For generations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County has been a place where young people find safety, encouragement, and opportunity. Every day, our Clubs open their doors to kids who need a trusted adult, a sense of belonging, and access to programs that help them grow into confident, capable, and caring members of our community.
The Great Futures Celebration is an evening dedicated to honoring that legacy—while investing in the programs that ensure it continues.
On Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 PM, friends and partners of Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County will gather at the George Jenkins Memorial Club for an inspiring night of reflection, storytelling, and impact. Guests will enjoy a guided Club tour, dinner, and a meaningful program that highlights both the past and future of our organization.
Honoring the Legacy of Walt Hall
This year’s Great Futures Celebration proudly honors the life and legacy of Walt Hall, a leader whose decades of service helped shape Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County and the lives of countless young people.
Walt believed deeply in the power of consistent, caring programs—and the difference one trusted adult can make in a child’s life. During his leadership, Boys & Girls Clubs became more than a safe place to go after school; they became a foundation for growth, character, and hope for generations of children.
Through his compassion, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to kids, Walt helped expand programs that kept young people safe, including being the driving force behind the opening of the North Ridge and South Ridge Clubs. His influence is still felt today—in the staff who carry forward his values, in the alumni who credit the Club for changing their lives, and in the young people who walk through our doors every afternoon.
The Great Futures Celebration is an opportunity to honor Walt Hall not only by remembering his impact, but by continuing the work he cared so deeply about.
Celebrating Programs That Change Lives
While this evening honors a remarkable legacy, it is equally a celebration of the programs that continue to shape great futures today.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County serves young people through comprehensive programming focused on:
Academic Success, helping kids stay on track in school and develop a love of learning
Character & Leadership Development, empowering youth to make positive choices and become engaged citizens
Healthy Lifestyles, ensuring kids have access to nutritious meals, physical activity, and emotional support
Throughout the evening, guests will hear firsthand stories from Club members, and staff who see the impact of these programs every day. These stories are powerful reminders that when a community invests in its young people, the return lasts a lifetime.
An Evening With Purpose
The Great Futures Celebration is more than a fundraiser—it is a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate what’s working, and recommit ourselves to the future we want for the kids of Polk County.
Proceeds from the event directly support the programs that make Boys & Girls Clubs a trusted partner for families across our community. Your participation helps ensure that every child who walks through our doors has access to the same opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Together, we open the doors for Great Futures.
Event Details
Great Futures Celebration
Thursday, April 23
6:00 PM
George Jenkins Memorial Club
