The Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club sign glistens in the sunlight at the new facility and on the sign is a new addition that reads, “Liz and Claude Grizzard Campus.” Claude Grizzard and his wife have been committed the Boys & Girls Club movement for over 60 years and were integral in the PNBGC coming to life in 2010.

For Claude this new addition to the PNBGC name is deeply meaningful.

“Liz and I were totally shocked when this was announced. It was a complete surprise. The PNBC Club means a lot to me and to Liz also - we were greatly honored by the naming,” he shared. “It gives me and Liz a real sense of pride in what has been accomplished these past 10 years. As I mentioned at the Grand Opening, 1380 kids have been members in the past and many more will be members moving forward.”

Claude first became involved with PNBGC in 2010 to begin fundraising for the Club’s existence. From there Claude served as chair on the initial PNBGC board and saw the Club secure continued support.

“Two things happened later on that really kick-started things in the right direction. In 2012, the Nance family agreed to give the club’s endowment $1 million to name the club the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club,” he shared. “Then in 2013 Mardel Kolls successfully got us a state 21st. Century grant that meant $2.5 million spread over 5 years for a middle school program we called PEAK.”

Bob Mackey, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, shared how Claude Grizzard is a mentor and a friend.

“Claude is always a yes for the youth and it shows through his years of service to the movement, he said. “Having Liz and Claude on the PNBGC is a way to continue to celebrate their offerings for years to come.”

Claude and Liz are happy to see where the Club is now and how far the Club has come from its early days. And, they are confident the Club is in good hands.

“The Club is in excellent hands. We have an almost $3 million endowment, a new state of the art and paid for building, an excellent staff and a lot of kids who are excited about being members of the Club, he said. “The board also has excellent leadership and involved board members.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boy & Girls Clubs visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance.