Our Opinion: Wide spectrum of support lifts Boys & Girls Club campaign

The success of the local Boys & Girls Club capital campaign is a testament to the club's widespread support throughout the community.

The campaign total of more than $2.5 million exceeds the goal and, perhaps more importantly, reflects contributions large and small.

At a Wednesday ground-breaking ceremony, Stephanie Johnson, the club's executive director, announced the new facility will be named the Frank and Billie Railton Center, based on a gift from a charitable trust they established for children.

The Railtons, who are now deceased, were active and generous community contributors who also supported the Miller Performing Arts Center, which includes the Railton Gallery also named in their honor.

But, as campaign co-chair Donna Westhues said at the ground-breaking, "I think about when we first announced this campaign, there was a single mom who came in ... and gave $5."

That spectrum of giving was indicative of the scope of support for the campaign.

Dan Westhues, who co-chaired the campaign with his mother, said the campaign also afforded an opportunity to educate the community about the club's mission to advance academic success, good characters and citizenship, and a healthy lifestyle.

A turning point in the campaign was Lincoln University's donation of land to serve as a site for the new facility. The university's Board of Curators deeded the land, following a suggestion by the school's president, Kevin Rome.

Rome envisions the close proximity of campus and club will allow university students to interact with club members, for mutual benefit. Speaking at Wednesday's gathering, he said: "We hope that every child who participates knows that higher education is an option for them. ... To know that education is possible in their future is incredible. That's what we hope to accomplish by having them on campus."

Johnson added: "We want them (children) to have ownership. This is for them."

Everyone involved in the success of this campaign deserves to be commended. The new Boys & Girls Club will stand as a visible representation of a community united to advance the education, character-building and the future of children.