BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF EAST COUNTY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THREE-YEAR, $2 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

 

December 3, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County Foundation announced today the successful completion of its three-year, $2 Million Capital Campaign that has repurposed two facilities in El Cajon’s Wells Park into a state of the art Boys & Girls Club and Teen Center for East County youth. 

 

On September 4th San Diego philanthropist, Conrad Prebys, announced a generous pledge of $500,000 to complete the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County Foundation’s capital campaign. Mr. Prebys, and other generous donors to the campaign, will be honored at a reception on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. The celebration will include a dedication ceremony, naming the two facilities as the “Conrad Prebys Complex.”  

 

“My career in local philanthropy began with the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County,” said Prebys. “These young people are the future, and they need great Boys & Girls Clubs like these for developing positive values and high expectations for success as adults.”

 

Foundation Board member Jerry Hollingsworth who co-chaired the El Cajon Capital Campaign said, “Even in tough times, special people like Conrad Prebys understand the need to give kids special places to learn and grow. His contributions to our El Cajon and Santee facilities prove his interest in helping people throughout San Diego County.” 

 

Hollingsworth added, “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the many individuals and supporters who have responded with overwhelming generosity and encouragement throughout the capital campaign.”

 

In 2009 the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County embarked on an extraordinary journey to raise funds to rehabilitate two buildings in El Cajon’s Wells Park, converting them into state of the art youth facilities. In 2004 Conrad Prebys provided a lead gift of $1 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County’s Santee Clubhouse. Later, he provided an additional $1 million directed toward youth development programs at the Clubhouse in Santee. 

 

The Conrad Prebys Clubhouse in Santee was the first of three facilities of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County that will now bear his name along with the Conrad Prebys Complex in El Cajon. The two, repurposed facilities in the City of El Cajon’s Wells Park that have been converted into a state of the art Boys & Girls Club and Teen Center for East County youth include:

 

The El Cajon Clubhouse – 1171 East Madison Avenue

For 5 to 11 year-old members, the El Cajon Clubhouse features the latest innovations for youth development.  The Clubhouse includes: “The Academy” learning center, an instructional kitchen for healthy nutrition, a full size gymnasium for sports, an outdoor “big toy” for fun and fitness, and a “rascals’ room” with programs designed specifically for children ages 5-7. 

 

“The Club” Teen Center – 1153 East Madison Avenue

For 12 to 18 year-old members, The Club is the place to be. The Club features a fitness center for strength and aerobic training, leadership activities are offered in the resource center, career and vocational development occurs in “The Teen Academy” and just plain fun & fitness happen on outdoor courts and fields.

 

About The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County:

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County have been meeting the developmental needs of children and youth since 1961. Our Mission is: “To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to become responsible, caring, productive citizens.”