BURBANK : Fund-Raiser Planned for Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Club of Burbank is stepping up its fund-raising campaign in an attempt to open its doors by September, the Rev. Jerry Jones, the club’s president has said.

Three years ago, former City Councilman Tim Murphy formed a steering committee to organize the local club. The committee has attained nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service, obtained a building and completed most of the preparations to establish the club.

Now, the committee needs to hire an executive director and complete a few last-minute renovations.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has agreed to do all of the electrical work at no cost. The local plumbers association will redo the restrooms to make them accessible to the disabled. The city will pave the parking lot in exchange for the right to use it.

All that is needed now is $40,000 to pay the annual salary and benefits for an executive director, who will be hired as soon as the money is available, Jones said.

It is expected that once the executive director is hired, he or she would be able to raise the funds necessary to keep the club operational.

“People give money to support a club that is doing things,” Jones said. “It’s harder to get money to start up a new program.”

There are several ways to raise the $40,000, Jones said.

The committee is awaiting word from “a major corporation in the area who is seriously considering donating the money,” he said. If this occurs, the club could open as early as September.

The club also is planning several fund-raising events. A mixer is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 8 at the club, 2244 N. Buena Vista St. Also planned is a “giant” parking lot sale sometime in September. Donations for the sale can be made by calling (818) 846-5523.

Once it is in operation, the club will be open on weekdays after school and on Saturdays.