Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods awarded $1 million for new Antigo club facility

ANTIGO — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods has been awarded $1 million in congressional directed funding to aid in the development of a new Antigo club facility.

“This investment will make a positive, generational impact for kids and families in the Antigo area,” said Dillon Gretzinger, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods. “A new purpose-built club allows us to expand opportunities for learning, friendship and healthy development while continuing to provide a safe and fun place for youth in our community during critical out of school hours.”

According to Gretzinger, the funding for the new building was secured through Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s office through the federal appropriations process.

“It recognizes the importance of safe, high quality out of school programming for children and teens in the northwoods,” he said.

Tonya McKenna Trabant, a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods, said the project “can deliver a greater sense of pride and belonging in the community we dearly love.”

“Our former and current staff have been working on this request for over a year and we are all beyond thrilled to see the hard work come to fruition,” she said. “What a gift to the future of our community.”

According to Gretzinger, the new building will replace the current main club and teen center.

“Strengthening services, expanding opportunities for community youth and teens and offering a safe, efficient and enhanced experience,” he said.

Gretzinger said the club serves 160 members during the school year and 350 over the summer.

“For our northwoods community, this new facility strengthens partnerships with local schools, organizations and businesses while helping prepare the next generation for success in school, careers and life,” he said. “It’s very exciting!”

In order to complete the project, Gretzinger said, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northwoods will need additional financial investment from community members, businesses and “champions of youth and families.”

“Details of the project timeline and facility design will be shared as planning progresses,” he said.

To contribute for the new facility or for questions, people can contact Gretzinger at 715-627-1389.

“Wisconsin’s children and families deserve safe places to learn, play, and grow after school,” Baldwin said. “I’m proud to deliver direct support so more children have that opportunity, and we give our kids the strong start they deserve.”

Republished from Chelsea Deloria’s article in the Antigo Daily Journal.