Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County

This August, I’ll be embarking on a 900-mile bike-packing adventure across British Columbia & Montana with a group of friends and family: the BC Boys Saddle & Summit. I'm excited for the journey—but even more excited for the opportunity to ride with a purpose.

I’m proud to be raising funds for the Lummi Nation Boys & Girls Club in Bellingham, WA. Located on the Lummi Reservation, this Club was created through a partnership between the Lummi Nation—original stewards of the land along Washington’s northern coast and southern British Columbia—and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County.

Since opening in 2017, the Club has become a vital community hub, serving over 600 Tribal youth members, providing 100 after-school meals daily, and supporting 400 participants in sports programs. It’s one of only six Native American Clubs in the region, providing a safe, supportive, and empowering space where young people can thrive: Lummi Nation B&G Club

Your donation can help ensure the kids continue to receive the mentorship, education, and opportunities they deserve. Please consider making a generous contribution—and join me in making a difference in the lives of these incredible young people. (Your donation goes directly to the B&G club, 501 (c)(3), EIN - 91-0549511; note that your donation is processed by the Paypal Giving Fund).

I'd appreciate your donation by July 31, 2025!

Be sure to follow our ride updates on my Instagram page: @jamesiguser

Let’s ride for something bigger!

-- James Badalamenti

Thank you very much for your donation!

About

On 310 N 6th Ave stands a 100-year-old brick-red building. Since the Edmonds Boys & Girls Club opened in 1968, it’s been a place of belonging, adventures, and academic support for over 80,000 youths. Within its walls, kids have thrived with newfound confidence, skills, and friendships. Heavily worn gym floors have experienced the thunder of aspiring athletes dribbling across the court and going for the win. Supporting all the activities has taken its toll on the outdated building and updates are outpaced by the increasing need for space.

Imagine this, a leading-edge building with new amenities like a computer lab, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) Center, and more than doubling the current space to 12,000 SF and integrated with the landscape of the redeveloped Civic Center Playfield. The Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County (directed by Bill Tsoukalas) alongside local business leaders (Mike Echelbarger, Doug Dewar, Adam Cobb, Jim Morino, and Mark McNaughton) are spearheading a campaign to raise the needed $6 million to finalize this reality. Over $850,000 has already been raised through private donations.

More than ever the importance of community has been felt by all of us, and this is a chance to get involved in creating something for the future of our neighborhood. You are already part of it with your attention in reading this article. Thank you. With every share on social media, every conversation about the project, and every gift of any amount, you will be empowering the youth of the future. Our collective momentum can get this leading-edge building closer to breaking ground. Let’s do this for them.

Contacts

Joanne Neuman

[email redacted]

Bill Tsoukalas

[email redacted]