Boys & Girls Club Critical Funding Need

We heard about the need at the Boys & Girls Club recently and decided we would partner with our amazing guests and community to raise some funds to help meet the critical funding need.

What Engrained is Doing

We are going to match any donations we can collect at the restaurant. Each time a guest visits our staff will ask if the table is willing to donate a dollar to Boys & Girls Club. We can add that (non-taxable) $1 donation to your check and then Engrained will match whatever is donated.

The MATCH!

Our neighbor SpringHill Suites is also going to participate in the match! Between Engrained's match, SpringHill Suites match, and the AA Harvey Foundation match (see below) you can turn your $1 into $4. That is pretty amazing!

If you haven't heard about the funding shortfall the Boys & Girls Club of Central IL (BGCCIL) is experiencing read below about the situation and why they need to raise funds to continue their programming.

The Current Situation

Due to a devastating and unexpected loss of $1.2 million of federal funding administered by the Illinois State Board of Education, which directly supports our after-school programming, BGCCIL faces a significant financial shortfall that threatens their ability to continue providing essential services to the kids and families who need them most. BGCCIL is now faced with the dilemma of immediately ceasing operations at eight of their 22 locations, leaving 40% of their 2,000+ kids and families with no programs, safe spaces, academic support, meals, and so much more.

Why This Matters

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois is THE LARGEST no-cost after-school childcare program in District 186. Affordable after-school care options for working families and the youth they serve are facing unprecedented challenges, from community violence and academic setbacks to food insecurity and homelessness. Without The CLUB, many of the families they serve will lose critical resources.

How You Can Help

In the next two months, BGCCIL must raise a minimum of $360,000 to ensure that their affected programs can continue without interruption. They are fortunate that a generous Club supporter, the AA Harvey Foundation, has offered to match the first $180,000 of donations they receive.

We need your help to meet that benchmark.

A contribution of any size will make a meaningful difference.BGCCIL knows that these are challenging times for many, and they are deeply grateful for any support you can offer. Your generosity will not only help them bridge this funding gap but will also send a powerful message to the kids they serve—that their community cares and is invested in their future.

If you want to donate directly you can do so via this link.