The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Announces $750,000 Gift To Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Dental Clinic and Teen Center Expand Access to Opportunities for Children in Need

PHOENIX, AZ (December 18, 2013) – Valley children in need have something to smile about this holiday season: The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is providing $750,000 to fund a dental clinic and teen center with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix.

Half of uninsured children in Arizona suffer from tooth decay, which is a leading cause of missed school days and malnutrition. The newly-renamed Bob & Renee Parsons Dental Clinic will provide extremely low-cost dental care for thousands of uninsured and low-income children, many of whom have never seen a dentist before. With four operatories and a full-time staff, the Clinic will provide over 8,000 procedures annually.

“The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation makes it possible for us to deepen our impact with the children who need us most,” said Amy Gibbons, President and Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. “With their generous support, we can provide life-changing dental care for children suffering from pain and malnutrition caused by tooth decay.”

“Providing quality care for children is a guiding principle of our Foundation,” said Renee Parsons. “We believe that the Dental Clinic and its pediatric services will make a significant impact in the overall health and well-being of the community.”

The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation’s gift also supports the teen center located at the Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch. The Bob & Renee Parsons Teen Center, which will be significantly expanded to better accommodate the demand, provides safety, free meals and positive opportunities to hundreds of mostly low-income teens after school.

“Without the teen center I don’t know where I’d be … probably hanging around the streets,” said 14 year old Metro Phoenix Club Member Ismark.

“The new teen center means we’ll actually have our own space to study, participate in leadership programs and just have fun hanging-out with friends,” added 17 year old Stewart Branch Youth of the Year Jerry Jimenez. Jerry will be graduating high-school shortly after the new center opens. He plans on going into the medical field and becoming a surgeon someday.

Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix has empowered young people in Phoenix and the West Valley to reach their full potential as caring, productive, responsible citizens. Nearly 23,000 children and teens count on 12 clubhouses after school and during the summer for safety, hot meals, positive friends and countless opportunities to be great.

“Part of making this community a better place for everyone is helping to make sure that the appropriate resources are available when a need arises,” said Bob Parsons. “Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix is a shining example of an organization that is answering the needs of the Valley’s most vulnerable youth through programs targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty and raising all-star kids. Renee and I are proud to support their good work.”

If you want to help vulnerable children in the Valley reach their full potential, visit www.bgcaz.org.