Stop for a moment and imagine what the experience for our Mercer Island youth would be without the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club. Where would our youth go to realize their full potential? Play sports? Participate in after school and leadership programs? Thankfully, our youth don’t have this reality because you chose to answer the call for support during the upcoming Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club annual Phone-A-Thon on March 6, 7 and 8.

By supporting the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, you’re doing more than just insuring the club can continue to offer our youth amazing athletic programs, regardless of their athletic ability. You’re also supporting after school activities, leadership programs, outdoor adventures, community service projects and a safe place for our kids to “just hang out.” You are helping provide a music facility where kids can go to learn about audio production and editing. Where events like the “Battle of the Bands” can provide our kids a safe and fun environment to perform, play and produce their own music. These are just a few examples of the many programs offered by the club.

While Mercer Island youth have been experiencing the positive impact of the club for more than 40 years, we all benefit from it. Last year about 350 youth participated in programs sponsored or managed by the Boys & Girls Club, more than 150 walk through the doors every day. It is hard imagine what our community would be like without it, I know I couldn’t.

When you choose to provide support during the annual Phone-A-Thon your tax deductable contributions go directly towards the operations and programs offered by the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club. So, when you get an opportunity to talk with kids that participated or are participating in the programs at the club, and you hear the excitement in their voice about making the winning shot or the twinkle of pride in their eye for giving back to the community through service projects, you’ll know your support played a big part in giving our youth that unique and defining experience to remember.

David Dumler

Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club Board Member