Heartland Cruisers are more than just a car enthusiast club, they are guys who love to give to the community and Thursday they did just that, presenting a check to the Boys and Girls Club of Brown County.
Danny Willingham, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club, accepted the $2000.00 check presented by the Heartland Cruisers. According to members, the funds given were raised through their annual “Rod Run” held at Riverside Park earlier this month on June 2nd.
Willingham and club teacher Betsy Johnson gave a tour of the Boys and Girls Club to the Heartland Cruisers, showing them classrooms as well as play areas. He also explained how the club is funded through donations along with some grant money and how the club has grown.
“When I came to be the director of the club in 1998, the annual budget was $50,000 and there were 38 kids,” said Willingham. “Currently the annual budget is $240,000 and there is an average of 160 kids per day at the club.”
He also explained that the club registers members from January 1 through December 31 and had a total of 431 members for the year 2011. Willingham also explained that the club is a great source for kids to learn to be leaders and find self confidence, stating that entertainer Jennifer Lopez grew up in a club in her hometown when it was under the name Boys Club of America. It was there where she learned to dance and discovered that she was a really good singer too, according to Willingham.
Johnson explained how the club provides low cost childcare year round and education for the kids through after school tutoring.
“For just $30 a month the kids receive a free breakfast and lunch and care each day,” said Johnson. “We keep them busy and safe, the other day there were 166 kids here.”
Johnson also explained that the club provides for kids from all over the county.
“We have kids here from Brownwood, Zephyr, Comanche, Santa Anna, Bangs and Lake Brownwood,” said Johnson.
The mission statement of the Boys and Girls Club of America is “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” The new national slogan is “Great Futures Start Here,” said Willingham.
To donate to the club, call Boys and Girls Club Board president Michael Richardson at 325-642-8220.
Pictured at top are left to right: Boys and Girls Club members, club art teacher Betsy Johnson, executive director Danny Willingham and Heartland Cruisers members Tim Buris, Paul Peck, Jordan Peck and Dean Olin. The vehicle in the photo is owned by Olin and is a 1951 DeSoto.
Below are more photos from the tour.
Willingham gives brief history of Boys and Girls Club to Heartland Cruisers.
Last year’s Youth of the Year, Savannah, who is now a helper at the club and Johnson.
Members enjoying a little art.
Many of the club’s members enjoying the game room.
