As the development manager of the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, I am reminded daily why this club is so important to our community. As the children march off the bus after school and the club fills up with shouts and laughter, the club comes to life. The energy and joy each one of these children brings to the club make it the special place it is. I am always touched by the openness and sparkle in the eyes of these children. They are truly excited to be here.

As a mom of 9-year-old twins, and having gone back to work after doing motherhood full-time, there is not another place on this Island where I’d rather have my own children before or after school. They love spending time at PEAK, adore the staff and have been delighted to experience many of the great programs. Nothing makes me happier than to know my kids are in a safe, nurturing and fun environment.

With over 2,000 Island kids active in the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, I was surprised to learn that the MIBGC gives between $50,000 and $60,000 a year in scholarships for athletics, child care, camps and club memberships. While we live in a special community where many things are taken for granted, there are still many families living on the Island who depend on the MI Boys & Girls Club as an affordable and safe place for their children. These are families and children who need our help and couldn’t make life work without the support of the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club.

The Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club will be holding our annual spring party on Saturday, May 12. This is our largest fundraiser of the year and is a fun night of dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions. We invite our community to join us to raise money for our children and celebrate the good work our community has done to fulfill our mission of inspiring and enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. You can register for the event at www.mi.positiveplace.org.

Tammy Shoop

Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club Development Manager

 

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