On Saturday May 31, over 600 of Chicago’s influential civic, philanthropic and social power players will join the Women’s Board of the Boys and Girls Club Chicago in the grand ballroom at Navy Pier to celebrate their 65th anniversary.
Through their annual Summer Ball fundraising gala, the Women’s Board has raised more than $75 million to help fund Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago programs in 18 of the city’s most challenged communities. This year’s anniversary is even more special because the co-chairs of the event are 9 of the board’s past Presidents including: Mrs. Virgina Bobins, Mrs. Renée Schine Crown, Mrs. Linda Gantz, Mrs. Marty Higgins, Mrs. Karen Z. Gray, Mrs. Ellen O’Connor, Mrs. Barbara Pearlman, Mrs. Bonnie Stearns and Mrs. Carol Walter. The Boys & Girls club Chicago’s first location opened in 1902.
We had the opportunity to speak with 2 of the co-chairs Marty Higgins and Karen Gray on philanthropy, and what they hope for guests to experience at the upcoming gala.
How did you get involved with philanthropy?
Karen: I have always, even in college, donated my time and gave back. With Boys & Girls club, my then mother-in-law was on the board and she was so committed to it, she wanted me to get involved as well. She was also a past president with a scholarship in her name and endowment is dedicated.
Marty: I grew up in a family that was involved and charitable so I had good role models in my family doing for others and doing what you can.
Can you tell me about the organization and what you hope for people not familiar with the organization to know about?
It’s a very worthwhile organization and it doesn’t take long for them to know how much it does for children and families in the city. Our Youth Of The Year Award dinner is a showcase for that and it’s an inspiring night.
What do you hope for guests to get out of the evening of the gala?
Karen: We want the gala to be a celebration of the Boys & Girls Club, we hope people that attend ask questions.
We serve 1800 children a year and they range in age from 6-18. We feed 350,000 meals a year at the 18 different clubs around the city. For kids whose parents work, its a big help because they can stay there. They have tutoring programs, activities, development and character building programs. They feel safe there.
There seems to be a generational gap in terms of civic support, what would you say to the emerging next generation that are looking to join a philanthropic board that may not be as aware of you and your legacy?
Marty: I do think philanthropy as it exists in this generation is going to be different going forward. With 2 career families, there may not be time to commit as there once was. There is plenty of ways to get involved though one of the big things for anyone to consider is their commitment. Even the smallest contribution is still very important because every organization needs people involved from the person that writes a check or gives their time and works with the kids and we need all those things to make the organization work.
Karen: The connect between Junior boards and the established boards, depends on the organization. Sometimes it doesn’t flow that way, but I think it’s a good way to find people that are interested. If someone is on an auxiliary/junior board and shows quite a great deal of interest, the organizations are always thrilled to help make the connection.
An event like Youth of the Year is an inexpensive exhilirating evening with the students and everyone can participate.
When there’s an overflow of both boards at events like that, it is a great opportunity to connect.
What would you want the next generation to continue the legacy you all have built?
I would say sustain, fundraise, build awareness. Continue to sustain the programs that we currently have and keep them going, bring new ideas for the children that we serve. It’s exciting when different approaches come up to raise money. It’s not always financial though.
In terms of fundraising, the way we raise philanthropic money is different with people wanting more effective philanthropy.
Marty: I think every non profit organization is competing for dollars these days. But your organization’s story has to be out there.
Karen: There is a need to operate lean. Most people who are giving now don’t want to see an organization with a big support staff, everyone is operating lean and they want to make sure a majority of the funds being raised is going towards the kids. The end of the day we want to make sure it’s an effective use of dollars being raised.
The mission of Boys & Girls Club Chicago is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
If you would like to get involved there are several ways to, click HERE for more information.
Photo: Hannah Welever for SociaLifeChicago
