BENTONVILLE Ark., December 9, 2009 –On Saturday, December 12th, Pigtrail Harley Davidson will host a Toy Run to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County.
The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will begin at Pigtrail Harley Davidson in Rogers and will conclude the ride at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville. Each rider will bring one unwrapped toy and the gifts will be distributed to nearly 150 Boys and Girls Club of Benton County children that have been selected to attend this exciting event. Each child will receive a toy and free lunch.
In addition to the children receiving toys, the families will also receive a food box that will provide a wholesome holiday meal. This is being made possible in part through a special $5,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation.
According to Jacob Hutson, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County, “This is a special time to remind families to celebrate and connect with one another during the start of the holiday season and we are so thrilled to receive assistance from The Walmart Foundation and to ensure that families are fed this season.”
A recent report from the Department of Agriculture reported the highest numbers of Americans, 49 million in 2008, are living in households that lack consistent access to food. About one third of this number suffered what researchers call “very low food security” where a lack of money forced some to skip meals, cut portions or otherwise forgo food at some point in the year.
Over the summer, the Walmart Foundation made a $1.2 million grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to provide wholesome meals and snacks to more than 44,000 children, who may have otherwise gone without food during those months. The goal of this funding from the Walmart Foundation is to ensure critical support for families that need additional help, especially during the holiday season.
About Philanthropy at Walmart Stores, Inc.
Walmart Stores and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creatingopportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF BENTON COUNTY
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County is to promote and strengthen families, while at the same time building stronger communities in the towns and cities we serve. This is accomplished by providing facilities, programs and services that enable and ensure our youth realize their full potential. The Clubs offer a variety of after-school, intercession and summer programs designed for character and leadership development as well as education and career development and activities promoting health and life skills, the Arts, sports, fitness and recreation.
The Boys & Girls Club of Benton County operates facilities from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during summer and 7:00am to 5:00 p.m. during most school breaks. Benton County club facilities serve the Bentonville, Rogers, Gravette and Bella Vista communities from the following locations:
McKinney Unit 2801 N. Walker, Bentonville, Ark.
Bella Vista Unit 2260 Forrest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, Ark.
H.L.M. Unit 1207 NW Leopard Lane, Bentonville, Ark.
Rogers Unit 409 S. 8th, Rogers, Ark.
To donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, volunteer or inquire about how you can become a member, call (479) 273-7187.