[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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