The kids deserve more

Dear editor:

I am writing from a position of a past board member, board president and board treasurer of the Boys & Girls Club of Hot Springs. What a shame the club could not be merged and remain a Boys & Girls Club to provide the many after-school programs, educational programs and benefits to the many inner-city children of Hot Springs. Because of the outcry of selfish adults worried about their sports, there are going to be many kids who will not have the help in life they deserve.

To the board’s credit, the board members present at the vote to merge the club with the Boys & Girls Club of Saline County did the right thing by voting 10 to 1 for the merger. It is amazing what one selfish, bitter loser can cause by spreading hate and false information throughout the community. The Hot Springs club does not meet the standards and thresholds to remain a Boys & Girls Club. This is from a lack of funds, not from a lack of concerned board members trying to do everything possible for the kids.

The club’s sports programs have been a way in the past for the club here to raise money to keep the doors open. Now that so many of the schools in town have increased their many sporting activities, the club’s sports programs at best break even with the expenses they have.

I know from experience the current board, as boards in the past, have tried a multitude of ways to raise money to fund the operations. Even with reduced staff, fewer hours and other cuts, it is obvious the club cannot meet its financial obligations (salaries, insurance, maintenance, utilities, etc.). This is without having any debt/loans, strictly operational costs of running the club.

Now, some think so what, it’s not a Boys & Girls Club; let’s just run it as another community center. Or is it really just some place to facilitate their sports? How and who then will pay the bills, salaries, insurance, maintenance, etc.?

Not that lessons can be learned in sports, but don’t the kids deserve more. The mentoring, educational programs, meals and other activities that a safe haven like the Boys & Girls Club can deliver.

Sad!

P.S.: The lone board member (only dissenting voter) spoiled what could have been the best result for the community to keep a Boys & Girls Club by causing the Saline County club to withdraw their interests.

He meddled with the two previous chief executive officers to the point that they left. He has either run off, or poisoned the minds of, most of the employees of the Boys & Girls Club over the last 10 years. He has caused numerous good board members to resign, while he has remained on the board for his own personal reasons and agendas for the last several years.

Now he has killed the only remaining option, the YMCA, for helping the children who now use the B&G Club. This board member would rather turn the community against one another than do what is right.

Just so he can have his own sports program free of expenses, which have all been paid for by the Boys & Girls Club.

Now that is sad!