BGCCI Newsletter
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the past few months, we are filled with gratitude for the generosity and commitment of supporters like you. Your contributions have made it possible for us to create meaningful opportunities, celebrate achievements, and continue empowering the young people we serve. None of these milestones would have been possible without your belief in our mission.
We’re excited to share highlights from recent activities and events that showcase the impact of your support.
Corporate Spotlight: NCMIC
For nearly 20 years, NCMIC has been a steadfast supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa. What began with annual financial contributions has grown into a deep and meaningful partnership that touches every corner of our mission.
Event Sponsorships: NCMIC proudly serves as Presenting Sponsor of Youth of the Year and Ally Sponsor of the Great Futures Golf Tournament.
Leadership Involvement:
Tony Dickinson, President of NCMIC Finance Corporation, joined our Board of Directors in 2012, later serving as Board President before becoming a Trustee in 2022. He also represents BGCCI nationally as a Trustee of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Chick Herbert, Chief Experience Officer, has served on our Board for nearly four years, hosting Youth of the Year and chairing the Technology Committee.
Generous Contributions: NCMIC has donated event and conference space for board and staff gatherings, including our Annual Meeting and leadership retreat. Most recently, they provided two dozen laptops for Club use—an invaluable gift that ensures our members have access to the tools they need to succeed.
We are deeply grateful for NCMIC’s long‑standing commitment to BGCCI. Their partnership exemplifies the power of community investment in shaping great futures.
Save the Date: Youth of the Year 2026, presented by NCMIC, will be held January 27 at Blank Park Zoo. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available at www.bgcci.org/youthoftheyear.
*photo is with NCMIC reps at the YOY event
Purses with a Purpose
On a sunny September afternoon at Willow on Grand in Des Moines, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa welcomed over 200 guests to the Purses with a Purpose luncheon and auction. Attendees browsed and bid on more than 300 designer purses during the silent auction, turning the room into a lively marketplace of generosity and style.
One of the most inspiring moments came when Sierra, a Youth Development Professional (YDP) at Burt Club, shared her journey from Club member to BGCCI staff. Her story reminded everyone of the transformative power of the Clubs and the lasting impact of donor support.
The event was co-chaired by Dr. Suzie Glazer Burt and Pati Burt, whose leadership and vision guided the afternoon to success. Together, sponsors and guests helped raise nearly $100,000 through sponsorships and auction purchases to benefit the Feeding the Future Program. The day ended on a truly historic note when Dr. Glazer Burt announced a $1 million donation to BGCCI — a gift that will play a critical role in offsetting potential losses in federal funding and ensuring that our Clubs continue to provide life‑changing opportunities for youth across Central Iowa.
A big thanks to New York Life for giving us a First Book Marketplace gift certificate to buy new books for our Club me
mbers. Employees from their Iowa General Office added encouraging messages inside the books before delivering them to our office. We also received a gift of $2,016 from New York Life in recognition of the volunteer hours their office spent on the book project (making the bookmarks, etc.)
Program Highlight |
In September, Ross Club members worked on creating a product, writing a script, and filming a commercial for it. This project incorporated physical art, digital media, literacy practice, STEM, and social skills. Club members had full creative control and a great time "inventing" new products, like an immortal potion and "Goober". |
We Are Thankful to Those Who Included Us in This Year's Holiday Giving:
Thank you, Eagle Life Insurance Company, for building and donating 12 bicycles as a part of your leadership conference.
Thanks to F&G, who donated and put together 120 meal bags for families to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, and Hy-Vee donated cards for the main course.
Thank you to Olive Garden in south Des Moines, who ran a program for holiday gifts for Club Members
Thank you to Holmes Murphy, for donating 40 boxes filled with food and games for families this holiday season.
Thank you to all donors who joined us in our Embrace a Family program, we were able to support over 200 Club kids with holiday gifts.
Donor Spotlight
Our donor was raised on a farm in Iowa alongside her fourteen siblings. She remembers her mother’s heartfelt instruction that, at her passing, any money remaining should “go to help the children.” She interpreted this wish as a call to share resources with children in need.
Although she and her husband never had children of their own, our donor has devoted herself to caring for hundreds right here in our community. At her niece’s suggestion, she began supporting local nonprofits in the Des Moines area. Three years ago, she chose to make gifts to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa.
Her generosity touches two important projects: back-to-school needs and the Embrace-A-Family program during the holidays. Because of her giving, Club youth and teens receive essential school supplies and clothing, and their holidays are brightened with toys, blankets, games, and other items from their personal wish lists.
In our donor's words, she gives because “it brings me joy!” She delights in hearing stories about Club members and seeing photos of their latest activities and adventures.
What makes her impact even more meaningful is that it will continue as part of her legacy. She has generously included the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa in her estate plans as a member of the Heritage Club. We are deeply grateful for her support today and for the lasting difference she will make in the years ahead.
To learn more about creating your own legacy gift to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, please contact Kara Waugh at kwaugh@bgcci.org or call 515-689-1572.
Name has been anonymized
Save the Date
Youth of the Year- January 27th, 2026
Coffee With a Club- February 24th, 2026
Great Futures Golf Tournament- June 8th, 2026
Grants That Make a Difference
Investing in Futures: The Power of 21st Century Community Learning Centers
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Thanks to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program, the only federally funded initiative dedicated to summer, before and after-school programs, we’ve been able to make that vision a reality for hundreds of young people since 2018.
Through this funding, BGCCI engages students in activities that spark academic success, workforce readiness, life skills, art, music, fitness, and mentorship. Each year, we evaluate our programs against federal performance measures required by the U.S. Department of Education.
The results speak volumes:
•80% of participants demonstrated growth in reading
•72% showed improvement in math
•60% raised their GPA
•90% increased school attendance
Expanding Opportunities Across Our Clubs - Most recently, BGCCI received funding for the Huskies and ET Meredith Jr. Clubs. This support has allowed Huskies Club members to participate in enriching programs like social and emotional learning activities led by CHIC Girls, one of our valued partners. With this funding, we can offer a greater variety of dynamic workshops and experiences that help our members grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Additionally, funding from the Out of School Time Career Pathways category empowers East High School teens to explore career options, earn industry certifications, and secure part-time jobs within the community. Without these opportunities, many of our youth would not have access to such critical experiences that prepare them for the future.
A Story of Transformation - One of our members, Gerald, has been part of the Club since middle school. At first, he was quiet and reserved. But when he discovered 3D design and tech crafts at the high school Club, everything changed. These projects became his outlet for creativity and self-expression. Today, Gerald shines with confidence, sharing his ideas and inspiring others. His journey from a shy student to a passionate creator is a testament to the power of opportunity.
Why Your Support Matters - At BGCCI, we’re not just investing in after-school care, we’re investing in the children and adults who will drive growth in our community for years to come. Earlier this year, when 21st Century funding was temporarily halted, many of our donors and friends stepped up, contacting legislators to advocate for its release. Thanks to this collective effort, and with the support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the funding was reinstated within weeks.
This is the impact of your voice, your advocacy, and your generosity. Together, we ensure that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you for standing with us. Your support fuels brighter futures.