Home covid Boys and Girls Club Cancels Shamrock Shuffle, Other Upcoming Activities

Boys and Girls Club Cancels Shamrock Shuffle, Other Upcoming Activities

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2018 Shamrock Shuffle. Photo supplied.

The Boys and Girls Club of Dane County has cancelled this weekend’s scheduled Shamrock Shuffle fundraiser due to COVID-19, which could cost the nonprofit organization as much as $100,000, according to an email sent to members and supporters Thursday.

Additionally, the club has cancelled all remaining college visits for this spring and all Saturday HOPE programming through the month of March.

“BGC of Dane County has always put the safety of our young people and our communities first, and this drives all our decisions. Today, our community and nation is facing a public health crisis in the form of COVID-19, a virus currently spreading throughout the country with three reported cases in Wisconsin. We are taking extraordinary measures to protect the safety of our young people and staff on site, from extra cleaning and sanitizing procedures to sending people home at the slightest sign of symptoms,” the email reads. “However, we also understand from public health officials that as a community institution it’s our responsibility to think bigger, and help slow down all outbreaks across our state, especially as they put the most vulnerable members of our community in danger. And that means following their recommendations to avoid hosting large public gatherings whenever possible. Of course, BGC of Dane County’s calendar is full of events like these, and while it is disappointing to cancel or reschedule them, we know it’s what we need to do to reduce the risk of infection in our community.”

The email says about 3,000 people were expected to participate in the Shamrock Shuffle on Saturday and “there will be financial ramifications due to the cancellation of the event.”