The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County announced a new campaign Friday morning to provide aid to first responders and families affected by COVID-19.
The organization launched the campaign, MOVE4BGC, at a press conference through Facebook live. Their goal is to raise $600,000 to provide 10,000 free meals to first responders, including police, firefighters, EMS, doctors and other medical professionals, they said in a statement. They also plan to provide 20,000 snacks and meals to families in need.
Additionally, the Boys & Girls Club is working with Madison-based chef, Dave Heide, to partner with 20 local restaurants to provide those meals and boost the local restaurant economy. Alongside providing food and snacks, the Boys & Girls Club also plans to create a digital club experience for 1,000 youth that offers mental and emotional support, physical activity and educational opportunities, the statement said.
“We’re starting a new campaign today that’s going to mobilize donors and volunteers to get out, walk, move, and help support our first responders and our kids,” Michael Johnson, the organization’s president and CEO.
MOVE4BGC encourages people to walk, run and ride together to raise money for the campaign. The event is scheduled to take place in August 2020. Participants can sign up to walk, run or ride outside or virtually.
MOVE4BGC was created out of the organization’s annual Bike for Boys & Girls Clubs due to the ever-changing needs created by the pandemic. The campaign has already raised $55,000 through a combined effort from Madisonians Jack and Sarah McKenzie and a matching $25,000 gift from the Meicher Family Foundation.
“Dane County come on, let’s be safe, let’s be healthy, let’s have fun and let’s move for the Boys & Girls Club,” said Peter Gray, chairman of the campaign.
Visit give.classy.org/MOVE4BGC to donate or register for MOVE4BGC.
