By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • reporter@psci.net
Rockport Elementary hosted a ribbon cutting Thursday, February 1 for the new Boys & Girls Club at the school, which has been quickly growing in popularity since its inception. The expansion of Boys & Girls Club of Evansville to Rockport was made possible through a $125,000 check from CenterPoint Energy, presented by company representatives that day. The club also relies on the support of other local companies, including American Electric Power and Cleveland Cliffs.
The club itself is no stranger to Rockport Elementary. For two decades the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club of Owensboro, Ky. has offered activities to help students improve academically, train physically in sports, and engage in other fun activities. However, last year that club decided to focus its efforts on the Kentucky side of the river, putting the future of the Rockport chapter briefly in doubt. Fortunately, The Evansville-based club was ready to step in and expand.
Amanda Schmitt, president of the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, said the company’s $125,000 donation to help keep the club going in Rockport made perfect sense from a community and business standpoint. After all, many CenterPoint customers and employees reside in Rockport, and Rockport Elementary’s alumni could one day come to work at CenterPoint themselves. She has every expectation that this partnership will continue for the long haul.
“We are a long-term supporter of the Boys & Girls Club,” said Schmitt. “It was a great fit for us.”
Read more on this story in this week’s issue of the Spencer County Leader!
Featured Image: Ron Ryan and Rick Hunt both cut the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of the new Boys & Girls Club at Rockport Elementary
Amanda Schmitt, President of the Centerpoint Energy Foundation, spoke to attendees of the ceremony about how the company’s $125,000 donation made perfect sense from a community and business standpoint. She has every expectation that the partnership will continue for the long haul
Rick Hunt (left) and Ron Ryan (right) spoke to attendees of the grand opening ceremony about how grateful they are that this program could be established, their expectations for the future, and the benefits of the Boys & Girls Club
Rick Hunt and Ron Ryan — along with members of the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, and President Amanda Schmitt — pose for a photo-op with the donation check
The newly revamped Boys & Girls Club at Rockport Elementary will offer a variety of opportunities for young boys and girls to engage in fun activities, train physically in sports, and learn and grow educationally
