family story: I’ve got three beautiful sisters and two amazing brothers. We’re six,” said Alhattab. “We all came to the Boys and Girls clubhouse. What’s so beautiful is that the clubhouse doesn’t just transform individuals, it transforms families.”
Former BGC finance chair Michael Wilson said running the organization wouldn’t be possible without donations.
“The amazing management team makes it look simple but I just want to share that as the former chair of the finance committee, it is not simple,” he told attendees. “When Burger King is successful selling more hamburgers, they get more revenues and more profits. The team here does a great job bringing more kids in, which is what we want, but we don’t get more revenues. We get more expenses.”
He added, “I don’t care how big the donation is. Every donation means we have one more kid that we can serve.”
Co-emcee Sam Laprade said a $1,000 donation could put three students through BGC’s Leaders for Life program, which focuses on building confidence and skills. And $1,200 sends one child to BGC’s sleepaway camp, Camp Smitty, for 10 days.
“For many, it’s their very first time away from home and they will remember it forever,” said Laprade.
“I previously worked at BGC Ottawa,” she added. “I’m so proud to say that I worked there. At three o’clock every single day, this building and all the buildings across the city came alive.”
The morning featured former and current BGC kids who shared stories of shooting hoops in the gym, finding their inner artist and excelling at school with the help of BGC’s homework club.
