“Toyota of Merrillville is so proud to be able to work with such a worthwhile organization like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. With more than 16,000 Northwest Indiana youth passing through its Club doors last year, the impact of our donation is very meaningful,” explained Michael Bauner, Owner and General Manager.
Toyota of Merrillville presents Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana with Amazing Gift. From left to right: Michael Bauner, owner of Toyota of Merrillville, and his wife Tricia present Ryan Smiley, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, with a gift for the Clubs.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana has been offering hope and opportunity to local youth since 1954 by providing a safe place for kids to learn and grow through life-enhancing, after-school and summer programming with the support of highly trained professional staff and adult mentors. BGCGREATERNWI helps to build GREAT Futures by offering fun, engaging and impactful programs to local youth, ages 5 to 18 throughout Lake and Porter counties in ten Clubs and eleven before-and-after school Kidstop school-based sites.
“Annual membership is only $35.00 per child and that hardly covers the actual expense for offering programs, services and adult mentors to each of our children and teens, said Smiley. “Our direct cost is closer to $3,600 per child, per year, so the support of generous corporate donors like Toyota of Merrillville is a lifeline to families who rely on Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana.”
In communities around Northwest Indiana, Boys & Girls Clubs help youth take steps toward personal greatness, proving every child and teen who enters its doors has what it takes to succeed. Boys & Girls Clubs are places where youth receive homework help, are mentored, make life-long friendships, perfect free-throws and learn the importance of a strong work ethic, teamwork and sportsmanship
“Many people know Toyota of Merrillville as a car dealership, but we’re so much more than that”, Tricia Bauner exclaimed with a smile. “We’re passionate about serving the communities where we work, live and play. We help by giving our time, knowledge and resources to support local organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. After all, if we support an organization that strives to provide the promise of a GREAT Future to local youth, that makes all of Northwest Indiana greater for all of us who call the Region home.”