Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens Receives $50,000 Matching Challenge Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2016

CONTACT:

John DeCristoforo, Chief Executive Officer

718-441-6050 ext. 202

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF METRO QUEENS RECEIVES $50,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE GRANT

Two anonymous donors support 59-year-old nonprofit by encouraging others to donate;
will match all donations dollar for dollar

SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY —The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens (BGCMQ) announced it has received a $50,000 challenge grant from two anonymous donors. This challenge grant will match dollar-for-dollar all donations from new and existing supporters for the rest of the year, up to $50,000. The funds raised will be used to provide life enhancing educational and recreational afterschool and summer programs, hire and train committed staff, and maintain a safe and secure facility where children enjoy spending quality time each day.

“We are extremely grateful to these two anonymous donors for their generous investment and confidence in our organization,” stated John DeCristoforo, Chief Executive Officer of the BGCMQ. “These individuals recognize that the greatest asset of our community is our youth and we need to provide them with meaningful, positive opportunities so they can learn and grow into responsible adults.”

DeCristoforo also stated that “this challenge grant could not have come at a better time as we recently experienced a significant loss in funding for our teen program. Since every donation will be matched dollar for dollar, no gift is too big or too small to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the children we serve each day.”

Since 1957, the BGCMQ has inspired and enabled all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The BGCMQ provides quality afterschool programs that enhance the educational, emotional, social, and physical development of at-risk youth. Members seek refuge in the Club and benefit from its safe, stable and positive environment, supportive staff, and engaging, constructive activities. The Club serves almost 1,400 youth between the ages of 5 and 18 annually, averaging over 250 children per day, from Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Jamaica, Howard Beach, Kew Gardens, and parts of Brooklyn. Without safe havens like the BGCMQ, children have fewer opportunities to receive positive guidance and just have fun!

“My hope is that this challenge grant will inspire other businesses and individuals in the community to support the Club and the great work it’s doing for at-risk youth in Queens and surrounding areas,” said one of the anonymous donors. “Places like the BGCMQ need our help because they serve as a beacon of hope in our community and improve the lives of our children.”

Donations can be made online at by calling the Club at 718-441-6050 x 202, or by mail at BGCMQ, 110-04 Atlantic Ave., South Richmond Hill, NY 11419.

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Photo Caption: Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens club members enjoying summer reading.

Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens 110-04 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419 Phone (718) 441-6050