Experts say living a life of gratitude is the scientifically proven path to happiness.
So, when the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Friday, August 18, it was no surprise to see so many smiling faces amongst the crowd of former and current Club members, donors, Board members, and staff. Gratitude is the overriding feeling of this milestone for the Club’s leaders!

We are immeasurably grateful for the opportunities this community has given us to make a difference in so many young lives. When we first dreamed of creating a special place for kids, especially kids with unmet needs, none of us ever would have imagined how this community would grab onto and build upon that dream, year after year, to help us reach so many youths and their families. We’re tremendously proud of our organization’s history and the countless caring people who have helped in so many transformative ways.

Since first opening its doors in 1998 in a small corner of a vacant industrial building in downtown Appleton, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley has grown to 15 different locations and has served well more than 100,000 children and youth. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley is a national leader in the Boys & Girls Club world, too, and offers a diverse array of programs that go well beyond the bounds of most Clubs — the Center for Grieving Children, the Home Base program for youth experiencing housing insecurity, and so much more.

And all of this, all these services and moving stories of impact that were shared at the celebration, all of it made possible by the more than 6,000 donors who have partnered with the Club to help ensure our communities become great places for ALL kids to grow and thrive.

Here are some comments from a few of our alumnus:

“Coming to the Club allowed me to be a kid and overcome any obstacles that I had endured that may have gotten in the way of me doing something positive with my life.” – Bree Taylor, BGCFV 2009 Youth of the Year

“The Boys and Girls Club raised me to be who I am today. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Club.” – Travis Thor BGCFV 2017 and 2018 Youth of the Year

“The Club feels like a big family – one where everyone understands each other and knows what others have been through. It’s a no judgement zone where kids can be themselves.” – Malik Taylor, member at the BGC of Appleton

Our deepest, most heartfelt appreciation goes out to everyone who made our first 25 years so rewarding and impactful!

What does a Community Foundation do? Glad you asked! Learn more here.