(SEASIDE, Calif.) – As part of its expanding green initiative, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) is going solar at their Salinas and Seaside clubhouse locations. The Salinas Club will convert to solar energy by March of this year. Solar installation at the Seaside Clubhouse is expected to be completed by the start of the summer.
Going solar is just one example of the organization’s efforts to model environmental stewardship in underserved communities. Other green practices include use of drought-resistant plants for landscaping, a water catchment and storage system, composting, and recycling. The use of solar panels will reduce carbon emissions by 5,400 tons over the 25-year life of the system, and reduce energy costs by an estimated $80,000 annually.
The solar system installation costs for the Salinas Clubhouse, a 42,000 square foot facility located near Rabobank Stadium, total $250,000. The Harden Foundation provided 100 percent of the funding. Project costs for the Seaside Clubhouse, a 24,000 square foot center operating in a densely populated area, total $190,000. The Hayward Foundation has issued a $100,000 challenge match gift toward that project.
“With the Hayward Foundation challenge gift, we are already more than halfway there,” said Ron Johnson, BGCMC Associate Vice President. “The solar energy system will be a visual example of our commitment to a green environment for our youth. We are looking to partner with additional funders who will join us in fulfilling the match.”
To discuss funding opportunities, please contact Andrea Scott, Director of Development, at ascott@bgcmc.org.
