Gosselin Challenge Grant Campaign a Success
Edward N. Gosselin (pictured above) was an original founder of the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet in 1951, with operations beginning in 1952. At the time, the organization was simply known as the "Joliet Boys Club." Mr. Gosselin established a Financial Trust for the Club after concluding several years of valuable service to the organization, known as the Edward N. Gosselin Trust. Presently, BGC Joliet collects the interest from the Edward N. Gosslin Trust on an annual basis, where it is allocated towards valuable youth programming.
In late 2021, members of BGC Joliet's leadership team were graciously afforded an opportunity to connect with the descendants of Edward N. Gosselin, which culminated in a wonderful tour at our facility. Shortly after the visit, in an effort to support the mission of BGC Joliet, a "Challenge Grant" was issued to BGC Joliet's leadership team by the descendants. The challenge was a goal to raise $125,000 for the Edward N. Gosselin Trust by the end of 2021 (a timeline of 3 months), if successful, the amount would be matched by the descendants 2-1, for a total of $375,000 being added to the principal amount of the Trust.
The Boys & Girls Club of Joliet is absolutely PROUD to announce that not only was the goal successfully reached, it was also exceeded by over $100,000, with a GRAND TOTAL of $483,000 being deposited directly into Edward N. Gosselin Trust! This robust result would not have occurred without the amazing support of additional members of Edward N. Gosselin's family, who made gifts in honor of Mr. Gosselin outside of the original goal amount. All-in-all, Mr. Gosselin's descendants were responsible for approximately 70% of the final amount raised, which is simply amazing!
In addition to the generous monetary gift, which will allow BGC Joliet to expand programs and further grow in the Joliet community, the Gosselin Challenge Grant also served as a valuable journey for the BGC Joliet leadership team. This challenge allowed BGC Joliet to connect the past, present, and future, through layers upon layers of interwoven story and actualize the bigger picture of the Club's mission now, then, and moving forward.
BGC Joliet would like to send out our deepest appreciation to all those who contributed to this campaign. Donors include current and past Board members, advocates of BGC Joliet, and local businesses. The support we received in the Joliet community for this campaign is a true testament to our community's support for the youth in our community that truly need us the most.
To the descendants and family of Edward N. Gosselin, words cannot fully express our appreciation for your involvement and investment in the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet. The legacy of Edward N. Gosselin is alive, well, and resonates through your humble actions.
