Donor's offer could buy Boys and Girls Club more time
An unexpected donation could help the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities hold off cuts to programs and maintain its hours of operation.
The Boys and Girls Clubs must first raise $50,000 in matching funds by the end of next week, said the organization's president, Erin Carlin.
She said a donor came forward with the match gift after the organization last week said it will furlough nearly 80 employees and close for two weeks. The Boys and Girls Clubs faced a $300,000 deficit in September, and year-end donations were short another $300,000.
Carlin said $100,000 would give the organization more time to address its financial situation.
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"At this point we need to really regroup, take a look at making sure that people who gave before have been asked and are asked again and again, so that they will make a donation to help us out of this hole we're in," Carlin said.
She said the number of young people who attend the clubs' eight locations increased 12 percent last year, while donations declined.
"This gift, if we can match it, it certainly will help us to make payroll and keep our doors open," Carlin said.
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