Magnum Products Presents the Lead Gift for a New Boys & Girls Club In Berlin, WI

An exciting opportunity lies in front of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh--Berlin Center to build a much-needed new Club. Today, Magnum Products in Berlin, WI presented the lead gift of $2 million dollars to kick-off "Today's Dream--Tomorrow's Dream-Come-True" capital campaign.

Berlin, WI (PRWEB) November 3, 2006 -- Magnum Products and the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh -- Berlin Center held a press conference today to announce plans to launch Today's Dream... Tomorrow's Dream-Come-True, a capital campaign in an effort to build a much-needed, new Boys & Girls Club in Berlin.

Recognizing the enormous potential and the positive impact a new facility could mean for young people not only in Berlin, but throughout the surrounding communities, Tom and Carol Joseph, owners of Magnum Products, approached the Boys & Girls Club---Berlin Center, to share their vision: a deep desire to give back to the community by helping to build a new Boys & Girls Club in Berlin, which will also have the ability to serve as a multi-functional community center. It is their purpose and promise to make a real difference in the lives of youth.

Carol Joseph commented, "Today more than ever, it's crucial that we inspire and enable our children to realize their full potential. By opening more doors to after-school educational and recreational activities, we're providing more opportunities for our youth to succeed."

In the past year, a re-energized and dedicated Boys & Girls Club---Berlin Center Board of Directors identified the critical need for a new Club building. The 82-year old Washington School, which has been home to the Club since its doors opened in 1997, is small, in need of extensive repair and not adequate for youth activities. "With the Board's new direction, more successful fund-raising events, and added community involvement---the Club is experiencing positive exposure and a lot of growth," noted Berlin Board President Steve Sondalle. "But, in order to expand our horizons, increase our capacity and extend our reach to include those who lack access to other community programs, a new building is essential."

The lead gift presented to the Boys & Girls Club---Berlin Center by Tom and Carol Joseph on behalf of Magnum, represents the largest donation ever received by the Club and is the foundation in which to raise a total of $6 million dollars for the Berlin Center capital campaign. Tom Joseph, capital campaign co-chair explained, "Beyond building a new facility, our estimated goal also accounts for the funding of an endowment to help sustain the Club and ensure its future. We are asking community leaders, businesses, foundations, educators and Club supporters to partner with us to help realize this dream. Just stop to consider what can be done to make this facility a reality and how we can create hope and opportunity for our kids and the community. Surely Berlin deserves that."

"We are deeply grateful for Magnum's generosity and vision," said Sondalle. "A new Club facility can be a source of pride for Berlin and beyond. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to unite our communities to fulfill a common goal. Working together, we can share in helping our kids to succeed."

The Josephs are enthused that an 11-15,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose facility is not only an opportunity to serve the youth of several Counties, it would also be a highly-utilized gathering place for the entire community as the hub for a variety of activities for kids, adults and families that might include: learning/tech center, arts and activities center, teen center, kitchen/dining area, gymnasium, music & drama area, and pre-school facilities.

"The Boys and Girls Clubs are central to the community instilling a sense of competence, usefulness and belonging---all while having fun," noted Marc Dosogne, CEO, Boys & Girls Club--Oshkosh. "The Clubs, provide nationally recognized after-school education, cultural programs and athletic activities with mentoring adults that emphasize character and strengthen life skills to help them become productive, responsible and caring citizens...and keep our young people safe in the after-school hours." Research has shown, that for millions of children in America, the hours of 3-6 p.m. are the most dangerous time of day for young people. The answer, according to experts, is to provide effective after-school programs. In neighborhoods with Boys & Girls Clubs, most youth-related problems are minimized. Children are safe; they're involved in life-enhancing experiences with caring adults and structured programs.

In conjunction with the capital campaign, the organization is also in the process of expanding the Berlin Club's Board by approximately eight new members, in an effort to broaden the scope of the Board of Directors and strengthen their expertise and representation in the community. To learn more about the Boys and Girls Club of Oshkosh---Berlin Center or contribute to the capital building campaign, call Shannon Wienandt, Center director at 920.361.2717 or Tom Joseph, capital campaign co-chair at 920.361.4442, ext. 210.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh--Berlin Center
Founded in 1997, the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh--Berlin Center, is a structured youth guidance organization dedicated to increasing self-esteem, developing leadership skills, and provides a safe place to learn and grow. The Club is a self-funding unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh, which is an autonomous organization affiliated with the Boys & Girls Club of America. No child is ever turned away for lack of ability to pay. All monies raised for the Berlin Club, directly benefit the Club.

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