by Rade Dimitrijevic, President

This is my final blog for the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha. Effective January 1, I will be turning over the reins of the club to Jen Fisher, our current Vice President.

It would be an understatement to say it has been an eventful and rewarding year for the club. The opening of our new building is just the first step in what I believe will be continuing successes for the club and for the community.

I relinquish the presidency with mixed emotions. I take great pride in being the President during the grand opening festivities. I would like to take credit for everything that happened then. But this project has been in the works for many years.

It would not have been possible without the wisdom and foresight of former Mayor John Antaramian and it would not be the continuing success it is today without the support of current public servants like Mayor Keith Bosman and County Executive Jim Kreuser who co-chair our capital funds campaign.

It goes without saying that the generosity of many Kenoshan is why we reach almost 6000 Kenosha youth. The Troha family and the Madrigrano family continue to lead the way. We are deeply indebted to them for their devotion to the children we serve.

A motivated board of directors – people with a passion to help the youth of Kenosha – is also necessary and we have the best board imaginable. Time and time again the member of the Boys & Girls Club board have stepped forward with their time and treasures to help build positive futures for our very deserving members.

I have one favor to ask as I step down.

I am asking each of you who is capable of helping the club with a donation this year to dig a little deeper. Let’s keep the success of this great new community center moving forward by embracing the programs and the fundraisers the club is sponsoring. Click on the “donate now” button on this website and make a contribution today.  (While you are at it, please check my name under Jennifer Dooley’s Dream Team. Miller’s Magic is nice, but Dooley’s Dream Team rocks!)

As you celebrate with your family this year, please remember the wonderful children who need us at the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas.