Ten-year gift continues the couple’s decades-long commitment to creating brighter futures for local youth
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota is honored to announce a transformational $1 million commitment from longtime supporters Gary and Jane Marsden. The gift, which will be distributed over the next 10 years, will strengthen the organization’s ability to provide safe places, caring mentors and life-changing opportunities for youth throughout Central Minnesota.
Gary and Jane Marsden made this gift in memory of Mark Sakry, former legacy Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club. Mark’s leadership helped shape Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota into the premier youth-serving organization it is today.
Gary and Jane have been involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota almost since the organization’s inception. Their generosity, leadership and belief in the potential of every child have helped the Club grow from its humble beginnings into one of the region’s leading youth-serving organizations.
Gary is considered one of the Club’s founding volunteers. As a member of the St. Cloud Jaycees, he became involved during the organization’s earliest years and helped establish a foundation of community support that continues today.
“Our mantra is that if you’re lucky enough to do well, you ought to do good,” explained Gary. Throughout his career with Marco, he demonstrated a deep passion for strengthening the community and has encouraged local businesses to play an active role in improving the places where their employees live and work.
In 1998, Gary became a founding member of the Boys & Girls Club’s Board of Trustees. Today, Gary and Jane both serve as members of the Board of Trustees, continuing to provide leadership, guidance and advocacy for the organization.
The Marsdens have generously supported each of the Club’s capital campaigns, helping create and improve spaces where young people can feel safe, supported and inspired. They have also been committed supporters of the Southside Boys & Girls Club’s Partners for the Future program.
In addition to their lifetime of annual and capital support, Gary and Jane are members of the Boys & Girls Club’s Legacy Circle, recognizing individuals who have included the organization in their estate plans. Their new $1 million commitment further demonstrates their desire to ensure that the Club’s mission remains strong for generations to come.
“The thing that makes the Boys & Girls Club unique is their passion for helping kids,” said Gary and Jane Marsden. “We often ask the question: what would St. Cloud be without the Boys & Girls Club, and the answer is that it would be much less of a community.”
“We are grateful to support an organization that has such a lasting impact on youth, families and our entire community,” Jane said.
In 2015, Gary and Jane received the Lifetime Commitment to Caring Award, one of the organization’s most prestigious honors. Established in 2004, the award recognizes community members who have gone above and beyond to help Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota fulfill its mission. Gary and Jane were recognized for their involvement dating back to the Club’s earliest years, their support of its growth and their unwavering dedication to the Central Minnesota community.
“Gary and Jane’s extraordinary commitment is an investment not only in the Boys & Girls Club, but in the future of our entire community,” said Mary Swingle, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club. “For decades, they have stood beside our organization through every stage of its growth. This generous gift will ensure that thousands of young people continue to have access to the relationships, experiences and opportunities they need to thrive.”