CH@T: Fundraising event to showcase new Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club

Dr. Anthony Jackson, Chatham Schools’ new superintendent, to give keynote

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The Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club, a new unit of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Carolina, will open soon on the campus of George Moses Horton Middle School. Club organizers are hosting a “Pancakes Pave the Way” fundraising event beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center. A breakfast will be catered by 39 West.

This week, we speak with Kyle Shipp, a member of the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners, and Daniel Simmons, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina, about the event. Shipp has been the driving force in the formation of the club.

The club’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

For more information, go to www.PittsboroBGC.org.

What are you hoping to accomplish with the “Pancakes Pave the Way” event on July 28?

KYLE SHIPP: Our goal for this event is to complete our fundraising goal required to open the Pittsboro Club. We are excited to bring community residents, business owners and leaders together to learn about the Boys & Girls Club and offer the opportunity to invest in making a real difference in Pittsboro.

Kyle, what was your motivation and vision for getting a club started in Pittsboro?

SHIPP: The community was calling for a Boys & Girls Club. I first heard the request from Rev. Samuel Lassiter at a town board meeting I attended in 2018 and I heard the request again from him at a candidate forum during the 2019 election. Early in 2020, Rev. Lassiter and I formed a steering committee to start the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club. The community’s support has been very motivating over the past year, especially with the difficulty of meeting and organizing remotely.

Personally, I have adopted the mission of Boys & Girls Club as my own vision for getting the club started in Pittsboro: “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.’”

How will the Pittsboro club complement what’s happening at the Siler City club?

SHIPP: The Wren Family Center in Siler City has been doing some really incredible things in that part of Chatham County since 2013. With the Pittsboro Club, we plan to build on that momentum and expand the many benefits of the Boys & Girls Club to almost all Chatham County.

Exponential growth is at Pittsboro’s doorstep, so we need proactive solutions now to develop a Club ahead of this change. We want the Boys & Girls Club to be a part of our community fabric from the beginning of Pittsboro’s evolution.

Daniel, as CEO of the clubs in Central Carolina, what does it mean to you that a community is working so diligently to get a new club started?

DANIEL SIMMONS: I am both humbled and energized by the support we’re seeing to open the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club. Local community investment is required in order to bring this about. There aren’t funds from other counties or far-away entities that fund the start-up costs of clubs. The investment comes from right here in Pittsboro. This investment allows us to come alongside Chatham County Schools, the YMCA, Communities In Schools, CORA, and additional fellow nonprofit organizations to stand in the gap for our kids. To ensure they have every opportunity to advance academically. To ensure they are food-secure. To do everything in our power to prepare them for community college, university, and the military. Our mission is to build great citizens. We’re already doing it in Siler City, Sanford, and Lillington, and we’re thrilled to begin our work here in Pittsboro.

You’re looking to raise $220,000 in funds in order to open. How’s that fundraising coming along so far?

SHIPP: We are really excited about the number of people and businesses who are making an investment in the Boys & Girls Club. As of July 19th, we have raised over 55% of the funds needed to start the club. The $95,000 remaining is a lot of money but we are very encouraged by the momentum we have seen in the last few months and weeks.

There is still a limited opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to join the Founder’s Club. This will be a select group with perpetual benefits in regard to the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club.

What else do people know, and how can they get tickets?

SHIPP: This event is going to be a great opportunity to network and to hear from community leaders like Dr. Anthony Jackson (Chatham County Schools Superintendent) and Rep. Robert Reives II (N.C. House Democratic Leader). All of the information about the Pittsboro Club can be found at www.PittsboroBGC.org. There is a link there to register for the event and also for parents to pre-register their interest in their children joining the Club.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone and most importantly opening the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club.

To donate, visit https://centralcarolinaclubs.org/donate/