Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand Receives $2 Million in Grants andChallenge Gifts from The Chapin Foundation and First Presbyterian Church ofMyrtle Beach
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Rob Dumanois, B&GC board chair
Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand Receives $2 Million in Grants and
Challenge Gifts from The Chapin Foundation and First Presbyterian Church of
Myrtle Beach
Funding highlights many successes by departing CEO Dr. Tracy Bailey
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (May 4, 2023)—Today, Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand announces two major gifts to fund the mortgage costs of its Dunbar Street building. This began with a grant of $500,000 graciously donated by the Chapin Foundation, in partnership with First Presbyterian Church. Later in April, the Chapin Foundation announced a second grant of $1 million, and a $400,000 challenge grant. Details on a challenge campaign will follow, later this summer.
“Eighty years ago, Simeon B. Chapin left a legacy to care for and improve the quality of life for young people in Myrtle Beach,” said Lawton Benton, the Chapin Foundation’s Board Chairman, “and it is fulfilling to see Mr. Chapin’s vision become a reality in the work of the Boys & Girls Club. We are delighted to make this gift & challenge grant to further their mission as we honor his.”
Reverend John Brearley, Senior Minister at First Presbyterian Church, noted “the Boys & Girls Club was an obvious and deserving grant recipient. No organization is more impactful among our children and youth.”
Located at the corner of Mr. Joe White Ave. and Dunbar St. in Myrtle Beach, Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand serves 135 young people at risk through the club’s after school programs, activities, and services. The summer program increases the number of children served, trips/programs, meals prepared, and hours of operation.
Dr. Tracy Bailey, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand, was instrumental in securing the grants. After almost three years leading the organization, Dr. Bailey will leave her role and relocate to North Carolina with her family, effective July 28th.
“Moving away is bittersweet as I’ll greatly miss the young faces that greet me daily, but I’m pleased that the club will be in secure financial standing thanks to The Chapin Foundation and everyone who contributes and serves this exceptional program,” Bailey said.
Under Dr. Bailey’s leadership, the club added a technology lab and full kitchen, increased its staff and volunteers, solidified its economic status, and bolstered its programming and academic offerings.
“Dr. Bailey has been a blessing to Myrtle Beach. These extraordinary gifts to the club affirm the value of our mission and the need to invest in Myrtle Beach’s at-risk youth. But the board is certain these donations are also a direct reflection of her vision, commitment, and integrity. Tracy was exactly what the club needed: navigating our move into a new building, improving outcomes as we returned to in-person learning, and restoring our community reputation,” said Rob Dumanois, Board Chair, Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand.
A national search for a new CEO has begun through Boys & Girls Club of America.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand visit bgclubgs.org.
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About Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand
For over 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (bgca.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs daily during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Club programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. More than 4,700 Clubs serve over 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. For more information, visit bgclubgs.org.
