2018 Mid-Year Report

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it just wouldn’t work, and ended
up becoming one of the greatest
champions after attending that first
year. It’s because the organization
had the right conditions that things
worked, and funds were secured in
support of the mission. It’s because
of YOU that wildest expectations
have been exceeded.
The first year of Keys for Kids raised
$35,000 for programs and operations
and there was a strong sense
the event was indeed something
special. People were talking about
it months after the fact, and after
taking feedback from that first night
some guiding principles were developed
about the future. Producing
Keys for Kids outside in an unusual
way was a big hit, and with the
next five years locked-in at our new
venue at Stepping Stones Garden, it
will continue to be so. Keeping the
experience intimate is another ongoing
commitment. So often, events
focus on volume to ensure success.
It is certainly helpful, but this year
proved there are ways to strike a
good balance.
Each year has set new records, and
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit
County are appreciative of the community
for taking a chance on Keys
for Kids in 2015. Together, we have
demonstrated that remaining committed
to those guiding principles
was the right choice, as we celebrate
the event generating more
than $80,000 toward the mission
of the Boys & Girls Club: to enable
all young people, especially those
who need us most, to reach their
full potential as productive, caring,
responsible citizens.
At this year’s Keys for Kids, Clubs
welcomed more than 60 new investors
who were responsible for nearly
$15,000 in new revenue in support
of our important mission. And, from
an execution context, it was the
smoothest year for staff, took less
manpower, and seemed to be most
enjoyable with just the right balance.
Because of you, Club kids will continue
receiving access to incredible
opportunities and field trips,
snacks and meals year-round, staff
mentors, supplies for life-changing
programs, and an investment
specifically for our part-time staff
in deeper training and professional
development. Beyond this, the event
results significantly beat even our
stretch goal. Always conservative
with resources and assets, some
of this will be set aside for future
sustainable needs.
However, there is also enough to
provide the base for the Burlington
Summer Breeze program for next
year, and on June 28th, the Board
of Directors voted to allocate $5,000
toward the purchase of AED units for
all Clubhouses. This has long been
on our wishlist of equipment to further
our commitment to Child & Club
Safety, and will be available as a
resource to anyone nearby during
Club hours.
From deepening impact through
quality programs, to attaining
life-saving equipment, the difference
Skagit has made through participation
in the Keys for Kids event is a
legacy that will provide a return for
many years, manifest as youth transitioning
into adulthood equipped
with key assets resulting from
achieving Boys & Girls Club priority
outcomes of Academic Success,
Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character
& Citizenship. Thank you for
making Keys for Kids a truly qualified
success!