Club membership is above 1,600, and the facility serves an average of 300 youngsters daily.
WESTFIELD – Leaders at the Boys and Girls Club are both encouraged and confident that construction to raise the club’s roof will begin on schedule in 2011.
“Maybe a little earlier than planned,” Executive Director William R. Parks said this week.
Parks and Board of Directors President Barry “Bo” Sullivan announced that in the past two months, 50 percent of the club’s financial goal for the project has been met.
“In the two months we have been out in the community and surrounding area, the outpouring and response has been fantastic,” Sullivan said.
A $300,000 federal grant along with donations and pledges have raised $1.2 million. The goal is to raise $2.4 million by September.
“It looks like we will be able to begin construction by June, if not earlier, especially on preliminary work outside the club for the necessary elevator shaft,” said Parks.
Funds raised to date include commitments from the club, its board of directors and at least 25 businesses and individuals, Parks said. The fund drive started in September under the stewardship of chairpersons Holly Amanti, Patti A. Andrus, Tricia Knapik and Lisa Sullivan.
There are also appeals out to various other individual, foundations and businesses, he said.
Included in the fund-raising effort is a vow to avoid “double dipping.” Parks explained that the request for donations toward the building fund includes the annual appeal for the next three years.
“We are not asking for donations to the building fund and then asking for an annual contribution to the club at the same time,” the director said.
The project is aimed at adding a second floor to the West Silver Street club that was built and opened in 1991.
The project includes renovation to the front entrance, updating the kitchen, a new gymnasium, storage and office space and the addition and expansion of club programs.
“We have outgrown our space,” Parks said. “Our membership continues to grow, and our members use club facilities. Our Teen Center alone serves an average of 50 teenagers every day,” he explained.
Club membership exceeds 1,600, and an average of 300 youngsters attend programs daily.
Support for the capital campaign can be directed to Parks at bparkswbgc@comcast.net. or by calling the club at (413) 562-2301.