I have been thinking about the Boys and Girls Club of the Long Beach Peninsula and consider it a good investment of my time and money. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America had their 100th birthday in 2006 and as I have studied the history I find a solid and strong group very business-like and intent on doing their best for youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Their focus is on providing a safe place, a fun place and a place to build leadership skills. As an investment I think it gets better and better.

I understand our local group has set a well thought-out budget, which is considerable in terms of trying to raise $200,000 each year, again, a well thought-out plan for success for our local youth. Then I thought some more about this and think how really little it is for the value received and I can’t think of anything better in which to invest both my time and money. I also am sure this community has others who would agree with me.

Here is my plan. They are our kids. We want them to have the best. The budget is $200,000 per year. I don’t think we need a Bill Gates or any other philanthropist to do this job. I think we can do it by ourselves, right here on the Peninsula. Are there 199 other families who would like to join Dick and me in our philanthropy and great investment in kids and give $1,000 a year for three years to get the club off to a good start? That means adding only a little over $83 a month to your budget, which might mean you have to give up a latte or two, or dinner out. In our case it will be conserving car use, but think of the joy in knowing our kids have a safe and growing place to be.

Anyway, please let us know if you will join us in this venture by phoning us at 642-2729 or dropping a note to P.O. Box 484, Ilwaco, WA 98624.

Martha Murfin

Ilwaco