Atlanta, Ga. — January 2017 – Last fall, members of the A.R. Gus Barksdale Boys & Girls Club in Conyers, Ga. were greeted with fresh paint among other new and improved amenities through Renovation Across the Nation, a $2.5 million initiative through Lowe’s national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
As part of this initiative, Lowe’s gives fifty $50,000 grants to 50 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. To create the largest single initiative ever undertaken by Lowe’s and Boys & Girls Clubs, one Club in each state was selected from Clubs in need of significant repairs and improvements.
The Barksdale Club, part of a network in Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, was thrilled to be chosen for the makeover, including new flooring and furniture and an art room expansion. BGCMA officials are grateful to have a revitalized space for kids and teens to learn and grow.
“Our organization drives academic success, influence positive health, and wellness, and build good character and leadership for local kids and teens, putting them on a path to great futures,” said Missy Dugan, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “Our partnership with Lowe’s holistically impacts Clubs – addressing critical improvements needed while bringing the skills and dedication of Lowe’s Heroes volunteers to leave a lasting mark on Clubs and in the lives of our members, staff and local communities.”
Lowe’s will support a wide range of enhancements ranging from kitchen repairs to amenities that influence creativity and well-being like music studios and counseling spaces. To see a full list of Renovation Across the Nation Club recipients, visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America partner page.
To further commemorate Renovation Across the Nation, each Club will mark the occasion with an original mural masterpiece, uniquely designed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2016 National Fine Arts “Best in Show” winner. Debora C., a 16-year-old member of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, was selected to design a mural that represents what belonging to a Club means to her and all the young people who make Boys & Girls Clubs part of their lives. Debora C. will paint her original mural design in Harlem, and then each Club will be able to stencil and customize the design to their location and engage Club members and Lowe’s Heroes in hand painting the mural with paint donated by Sherwin-Williams.
“Over the last six years, my Club has empowered my passion for art and I’ve been supported by the mentors and friends who have encouraged me along the way,” said Debora C. “When sketching the mural I wanted to bring the values, growth and opportunities that come with being a Club member to life through my design.”
Lowe’s Heroes will provide hands-on support from a volunteer force of more than 1,000 employees to complete critical repairs at each of the 50 Renovation Across the Nation Clubs.
“Since 2009, Lowe’s and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have refurbished and improved 130 Clubs across the country to provide young people with safe places to learn and grow,” said James Frison, Lowe’s director of community relations. “We’re significantly expanding that partnership this year with Renovation Across the Nation so we can make a larger impact on kids and teens – who will become our leaders of tomorrow – all across the country in the communities we serve.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 25 Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve more than 3,300 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While the cost to effectively serve those who need us most is more than $5,700 per member, BGCMA asks families to pay only a $50 annual membership fee and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.
Media Contact:
Adrienne Leon
Marketing Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
404-527-0948
aleon @bgcma.org