CLEVELAND — On Thursday, September 26 WKYC Studios and Oswald Companies partnered up to host the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio telethon. And once again, the generosity of our viewers was on display.
As of Thursday evening, the total money raised during the telethon was $187,991. The number is increasing, as our community members continue to support an organization that had to close more than a dozen clubs this fall due to federal funding cuts. You can see the recent amount raised and give a gift here.
The telethon took place on 3News from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. And throughout the day, we highlighted all the programs and activities that take place at the Boys and Girls Club.
We also had interviews with representatives from the telethon’s sponsor, Oswald Companies -- including Bob Klonk, Chairman and CEO along with President Jessica Jung. On the air, Oswald Companies kicked off the telethon with a $10,000 donation. In addition to Oswald Companies’ support, The Callahan Foundation matched the first $50,000 that was raised.
“We been around 31 years. This is our town. This is what we are all about,” said Klonk. “We couldn’t say no to a cause like this.”
According to Boys & Girls Clubs, a donation of $100 provides a week’s worth of homework help to 16 Club members, restores transportation from local schools and gives more kids access to their Clubs.
There are now 32 clubs open across Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Erie, Huron, and Ashtabula. A year ago, however, there were 49 clubs.
“That is why we are going out to the community to make sure they are aware, we can serve more kids and can potentially open more clubs," said Allen Smith, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio. "We want to serve as many kids as we can this fall and we need your help to do that.”
Boys & Girls Clubs has made a significant impact in our region. Kids who belong to the Boys & Girls Clubs are being exposed to a variety of potential careers, which seems to be paying off. According to the organization's website, “52% of 12th grade Club members express an interest in a STEM career, compared with 27% of 12th graders nationally.”
“I feel as if y’all should really donate to us because it really brings an impact on the community and not just the kids around, but the adults and it could really help us go on, on and on,” said club member Ka’Mya.