East side Boys & Girls Club members celebrate groundbreaking of a new facility
In April, we detailed the plight of kids at the East Side Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. The East Side’s building on 24th Street is in poor shape, with its rickety basketball hoops, frequent bug infestations and none of the high-tech amenities that grace other club facilities in the metro. Finally, it looks like all that is about to change.
The Boys & Girls Club breaks ground today on what will become a brand new, 29,000 square foot facility. It will be named the JD Wagner Unit in honor of longtime benefactors Jean and Don Wagner, and will have enough space to serve 350 kids daily, up from 105 at the existing East Side Unit.
The groundbreaking celebration starts today at noon at 2405 Elmwood Ave. David A. Smith, alumnus and president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, will speak at noon, followed by a few words from Bob Firnhaber and Sally Groves, campaign co-chairs. Joyce Riley of the 23rd Street PAC will speak as well. After the speakers, there will be tours and refreshments.
The new club is expected to be ready for use in fall 2010.
