Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 12/23/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Boys & Girls Club will have some high-tech toys next year, thanks to an early Christmas gift from Balise Lexus.
Jeb Balise, president of Balise Motor Sales, presented the Main Street club with a $40,000 donation on Dec. 15. Dan D’Angelo, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club, said the gift will fund e-sports gaming systems, Infinity touch-screen game tables and a Ninja Warrior training system.
D’Angelo explained that the e-sport gaming system is primarily aimed at teens, and will allow them to compete in video game tournaments based on sports leagues such as the NFL. He predicted the club would acquire the system by the end of January or early February.
He continued, “With the Infinity game [tables], there are about 130 different games available,” allowing club members to play beloved board games such as Monopoly or Candy Land using a table with an electronic display, without having to worry about finding the box or losing the pieces. The system is accessible and has options for children of all ages. In addition to the games, D’Angelo said there are some educational aspects to the system, including addition and multiplication practice. He said the gaming tables should be installed by Jan. 1.
D’Angelo said the Ninja Warrior training system will arrive in the gym by February. He said this system has over five apparatuses or levels, to entertain everyone. Children can use the equipment to improve their agility and physical fitness, said D’Angelo. It will be particularly useful during the winter months, he said, as the weather limits outside access.
As the club is undergoing renovations, D’Angelo said he hopes to have at least two or three of these new programs arranged within the gymnasium.
D’Angelo expressed his gratitude to Balise Lexus. Amid a pandemic where kids are “going through a lot,”D’Angelo said, the efforts of donors like Balise do not go unnoticed. “Their support is tremendous,” he said. “They made a possibility at the club a reality.”
During the check presentation, D’Angelo informed the children at the club that the outdoor fields they currently play on had also been made possible through donations from Balise.
“We thank Mr. Balise,” he said.
Mayor William Reichelt recognized Balise for being a “great community member” in West Side.
Jeb Balise identified the efforts of his team along with the assistance of their friends at Lexus.
While millions of children are provided with a safe space due to the Boys & Girls Clubs across America, Lexus will also be providing a $300,000 charitable donation to support them.