Puget Sound Business Journal Honorees Bungie for their COVID-19 Support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue
For more than a decade, Bungie’s expertise and resources have helped Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue (BGCB) broaden our reach and deepen our impact. Over time, we’ve created a genuine, productive, and effective non-profit-corporate partnership — one that goes beyond funding and branding — and improves lives in our communityBungie's response to the COVID-19 crisis best exemplifies this true sense of collaboration. In March 2020, when COVID-19 began forcing lockdowns and closures, BGCB's Board of Directors was faced with the decision to either close during the pandemic or scramble to raise enough money to keep its doors open. “We voted to keep our doors open and figured it would cost $3 million to do that for six months,” BGCB President and CEO Tim Motts. “Bungie was one of the very first partners who stepped up and said, ‘We want to help you be there for the kids in our community who need the Club services and resources the most.’” Through creative brainstorming and consistent communication, Bungie CEO and BGCB Board Member Pete Parsons and Motts came together to create a plan that helped us keep our doors open for Eastside’s youth. With a lifeline gift to the Club - before Bungie called, we were at risk of closing our doors because of canceled revenue-generating events and programs - Bungie’s generosity gave us the confidence to navigate the highly complex set of challenges the Covid-19 crisis presented our organization and the youth we serve. The Bungie Foundation Christine Edwards talked with PSBJ about BGCB's much-needed service saying, “Our demographic is much more diverse than it might appear at first glance. What I think we have valued about Boys & Girls Clubs is they recognize that diversity. They recognize that there’s a lot of disparity in our community.” Because of Bungie's lead gift to our 2020 COVID-19 Relief Fund, which inspired many others to give generously, our Clubs have remained open for nearly 75 weeks providing safe places with healthy meals, childcare, and mentors for those who need us most during this crisis. Bungie continues to work with BGCB, ensuring we have the resources necessary to continue delivering critical COVID-19 response programs and services.
About Boys & Girls Clubs Bellevue For nearly 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue (www.bgcbellevue.org) has inspired & enabled all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. BGCB’s 15 Clubhouses provide a safe and fun place for more than 12,000 youth to grow and thrive each year. During critical out-of -school hours, dedicated staff delivers life-enhancing, quality programs focused on academics, health, and leadership. BGCB is doing whatever it takes to ensure all kids in Bellevue have great futures. Learn more on our Facebook page. |
