Boys & Girls Clubs seek support for learning centers during Sept. 17 Connect to a Cause Day in Lorain County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio will partner with Community Foundation of Lorain County to participate in Connect to a Cause Day, a Sept. 17 crowdfunding campaign in which BGCNEO is asking for support of its new ClubSmart Learning Centers in Lorain, Elyria, Oberlin and Vermilion.

The learning centers will provide in-person help for kids in digital-only education settings.

ClubSmart centers opened Sept. 8 in Vermilion and Oberlin and will start Sept. 14 at Crestwood Elementary School in Elyria. Centers at BGCNEO’s Desich Family Campus, Westview Terrace, Southside Gardens and Elyria Middle Avenue sites will launch Sept. 21.

Connect to a Cause Day celebrates the Community Foundation’s 40th anniversary. The 12-hour online fundraiser allows donations to go directly to nonprofits. Visit Peoplewhocare.org to find a cause you care about and donate anytime from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day or drop off a check to the Community Foundation. BGCNEO is one of about 50 organizations on the “menu.”

Mike Conibear, BGCNEO’s Lorain County regional director, said, “The Community Foundation of Lorain County has been a wonderful partner and has helped make this county a better place. By setting aside this day, the foundation is shining a light on our Clubs and on the other excellent nonprofits in our community. In our case, the chance to support our ClubSmart Learning Centers is a tremendous opportunity to help the kids who need us most.”

In addition to the dollars raised that day, thanks to the Community Foundation Board of Directors, an additional $40,000 will be distributed among the participants.

“Connect to a Cause Day is an opportunity to support our non-profits that truly support our community,” said Brittany Lovett, Marketing & Communications Officer at Community Foundation of Lorain County. “For 12 hours, organizations and individuals will rally to support amazing and important causes that make Lorain County a great place to live, work and play.”

To learn more, visit bgcneo.org and peoplewhocare.org

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio

Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, fun places for kids to go after school, with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character development. BGCNEO was formed in July 2019 by the merger of Clubs in Cleveland, Lorain County, Akron and Erie County.

About the Community Foundation of Lorain County
In 2019, the Community Foundation of Lorain County received more than $2.3M in gifts and distributed approximately $6.2M in grants and scholarships. It ended the year with assets of $145M. To get more information about grants, scholarships, or updates about the Community Foundation, visit our website, peoplewhocare.org.