[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 16, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7534-S7535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                           BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

 Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, today I wish to mark an important 
birthday in my hometown of Springfield, MO. This year the Boys & Girls 
Club of Springfield celebrates its 75th year of operations. These 75 
years have been marked by dedication and service to the young people of 
Springfield and the surrounding area. The club's commitment has helped 
shape the community,

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mold business and civic leaders of tomorrow, and made a lasting impact 
on the region.
  Through the Boys & Girls Club, young people of all backgrounds have a 
place to build relationships and grow as individuals. With adults from 
their own community, these children foster relationships not only with 
each other but also with a set of great role models committed to making 
each day better for every child.
  The Boys & Girls Club of Springfield got its start in 1938 while the 
country was still in a depression. Mrs. Jennie Lincoln got the idea to 
launch the group from her husband, Judge A.W. Lincoln, who discussed 
the need for an organization to serve youngsters with special problems. 
Without hesitation, the Springfield community joined the effort. The 
Commercial Street Business Men's Club agreed to the free use of the 
basement of their building at 219 East Commercial as the first 
headquarters--they even provided utilities for free. This basement 
became home to the North Side Boys Club for 11 years. Even as the 
Depression continued, Mrs. Lincoln enlisted her friends to create the 
Boys Club Women's Auxiliary to raise funds for programs and essential 
expenses for the Boys Club. Today, the auxiliary continues to be an 
important arm of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, raising 
thousands of dollars each year for scholarships.
  The original Girls Club was established in 1963 by the Community 
Service League, now known as the Junior League. The Girls Club 
flourished under the direction of Genevieve Kynion, who served as the 
group's executive director for 21 years. In 1991, the Boys & Girls 
Clubs merged.
  The Boys & Girls Club of Springfield owes its lasting success to many 
people--from volunteers, to employees to various charitable and 
community organizations that have extended financial support. The club 
continues to grow today, offering multiple locations to provide 
services to its 600 after school attendees. The club's generosity 
extends beyond afterschool activities as they serve more than 100,000 
meals each year.
  Today, many of those kids who spent their early years at the Boys & 
Girls Clubs are elected leaders, champions of commerce, church elders 
and business leaders. Their careers are varied but distinguished with 
alumni ranging from former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to famed 
actor Brad Pitt. The Boys & Girls Club continues to positively 
influence the city of Springfield in immeasurable ways. I look forward 
to seeing its ongoing success as the Boys & Girls Club continues to 
promote their motto that every child can truly ``be great!''

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