The Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County has announced the launch of a capital campaign to raise $7.5 million in charitable gifts to help fund an additional Clubhouse and to build an endowment to help offset program operating costs of the new Career & Education Center.
The Club’s More Than Hope campaign is anchored by a $1 million commitment from Novo Nordisk, the global health care company with US headquarters in Plainsboro. Jeff Frazier, corporate vice president of human resources and a member of the Boys & Girls Club board of directors, made the announcement January 24 during ceremonies held at Novo Nordisk. He was joined by Eddie Williams, corporate vice president of biopharmaceuticals and chairman of the More than Hope Campaign. More than 40 supporters attended the campaign kickoff.
The new Boys & Girls Club, to be located at 1040 Spruce Street, will provide a wide range of program opportunities for children and teens from the City of Trenton, as well as from Lawrence and Ewing Townships.
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“By making an investment with the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County, we are making an investment in our community and its future,” said Williams. “We know that healthy lifestyle choices begin at a young age. The Boys & Girls Club provides access to physical activity, education and mentors to those youths who are most at risk. We hope that our neighbors join us in supporting this incredible organization so they can continue the great work they’ve done.”
Novo Nordisk is a longtime supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County. In addition to providing financial support, Novo Nordisk employees serve on the Club’s Board of Directors, volunteer at day camps, serve as career mentors, and coordinate an innovative summer internship program for local high school seniors.
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“The Boys & Girls Club has benefited greatly from Novo Nordisk’s Triple Bottom Line operating strategy,” said David E. Anderson, executive director. “Their investment in the Club has enabled us to shape and save countless members’ lives.”
Through the More Than Hope campaign, the Club plans to double of number of teenagers in its programs as well as introduce a variety of vocational and technical career tracks for non college-bound teens.
The new 35,000 sq. ft. facility will house a wide variety of programs and include a 5,200 sq. ft. gymnasium (to be named in honor of Novo Nordisk), a teen center, a technology center, a game room, a teaching kitchen and café, and several multi-purpose classrooms.
“The gymnasium will be the centerpiece of activity in the new Clubhouse,” said Anderson. “From sport leagues to fitness activities to family nights, the gym will constantly be filled with members benefiting from Novo Nordisk’s generosity.”
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club More Than Hope campaign, visit www.bgcmercer.org or http://bgc.princetonpartners.com.
