BRADENTON (March 17, 2022) – Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County announced a gift of $3.2 million from MacKenzie Scott. The organization plans to leverage this transformational gift from Ms. Scott in the local community by providing more access to high quality programs for today’s youth and for generations to come.
“The impact of this investment is powerful,” said Dawn Stanhope, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. “With so many families struggling to ensure that their children have the resources necessary to recover from multiple effects of the pandemic, this gift expands our ability to help kids, families and our community close the opportunity gap.”
This support is part of a larger collective gift of $281 million to 62 Boys & Girls Club organizations across the country and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the national federation that provides charter membership and oversight to clubs. In a 2020 Medium blog post, MacKenzie Scott said she pledged to give back a majority of her wealth to the society that helped build it. Since then, Scott, along with a team of administrators and advisors, have been thoughtfully researching and identifying nonprofits with a significant impact in various causes. This gift is the result of their research.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County plays a significant role in the lives of thousands of young people each year, offering homework help, STEM learning, sports and recreation, fine arts, leadership programs and more. The organization’s six Club locations in Manatee County are designed to provide a sense of belonging and inclusivity while creating life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to thrive. Club members are supported by caring mentors and learn essential skill-building, both after school and during the summer.
“Thanks to the generosity of Ms. Scott and those who continue to invest in our programs, our youth can truly reach their full potential, knowing that society cares about them and is inspired by what they can achieve in life,” said Stanhope.
Today, young people face an unprecedented number of obstacles to their success and wellbeing. Studies show that a lack of access to technology, positive mentors and guidance, along with other critical factors like food insecurity, can cause long-term setbacks and trauma for young people. The Clubs provide a space where youth can navigate through these challenges and overcome adversity.
“There has never been a more perfect time to support our young people. As Manatee County continues to grow, so must our reach,” said Stanhope.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County and to support local kids and teens, please visit https://www.bgcmanatee.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s mission is “to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” In operation since 1946, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County currently provides after school and summer programs for over 1,500 young people at six locations (2 traditional Clubs and 4 school-based Clubs). The Clubs offer a safe place to learn and grow, where members experience both life-enhancing and character-building programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and leadership. For more information, call 941-761-2582 or visit www.bgcmanatee.org or www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubsManatee.
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