[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 18, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF DOUGLAS
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the tremendous
service provided by the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas, WY.
On April 22, 2023, the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas will host its
ninth annual Commit to Kids fundraising event. Douglas Mayor Kim Pexton
will be the emcee. Former Police Chief Ron Casalenda is the live
auctioneer. Esther Martin of Cheyenne, the Wyoming Boys and Girls Club
2023 State Youth of the Year, will also speak.
For over 20 years, the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas has made a
positive difference in the lives of children in Converse County. Every
day, the Club fulfills its mission ``to inspire all youth, especially
those who need us the most.'' The Club strives to help young people
reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring
citizens.
In September 2002, the Boys and Girls Club started meeting at a local
primary school. With an increase in membership, they then relocated to
the Douglas Roller Skating Rink. The need for a dedicated facility
became clear. In 2020, the dream of their own building was realized.
The Club's new facility, located at 802 Riverbend Drive, has over
13,000 square feet. The Club successfully funded the innovative new
space primarily with donations and private partnership funds. Designed
with the local youth in mind, the building provides a safe, nurturing,
and inspiring space to develop and learn. There is also administrative
space, a teen center, an arts and crafts area, tech room, game area, a
kitchen, and a gymnasium with climbing wall.
The Club serves 300 youth, ages 5-18, by focusing on three priority
outcomes: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy
lifestyles. Club members participate in afterschool, summer, and teen
programs with academic, career development, character and leadership,
sports and recreation, and homeschool curricula. Meals are provided for
all members who need them. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many kids fell
behind in their schoolwork. With the Club's reading program, students
were able to get back on track. Every August, there is no better place
to be than the Wyoming State Fair Parade in Douglas. I look forward to
seeing the Boys and Girls Club float, along with the bright and engaged
faces of its members.
Never losing sight of its values, volunteers, staff, and board
members remain dedicated to meeting the needs of children as they grow
into young adults. Today, the Club staff and board members include:
Jay Butler, Board Chairman
Travis Wells, Board Vice-Chair
Lindsey Hanks, Board Secretary
Catherine Nicholas, Board Treasurer
Carl Kosters, Board Member
Joe Schell, Board Member
Paige Rider, Board Member
Shawn Wilde, Board Member
Todde Moore, Board Member
Joe Burke, Chief Executive Officer
Robert Ricks, Unit Director
Carrise Moon, Special Programs Coordinator
Amy Lolley, Grants Manager/Marketing Specialist
Amy Rudloff, Bookkeeper
Tania Malone, Office Administrator
Heidi Toone, Kitchen Manager
Brendon Amble, Health & Wellness Specialist
Addy Sexson, Life Skills Specialist
Holly Winters, STEM Specialist
Baylea Senger, Art Specialist
Whitney Tomlinson, Teen & Workforce Specialist
Taylor Ward, Youth Development Professional
Zoey Redfern, Youth Development Professional
Katelynn Hill, Youth Development Professional
Hesston Haskins, Youth Development Professional
A special thank you to board chairman Jay Butler, along with his wife
Linda, who provided a matching gift of $100,000 in honor of this event.
All funds raised will go to current Club operations.
It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of the great work done
by the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas, WY. The Club demonstrates how
important it is to invest our time, experience, and resources in the
children of our communities. Bobbi joins me in extending our very best
wishes.
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