November 19, 2004

West Evergreen celebrates reopening of Boys and Girls Club

K.O.N.A. neighborhood eyes space for education and recreation uses

The renovated Boys and Girls Club-Smythe Clubhouse in West Evergreen celebrated its grand reopening Nov. 8.
The $750,000 improvement project funded by the William D. Smythe Family Foundation and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency (SJRA) included a new facade, new paint, upgraded bathrooms, new lighting, floor and wall coverings, impact-resistance windows, front entry and reception area and renovations to the gymnasium.

Mayor Ron Gonzales attended the reopening of the Boys and Girls Club/Smythe Clubhouse.

San José Mayor Ron Gonzales, Councilmember Dave Cortese, and Philanthropist Bill Smythe joined the Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley and residents from the King Ocala Neighborhood Area (K.O.N.A.) for the celebration.

“Our children are the winners as the result of this partnership with our community,” said Mayor Gonzales. “The people of San José have shown again what can be done when we all work together to achieve the most important goals for our neighborhoods and families.”

The K.O.N.A neighborhood ranked improvements to the clubhouse as the residents’ priority No. 3 in their neighborhood revitalization plan through the San José Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI).

“We are very excited that we got the funding for this project,” said Gloria Rivera, a representative of K.O.N.A, “and we are very grateful to our mayor and to Mr. Smythe for making such a big donation.”

Formerly known as the Eastside Boys and Girls Clubhouse, the renovated building is located at 2195 Cunningham Ave. where the Boys and Girls Club has owned and operated it since 1968. The clubhouse serves over 750 members per year with after-school recreation and educational programs, but due to its age and high usage, it was in need of extensive repairs.

“The community’s interest in revitalizing this clubhouse, to the point where they ranked this project so high in their top 10 list, really demonstrates their commitment to safe and positive outcomes for youth,” said Councilmember Dave Cortese. “This is yet another example of residents pooling together their talents and time for the betterment of the whole,” he added.

Bill Smythe of William D. Smythe Family Foundation provided $500,000 for the renovation while the San Jose Redevelopment Agency provided $250,000 additional funding to finish interior and façade improvements.

“Seeing these kids is enough thanks—knowing what this can do for their lives,” said Smythe, who was named outstanding philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 1992.

In addition to the clubhouse renovation, the Boys and Girls Club will use a federal grant of $750,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to pay for new soccer and football fields in the future.

“We continue to find creative ways to deliver neighborhood priorities in SNI areas,” said Harry Mavrogenes, the new executive director for SJRA. “This project is an example of how the agency collaborates with many partners to improve the quality of life for the San José community.”

The Boys and Girls Club provides the community with programs and activities in the areas of character and leadership development, education and career opportunities, health and life skills, sports, fitness and recreation and the arts.

“We’re proud to provide opportunities in an area of San Jose where the community needs, wants and appreciates our services,” said Steve Tedesco, executive director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley.