Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale receive $150K grant from the Saguaros

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ – The Saguaros KidSpree held July 29 and 30 at the Desert Ridge Kohl’s made it possible for 350 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) kids and teens selected by need to shop for new clothes, shoes, backpacks, and other back-to-school essentials. KidSpree is just one of the programs funded with the recent $150K grant from the Saguaros (formerly the Scottsdale Active 20/30 Club) to BGCS.

Through the KidSpree program, youth ages 5 through 18 who qualify for free or reduced lunch or are in foster care are invited to participate in the youth development organization’s annual back-to-school shopping event. Kohl’s opens its doors early at the annual event so the kids and teens have the store to themselves while they shop. In addition to funding this program, members of the Saguaros also participated in the event as volunteers, helping the kids with their shopping experience.

“The kids are always excited to have this opportunity to shop for the latest styles to start the school year out on the right foot,” said Ivan Gilreath, BGCS President and CEO. “I think we can all remember the feeling we had with a brand-new pair of jeans and sneakers for that first day of school. We couldn’t have done it without the Saguaros — not only did they support this endeavor financially, but their involvement at the event helped give the kids a huge boost of confidence.”

In addition to funding the KidSpree event, the $150K Saguaros grant will be used to support the BGCS Raise the Rooftop fall fundraiser, the annual Celebrate Youth Gala, and 21^st Century Leaders programming.

“Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale events and programs like this one is an honor for The Saguaros,” says Saguaros Charities Chair Trent Hancock, “and it’s really what our organization is all about — helping Arizona children thrive.”

BGCS is open to kids and teens at nine locations with after-school programming that includes homework help; cutting-edge learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in their brand-new STEAM Makerspace Studios; leadership and good citizenship; and fitness and healthy choices. Learn more about BGCS after-school programs at www.bgcs.org.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SCOTTSDALE

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) serves thousands of youth at nine locations within the communities of Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Fountain Hills, Mesa, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and the Hualapai Nation. Research shows that when compared to their peers, Club members have a higher interest in pursuing STEM careers, volunteer more in their local communities, and are more physically active. No matter the circumstances that bring a child to us, our youth development professionals help them set and achieve personal, academic, and creative goals. We work to prove that every kid has what it takes to succeed. Great futures start here.

ABOUT THE SAGUAROS
Founded in 1987, the philanthropic and social club known today as the Saguaros has raised millions of dollars for local Arizona non-profit organizations. Composed of up to 50 young men under the age of 40, we proudly give back to the community and support children’s charities through our three main fundraising events: NiteFlite, Brokers for Kids, and Agents Benefiting Children. Most importantly, the Saguaros is unique among service organizations in that it not only raises money for children’s charities but also encourages “hands-on” interaction with the children the club supports. This active participation serves to strengthen relationships with those it serves and create a true partnership with its charity partners. Plus, thanks to our dedicated charitable foundation, all proceeds from Saguaros’ fundraising activities are funneled directly to 501 (c)(3) foundation, with 30% of the funds going into an endowment fund, and the remainder going into a general fund for disbursement to the club’s charity partners. More at saguaros.com