The William N. Pennington Foundation has stepped up in a big way for local youth with their recent grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley. The grant, a total of $309,778.56, will go toward building improvements and security systems, transportation for staff and members as well as tables and chairs for the various events hosted at their Yerington Clubhouse. A $35,000 donation was also given last year for the Club’s expanding food program, which provided kids with 85,899 free meals in 2014.
“When you put together a budget for a nonprofit, some things don’t make the cut,” said Chief Professional Officer Travis Crowder. “The Pennington Foundation has once again been there to help up fill the gaps.” The Pennington Foundation was formed by the late William N. Pennington, a gaming industry pioneer and philanthropist, and provides grants to northern Nevada-based organizations in the areas of education, community services, health care and medical research.
The Club’s oldest facility is in Yerington, where their nearly fifteen-year-old clubhouse serves more than 100 youth a day and houses the administrative offices. Things like bathroom renovations and a front desk remodel are on the list of improvements to come from the grant.
“The Club has been in desperate need of some overhauling for some time,” said Director of Development Christina Hurt. “I’m excited for the opportunity to make it happen.”
Another expense comes from their summer field trips, and Crowder said he was thrilled when he saw that transportation was included in the grant.
“Gas can get pretty pricey with weekly field trips for all three of our communities.”
With a daily attendance of more than 400 members and a total of 1,700 members across six sites, the Club’s operating budget can get pretty hefty. Crowder said grants and private donations are needed to keep the Club running and serving kids and teens.