The United Way of Martin County Foundation recently presented a $10,000 check that caps off the Boys and Girls Clubs’ drive to create a facility in Palm City.

The check marks the second installment in a $20,000 United Way of Martin County Foundation grant. It also was the donation that enabled the Boys & Girls Clubs to achieve its capital campaign goal of $300,000.

“The Foundation Board was pleased to make this special gift to meet one of United Way’s priority need areas – ensuring that youth have enriching, safe environments to help them make good decisions and stay in school,” said Jennifer Jolly, United Way of Martin County Foundation director.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County will now be able to transform the old Palm City firehouse on Martin Downs Boulevard into a new clubhouse that will provide quality after-school and summer activities for youth in Palm City.

The Boys and Girls Clubs have been using space at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The church location started out with just a teen program, but it has turned into a full-service center – serving children from 6 to 18 -- so a larger facility is needed.

The agency will continue to raise funds for a $200,000 endowment to maintain the building over the years.

"The Boys and Girls Club has wonderful programs for the youth in our community, and the addition of a Palm City facility is very exciting,” said Vicki Junod Wackeen, United Way of Martin County Foundation chairwoman. “The United Way of Martin County Foundation is proud to help them complete their capital campaign goal." 

The Foundation exists to support United Way of Martin County's mission to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another. It provides a long-term base of support and the flexibility to strengthen our community as it changes and grows.

For more information about United Way of Martin County Foundation, visit www.unitedwaymartincounty.org/foundation or call Jennifer Jolly, Foundation director, at (772) 283-4800, ext. 243.