Boys & Girls Club in Fort Mohave is finally "Home"
Saturday February 25th the big blue doors welcomed guests, and donors into the brand new Robert P. Swartzman Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Colorado River. Autumn Boyle-Robinson CEO opened up the event with a trip down memory lane. The organization has been serving the Fort Mohave area for the last six years moving from rented space to rented space trying to find a “home”.
After a lengthy search looking at both existing buildings and vacant land the property at the corner of La Requiza Rd. and Aztec Road was purchased. The $ 2,100,000 project includes the 5,000 sqft Clubhouse, 60,000 sqft of grass, 5,000 sqft of sport court and 2,500 sqft of playground.
The event on Saturday spotlighted the hard work and contributions from foundations, businesses, clubs and individuals. The five Legacy Level donors being; The Legacy Foundation, Fiesta Bowl Charities, The Halle Foundation, The Boys & Girls Club’s Thrift Stores, and Mohave County’s ARPA Funds directed from Supervisor Ron Gould.
The crowd of about 200 people celebrated donors from every level and all across the state and over the river. Each donor was recognized for their time and contributions and they were presented with priceless “kid art” as a thank you. The overwhelming theme being the generosity of the entire community and willingness to pour their heart and souls into worthy project such as the Boys & Girls Club.
The tissues came out as the Club was officially dedicated to Robert P. Swartzman. Bob’s daughters were presented with commemorative jars full of “Thank Yous” from the kids. Stacy Sanderson spoke on how the club came into the Swartzman family and how much it means to her family to see their Dad’s name on the Club that he loved so much.
In addition to financial donors MVP awards were presented to Dan Oehler and Matt Hanrahan. Both of whom worked tirelessly throughout the entire project to make sure that deadlines were met, and that the project would keep it’s momentum.
The event ended with a plea for help on the final fundraising push for the Fort Mohave Club. Due to some unexpected surprises and inflation the Club is $60,000 short from reaching their goal of paying off the project. Tax deductible donations, and tax credit donations can be made in person at any of the Club locations, or any of the thrift stores, in addition online donations can be made HERE.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Colorado River is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The Clubs have four locations; 2250 Highland Rd, Bullhead City AZ 86442, 4762 La Requiza Rd., Ft Mohave, AZ 86426, 967 Hancock Rd. Bullhead AZ 86442, and 1975 Arie Ave, Laughlin, NV 89029. Thrift store locations are 967 Hancock Rd, Bullhead City, AZ 86442, 4705 Hwy 95, Ft Mohave, AZ 86426, and 1955 S. Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029. The clubs provide after school programs and summer day camp to over 1,600 youth annually.
