The Radisson conference room was beautifully decorated for a special luncheon hosted by the McAllen Boys and Girls Club. Local leaders, school officials, and many supporters who dedicate their time and resources to this community organization came together to celebrate. Young club members took the podium to speak to the valued guests as the music quieted.
It was soon announced that a new facility would undergo renovations to accommodate more kids in the McAllen area, which currently has two facilities serving over 18,000 children. In December, representatives from the Club, the school district, and city leaders gathered for the ceremonial signing of the agreement for the new facility.
Boys and Girls Club CEO Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar announced that the new facility will be located at the former Bonham Elementary property on Jordan Street in South McAllen, purchased from McAllen ISD. “This is a historic moment for us,” Gonzalez-Alcantar said. “This will be our largest space at 13 acres. We are moving into a new area and are excited to meet the needs of families and children in South McAllen.”
The new acquisition resulted from a collaboration between the Boys and Girls Club’s board members, McAllen city leaders, and McAllen ISD leaders. Mayor Pro-Tem and McAllen City Commissioner Omar Quintanilla was one of many local leaders who consistently contributed to the organization’s growth.
“It not only provides a safe place for the young people of our community, but also offers a healthy environment for them to grow,” Quintanilla said. “For me, that’s significant. We are giving our next generation the chance to develop mentally and physically. Over time, those benefits will be incorporated into their lives.”
However, the new facility wasn’t the only major announcement at the luncheon. One McAllen staff member, Alexia Avendano, who works at Morris Middle School, recently received the Boys and Girls Club of America National Staff Member of the Year award.
Avendano attributes this recognition to her efforts and other staff members who dedicated just over a month to establishing a Boys and Girls Club chapter in Uvalde. While the award is an honor, her primary focus remains on the Club’s ongoing development. “It’s never about me; it’s for the members,” she said. “I love these kids, and I’ll do anything for them.”
Renovations for the Bonham facility will begin in early 2025, and it is planned to open to children shortly thereafter. In addition to the numerous services currently available for local children, the new facility intends to enhance many of those offerings and potentially introduce new ones.
Every parent and child who utilizes the valuable services offered by the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen understands that its members are being instilled with essential life lessons. The current Board President, Cynthia Gutierrez, shares this sentiment. “We will create a safe space for everyone who walks through our doors,” she says. With the Boys and Girls Club, success is attainable.”
As the agreement was officially signed, colorful confetti filled the air, bringing smiles and excitement to everyone in the room. They all recognized that their hard work and commitment to helping and educating the children in their community would yield wonderful outcomes.
