INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A lot of excitement surrounds Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium. After the events are wrapped up, the Mid-Summer Classic will leave a lasting legacy in Kansas City.
Funds from Major League Baseball and the Royals charities helped gut and renovate the building used by the Boys and Girls Club. About a dozen kids got a sneak peek at the new club on Saturday and they couldn’t believe their eyes.
The old building had a lot of open space but not enough meeting rooms. Also, there weren’t enough bathrooms which meant the kids waited in line when mother nature called.
“The kids will be shocked and thrilled,” said Dave Smith, president of the Boys and Girls Club.
Aside from the renovated space and spacious bathrooms, the club has a new art room, meeting rooms and soon to be completed state of the art kitchen.
“All new walls, floors, lightening, hvac, doors, windows all of that is brand new and the biggest issue is having the space designed and layout so we can carry out our different programs,” Smith said.
MLB and the Royals Charities have given $3.5 million in donations to several area organizations and we’re told the Boys and Girls Club received a significant portion of the funds. Akimmy Wheeler, the Missouri Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year says the renovations give the building a new energy and vibe.
“This is a place kids can get a sense of belonging, gain acceptance and build strong lasting relationships with new friends they’ve met at the club,” Wheeler said.
The Royals and MLB hope the new facility is a more positive place for kids to build great features. The Boys and Girls Club is also hoping to add a teen center to this facility once its able to raise $500,000 to complete that phase of the renovation.
