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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Launches Capital Campaign to Build the Steve & Maria Sanghi Branch at Tonalea Middle School

South Scottsdale to Gain New Opportunities for Youth and Teens

Scottsdale, AZ – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) is thrilled to announce the launch of a capital campaign aimed at revitalizing an unused space within the Tonalea Middle School campus in south Scottsdale to build the brand-new Steve & Maria Sanghi Branch. The project will breathe new life into the community, offering critical resources and opportunities for local youth.

The $15 million capital campaign focuses on three key goals: revitalizing approximately 15,460 sq. ft. of existing space, constructing a state-of-the-art 12,260 sq. ft. gymnasium, and sustaining the Club for children who need it most. The new facility will house a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Makerspace Studio, Tech Lab, performing arts studio, art room, games room, and the youth development organization’s dedicated teen center, ensuring a broad range of academic, creative, and recreational programs for youth.

“This is more than just a building project, it’s about creating a lifeline for the families in south Scottsdale who need it most.” said Ivan Gilreath, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, “This new Club will offer a safe space where children can grow academically, physically, and emotionally, with a hot meal, academic support, and fitness programs to help them thrive.”

Steve and Maria Sanghi have joined the campaign early, driven by their deep belief in the power of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale to make a lasting, positive impact on the youth it serves and the surrounding community. Steve Sanghi, Chair of the Board of Directors for Microchip Technology Inc., and the company’s former CEO, is passionate about bringing STEM and innovation-focused programs to the Tonalea community. The Sanghis are excited to introduce the community’s youth to BGCS’ STEAM Makerspace and technology-focused programming, where youth will have hands-on opportunities to learn coding, robotics, and problem-solving to address real-world challenges.

“We are honored to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale in creating a space that will have a lasting impact on the youth and families of south Scottsdale,” said Steve and Maria Sanghi. “We strongly believe in the Club’s mission to provide every child, no matter their circumstances, with the opportunity to achieve a great future. Through their commitment to innovative programs, we hope to inspire the next generation of problem solvers, engineers, and innovators by giving them the tools and confidence to succeed in today’s world.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale continues to make a positive impact in the community by providing essential resources, mentorship, and innovative programming that empower youth to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter future. The capital campaign’s partnership between BGCS and Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) outlines the organization’s long-term commitment to the youth and families who will be served by this new Club, ensuring they have the support and opportunities needed for lasting success.

“It has been a joy to watch Scottsdale citizens generously give both their time and treasure, coming together to get this project off the ground and to where we are today. Their efforts to support more kids serve as an inspiration to our community,” said Marianne Guenther, BGCS Capital Campaign Chair. “I’m proud to be part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale team helping to make this future branch a reality for the Tonalea community, where we are especially needed and where our programs will help these youth flourish.”

Construction will begin in May 2025 with hopes of opening the branch in August 2026.

Partnership Benefits:

  • Transportation barriers are removed, as the Club is located on the Tonalea Middle School campus, increasing convenience and average daily attendance.
  • Direct communication between school teachers and BGCS youth development supervisors.
  • Enhanced food service programs to ensure each child receives a hot meal every night.
  • Opportunities to hire teachers and aides to work within the Club, extending the learning environment beyond school hours.
  • The construction of the gymnasium will benefit both the school and the Club, offering extra space for recreational activities, classes, and recognition events.

Revitalizing the Future
This project promises to transform the unused space of Tonalea Elementary School, offering a new chapter for both the school and the community. “Great Futures Start Here” is the core promise BGCS delivers to the youth it serves. The Sanghi Branch will be a beacon of hope, offering a place where children can not only survive but thrive—and where dreams take root and grow.

“We believe that when our youth succeed, the entire community succeeds,” said Gilreath. “We are excited to revive this space and the dreams of the children it will serve.”

To learn more about the “Revive. Thrive. Succeed.” capital campaign and how you can contribute, please visit www.bgcs.org/thrive.