The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Announces $1.25 Million Donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix
PHOENIX, Ariz (PRWEB) December 03, 2015 -- At the recent opening of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix’s (BGCMP) 13th Club, the Bob & Renee Parsons Branch, the Club’s namesake announced a $1.25 million donation to BGCMP. During the grand opening celebration, the Parsons spoke about their Foundation’s mission of dealing in hope, and surprised the crowd with a pledge to give $250,000 every year for the next five years. The gift comes on the heels of a $5.25 million grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2014, and will continue to help fund general operation costs of the branch.
“Being in the Club and seeing the children reminds us of why we do what we do,” said Renee Parsons. “These youth are the future of our community, and the future of our country. They inspire us to do more.”
Like most of the young people BGCMP serve, nearly all of the children in this branch’s neighborhood live at or below the poverty line. Many children in the district are refugees from other countries and nearly 1 in 10 are homeless. The Bob & Renee Parsons Branch acts as a sanctuary where children and teens can participate in educational and leadership programs, as well as build healthy relationships with peers and adults.
“Bob and Renee Parsons have been vital supporters of our organization,” said Amy Gibbons, President and Executive Director of BGCMP. “They funded construction of the Bob and Renee Parsons Teen Center at the Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch, support the dental clinic and are the namesake of our 13th Club. Their donations and commitment have changed the lives of thousands of Valley kids and given them the chance to grow, learn and be safe.”
Last year, more than 30,700 youth and teens relied on BGCMP after school and during the summer to provide a safe and positive environment. More than 290,000 free meals were served, many to children who count on BGCMP to provide their only significant meal of the day.
“The Boys & Girls Club is doing great work to help some of our community’s most at-risk children,” said entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “Supporting organizations that are truly making a difference is what we are all about.”
The Bob & Renee Parsons Branch, which is located next door to Balsz Elementary near 44th Street and McDowell Road, comes complete with teen center, art room, cafeteria, learning center, gymnasium and more. The Club expects to serve more than 600 kids each year at this location alone. To learn more, visit: http://www.bgcmp.org
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix provides after-school and summer programs in some of the Valley’s most deserving neighborhoods. Our programs focus on four key areas: Academic Success, Healthy Choices, Be Great-Do Good and Fun with a Purpose, providing youth with the tools they need to enjoy childhood and become successful adults. Every year, thousands of children and teens benefit from programs through our 13 Clubhouses, outreach services in the community and Children’s Dental Clinic. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix follow us on Twitter @bgcmp or visit http://www.bgcmp.org.
About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation inspires hope by providing critical funding at critical times to communities striving to make a difference. The Foundation primarily focuses on issues in the greater Phoenix area. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation believes every person is entitled to an education, good nutrition, medical care, a stress-free, happy environment and the hope that they too, will share in the American Dream. The Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations that are successfully addressing these essential needs. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is also committed to the children of Haiti, helping to grow and improve schools, medical services and overall well-being for communities in rural Haiti. tbrpf.org.
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Media Contact: Erica May | BGCMP | 602-954-8182 | emay(at)bgcmp(dot)org
Amber Liptai, BIG YAM, The Parsons Agency, +1 (480) 344-0163, [email protected]
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