KINGMAN — Smiling and engaged kids were observed everywhere by those who attended the May 14 grand opening celebration for the 32nd Club operated by the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley (BGCAZ).
CEO for the non-profit organization Marcia Mintz opened the ceremony at the facility located at 2160 Airway Avenue. Tom Spear was credited for making the first phone call before involving business associates Krystal Burge and Jim Baker, attorney Tom Price and Kingman Regional Medical Center(KRMC) CEO Heath Evans to build a team to bring the BGCAZ to town.
Kingman Boys & Girls Club Senior Branch Director Karly Urquhart, proud of her Club kid youth and current role, cuts the ribbon held by two Club members
Evans noted the hospital was uncertain what purpose might be served in the 60,000 square feet of space that Bill Nugent generously donated to KRMC. He said limited parking was not conducive for medical services and it was determined that KRMC would provide the building for kids, Club and community for free, under a 30-year lease.
Speakers noted community collaboration is key to Club success.
“We have a saying that we will partner and build programs for kids with any community that wants to partner with us, and this community of Kingman came forward with everything it had and said `let’s make this work’”, Mintz said. “In my last 8 years I’ve not seen a community work harder to bring a club and services to make sure that kids and families in Kingman have a place to go. So, thank you, and bravo!”
Burge said expertise and resources from the Scottsdale-based Club blend well with local energy.
“If we build a team around us and get the right people helping us and get the right access to the products that we need for our children to learn and grow, we will be successful,” Burge said. “Kingman, Arizona is going to have the best Boys & Girls Club in the state. Out of the 32 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, we are going to be #1. We are working on it and it’s going to happen.”
Left to right: Tom Spear, Krystal Burge, Jim and Melissa Baker, Ada and Tom Price, key principals in building the team to bring the Club to Kingman
Grand opening attendees were divided into smaller groups for tours of the first 9,000 square feet in operation. Community Engagement Manager and tour chaperone Marena Sever led one group through the secure entrance and into the Tech lab where children were busy at computer work spaces.
Sever also displayed the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) room, a larger Activity space area and a cafeteria where Club members enjoyed sandwiches and snacks.
“I love this place,” said one 5-6-year-old boy who high fived at least one adult enjoying the tour. Other areas observed included another arts and crafts space and a game room.
Sever said current club capacity can accommodate up to 165 kids. The Club that opened three months ago already has 175 members, but there’s sufficient space because all members don’t attend at once.
The average membership age in Kingman is 10 and leaders indicated the organization wants to add more teenagers. The Club will get busier during the forthcoming summer break for the Kingman Unified School District and Kingman Academy of Learning.
“When school is out, we are in,” Sever said. The Kingman operation has three full time staff members and seven part time support personnel.
Chief Development Officer Sam Fowler said community commitment is key to Club success. “Having a community that truly believes in its kids and is willing to go the extra mile for them is where this all begins,” Fowler said.
“Listen to our kids. Ask our kids what they want,” added Vice President of External Affairs Josh Stine. It can’t be us telling them what they need. In order for any of this to be successful, it has to be driven by them and it has to meet their needs.”
Two large empty shell spaces are available for future grown and development. A gymnasium and many programs are contemplated in the future.
Fielding a question about cost associated with full build out, Mintz estimated it would take about $5-million to fully complete her wish list for the Kingman Boys & Girls Club.
The Club operates from 2:30-7:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 7:00 am-6:00 pm on Fridays, during the school year. Operating hours are extended from 7:00-am-6:00 pm during over the summer and other extended school breaks.
Anyone interested in additional information can call the Club (928-534-1460) or visit www.BGCAZ.org/Kingman.
