DONOR SPOTLIGHT: LINDA PERL

How did you become involved with BGCS?

About 15 years ago, my good friend, Betty Holt, with whom I had the privilege of teaching and who was also a fellow member of DKG Society for Key Women Educators, invited me to attend an Auxiliary meeting of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. Betty knew me well. She said, “You love kids, and you believe in equal opportunity. This group is for you.” And Betty was right!

What began with an invitation from a friend soon became a journey that has brought me wonderful friendships, tremendous enthusiasm, and, most importantly, the joy of knowing that our efforts can truly change a young person’s life.

What motivates you to support BGCS?

I especially treasure hearing the Youth of the Year speeches. There is something incredibly powerful about listening to these young adults share their stories, their challenges, and their dreams. We watch them grow right before our eyes- from Club kids into confident, responsible hard working adults to make their own mark on the world.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale helps open doors that might otherwise remain closed. They provide encouragement, opportunities, mentors, scholarships, and a place where a youth can believe and discover what is possible. That is what makes the experience rewarding for me. I may not know every young person whose life is touched by BGCS, but I know that I am part of a community who are helping create pathways to possibilities and success.

I am grateful to be one of many helping to open doors for a person’s dream, because giving not only changes the life of the person who receives it – it fills the heart of the giver.