The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula is embarking on the last two months of its annual Campaign for Kids fundraiser.

Formerly called "It just takes one," the campaign that started in May helps pay for all summer programs.

So far, the club has reached about $30,000 of its $100,000 goal.

Bob Schilling, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, said that in his tenure, 2008 was the closest the clubs came to their goal at $88,000.

He said there is no cause for alarm because this time of year is budgeted for.

Three phases compose the campaign: The board of directors donates to the club, followed by staff and volunteers. Then mailings are sent to homes across the peninsula providing information on the campaign and statistics about the clubs in Sequim and Port Angeles.

Campaign for Kids works in conjunction with the club’s other fundraisers, a golf tournament in May and auction in November.

"We find people like the golf tournament but you have to be a golfer, and the same with auctions," Schilling said.

"But what about people who want to support kids but aren’t really into golf or auctions? Campaign gives them an opportunity to help these kids and families."

The clubs will maintain quality programming and staffing with the 2009 budget, Schilling said.

He was humble about what they would do if they met or exceeded their goal.

"There’s plenty of room for improving the clubs, but we are doing what we can with what we have now."

The campaign ends Sept. 1 when the United Way, of which the Boys & Girls Club is a participating member, begins its fundraising period.

As a partner of United Way, all agencies agree not to compete for fundraising dollars unless it is through minor donations such as raffle tickets.

Donations come to the club in a variety of forms. For example, the Sequim club raffled off a popcorn machine in February and has sold several donated vehicles. Recently, a 1949 tractor was donated, which the club plans to sell.

Backup plan

At the Sequim School District school board meeting on June 18, board members passed an addendum allowing the Boys & Girls Clubs to open a line of credit with First Federal Savings and Loan.

The Sequim unit’s Carroll C. Kendall building is used as part of the credit line, so the district needed to know because it leases the land to the club.

"It’s a good business practice in today’s economy," Schilling said.

He explained to the school board that many nonprofits do it just in case of a cash flow issue.

Background

Boys & Girls Clubs are community fee-based programs where sponsorships and donations cover most operating expenses. Membership costs $30 a year for one child during the school year.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula has two buildings, one in Sequim and one in Port Angeles. Sequim hosts 250-300 youths per day; Port Angeles serves 60-70 youths.

To donate, call 683-8095 or speak with Schilling or any front-desk employee at the Sequim club, 400 W. Fir St., for a tour and/or more information.