Michael Johnson, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, will be honored with the 2020 Heart & Soul Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Johnson will accept the award at the virtual gala of the Midwest Leadership Conference for Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Wednesday night.
In 10 years as the CEO, Johnson has led efforts to develop a five-year, $15-million plan that resulted in more than quadrupling the number of children and families being served in South Central Wisconsin, tripled the number of employees and growing their operating budget by 415% making the Dane County Club one of the fastest-growing Clubs in the nation, according to a press release from the Club. Johnson also led an effort to build out a multi-million-dollar facility in Sun Prairie, took over Club Operations in Walworth County and leads the largest, most comprehensive college preparatory program in the State of Wisconsin.
In the last few months, Johnson and his partners raised $3 million in 90 days and distributed $2.3 million to over 51 agencies to help those in need during this pandemic where they have provided 42,988 meals to local kids, 74,492 care boxes to families in need, 7,901 bills paid for low-income families, 604 medical supplies for COVID-19 patients.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Its vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters their doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
The highest professional honor bestowed in the Midwest Region for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is the Heart and Soul Award, presented annually to a professional who has demonstrated long-devoted service and served as an advocate for youth.
