This is the fourth year of an event that Bill Sheehy co-founded to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County. Once again, Bill, John and Jeff will be running a half marathon, along with a dedicated team of enthusiastic runners, many of whom have supported us for years.

To date, we have raised over $450,000 towards the mission of establishing a College Access Program. Over the past three years the program has been effective in helping club members explore career options, develop a strategy for attending higher education, visit colleges and technical schools, and receive tutorial assistance for the SAT/ACT preparation. Part of these contributions have been set aside in an endowment fund for scholarships. Currently that amount exceeds $190,000.

This year, because of COVID 19, we have adapted our mission. A portion of the proceeds raised will go towards much needed club programming that is demanding more resources than previously anticipated. As you can imagine, many inner-city youth are challenged by online learning as a result of limited technology. The club acts as a beacon of hope and opportunity to meet the daunting task of leveling the playing field towards other students that have greater access to online facilities.

The Club’s overall goal this year is $150,000. Of that, approximately $50,000 will go toward the College Access Program. $50,000 will go to supplement online learning. The remaining balance will be used flexibly to provide technological services and to enhance the endowment.

The pandemic has severely impacted the educational progress of many of the club members. However, through your generosity, we can provide a critical bridge in assisting these students through these difficult times. No one knows when the schools will be fully open and functional. The unpredictability of the virus dictates that we must assume we are going to need considerable time and resources before schools get back to normal.

We realize there are many organizations worthy of your donations. We have witnessed first-hand, the enormous impact the dedicated staff of the Boys & Girls Clubs has made in helping change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Thank you for your donation.