Walk for the Future Raises Money for Boys and Girls Clubs
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 12, 2016)
Royal Oak, MI – Dozens of adults paid forward their own success this weekend as they made an investment in the lives of children through the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland and Macomb Counties Walk for the Future.
The walk took place at the Club’s Jack & Patti Salter Center in Royal Oak, named for chapter’s founder and wife.  Groups of walkers from various businesses, and many individuals as well, shared a sunny morning of walking through the neighborhood that surrounds this after-school and summertime sanctuary.
28,000 kids aged 6-18 were part of Boys and Girls Clubs last year, with locations in Southfield, Royal Oak, Ferndale, and Washington Township.  The Club gives members a safe and supportive place to be outside of school.  There are plenty of activities including sports, games, music, and homework help.  There is also an emphasis on fitness and building character.
Those who support the club were often members in their youth, or parents that watched how the programming helped their children.  Others had heard about the Club’s successes and wanted to help.
“I was invited to join the board, about 20 years ago, by friends that were currently serving. I have remained committed to the board because I believe this is one organization that really affects the kids’ lives and changes their lives for the better,” said Steven Gustafson, partner in Gustafson & Morningstar Dentistry.  “You can see it in action every day at the club from the young ones to those who continue to high school going to college. Some of the kids come from very challenging backgrounds and to watch them succeed is one of the best moments in my life.”
Attendees enjoyed hearing Club Member of the Year Alora Allen sing the Star Spangled Banner.  Allen recently returned from a trip to the White House where she met President Barack Obama.  In the Club’s 55 year history there have been six youths honored with trips to the meet the Commander in Chief of the Nation.
With youth in bright Boys and Girls Club tee shirts holding doors, guiding people on along the route, confidently greeting walkers, handling registration and other tasks of responsibility, the Club showed what having structure, safety and support can do.
The walk raised over $110,000 for the Club.  Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland and Macomb Counties at http://www.boysandgirlsclubs.us/.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland and Macomb Counties is an oc115 charity of choice. Click the blue ad below to donate…