MUSKEGON, MI – Muskegon couple will not claim naming rights to new Boys & Girls Clubhouse after making a $1 million donation. 

Chris McGuigan and Gary Neal contacted the Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, to donate $1 million dollars for the renovation of the former YMCA facility, at 900 W. Western. When given the option to name the new clubhouse, they declined. For now, the couple wants the name to remain available to inspire others to donate. 

Chris and Gary took the time to explain why their donation meant so much to them in this video.

The clubhouse is a space intended for youths and teens to feel safe and have the tools, resources, and help to become future leaders. “Everyone says that our kids will become ‘future leaders,’ and it’s true. There are kids that will lead their families, their churches, their factories, their offices, their government,” says Resource Development Director, Deborah Santiago-Sweet, “The new clubhouse is a way to help youths and teens start and continue their journey to becoming adults who contribute to the community in their unique ways.”

Once all funds are collected, construction for renovations on the existing facility will begin in January of 2022 and plan to be completed by 2023.

While fundraising efforts continue, the facility will open today, Monday, June 14th, in its original state.

The health club plans to open sometime this summer. The pool passed all health inspections and will open within the next week or two.

“Our new home will also serve as a community health club. In the early phases of the project we plan to manage operations for the Health Club to help us better support Boys & Girls Club programs and be nimble when working around renovations,” says Dakota Crow, Chief Professional Officer.  “We have hired exercise and aquatic experts to ensure we are doing it right. We are open to adapting the Health Club operating model in the future to best serve the Muskegon area. For now, we are excited to get the facility open and going for our members and the public.”

Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore will continue to update fundraising progress, pool schedules, health club membership costs, and any upcoming events on their website: https://bgclubmuskegon.com/