Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan Starts Year with $800K Investment from Ballmer Group
Ballmer Group joins early adopters helping to Reimagine the future for 15,000 youth across southeastern Michigan
DETROIT – January 29, 2020 –Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) continue momentum towards their goal to raise $15 million to Reimagine the eight Clubs across Southeast Michigan. To kickstart progress in 2020, BGCSM received an $800,000 donation from Ballmer Group that supports the organization’s multi-year effort.
Ballmer Group, a philanthropic organization that supports efforts to improve economic mobility for children and families who are disproportionately likely to remain in poverty in the United States, is highlighted as an Early Adopter for the Reimagine initiative.
“Our focus at Ballmer Group is removing barriers and creating opportunities for kids and families to advance economically,” said Dalia O’Brien, Portfolio Manager at Ballmer Group Southeast Michigan. “The Reimagine campaign provides BGCSM the chance to significantly scale and expand their important wraparound services, extending support to parents, to more kids, and to more neighborhoods in the tri-county region we serve.“
The donation puts the organization steps closer to its goal to raise $15 million over three years to create world-class spaces that empower youth to become change agents for their life, Club and communities. With $6.8 million of their goal achieved, the organization will use donations to optimize the more than 125,000 square foot of space on 12 acres of land.
“Nearly 70% of youth born in poverty will remain in poverty,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President & CEO at BGCSM. “It’s important that we create access to opportunities which empowers youth and their families to reach financial stability. As we Reimagine our facilities as economic mobility centers, Ballmer Group’s gift will provide the resources we need to truly scale our vision.”
Ballmer Group joins over a dozen early adopters including the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, United Way of Southeastern Michigan, the Sean Anderson Foundation, the Skillman Foundation, Comcast, and Detroit Red Wings.
Generous support of BGCSM will create opportunities to help more kids and teens achieve great futures and provide innovative opportunities for adults in the communities of southeast Michigan. To contribute to the Reimagine campaign or to learn more about other ways to give, visit www.bgcsm.org/donate.
To learn more about BGSCM’s goals and the Reimagine campaign, visit www.bgcsm.org/reimagine.
About Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan
Founded in 1926, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) has over 94 year of experience serving youth ages 6-18 by providing a safe, fun place that inspires, while offering high quality programs that provide real-world learning from caring adult mentors. Serving nearly 15,000 youth annually within eight Clubs throughout southeastern Michigan, BGCSM works every day to provide a world-class experience, empowering youth to become change agents for their life, Club, and communities.