Investing in Possibility: Supporting Youth Through the Boys & Girls Clubs

At The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, we believe that when young people are surrounded by encouragement, opportunity, and mentors who believe in them, incredible things can happen.

For decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale have created spaces where young people, many from underserved communities, can build confidence, discover their talents, and envision brighter futures.

Over the years, Bob and I have been proud to support their work and the young people they serve. More recently, we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate milestones that reflect what’s possible when communities come together around youth, each one reinforcing the belief that when we invest in young people, we invest in stronger communities.

Our work with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley began over a decade ago, including a meaningful milestone in 2014 when we made a multi-million-dollar gift to establish the Bob & Renee Parsons Branch. That investment was about more than a building. It was about creating a consistent, welcoming place where young people can show up every day, be supported by caring adults, and find stability in an environment designed for them. It also helped create much-needed space for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s staff and administrative team, giving the organization a stronger home base from which to support Club members across the community.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley has also been an incredible partner in the Renee Parsons Scholarship Awards, often referred to as the “RP Scholarships.” Since 2018, the program has recognized outstanding young women connected to the Clubs who are preparing to take the next step in their education.

This year’s scholars are already making an impact. Yadhira, our 2026 Renee Parsons Girls Leadership Award winner, is dreaming big, including studying abroad. Siena, our 2026 Renee Parsons Girls Excellence Award recipient, is inspiring younger girls with her confidence and kindness. Supporting young women as they pursue their ambitions and step into leadership roles is something I care deeply about, and these students are a powerful reflection of what’s possible.

I was also honored to celebrate alongside many generous supporters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley at their 2026 Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars Gala. This event always stands as an inspiring reminder of the role these young people will play in shaping our future workforce, economy, and community. Moments like these shine a light on the many people, such as staff, volunteers, families, and community partners who show up every day to support youth and help them reach their full potential.

In addition to our longstanding partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, we have supported Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale through meaningful opportunities that align with our commitment to youth. In 2024, we supported the building of a new gymnasium at the Steve & Maria Sanghi – Tonalea Middle School Branch in South Scottsdale. The project is transforming space at Tonalea Middle School into the organization’s 10th Club location, made possible through the generosity of many supporters committed to expanding opportunities for youth. The future Bob & Renee Parsons Gymnasium will be a state-of-the-art, shared-use space where Club members, Tonalea students, and youth from the local community can stay active, build confidence, and connect with trusted adults and friends.

We also had the joy of celebrating with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale community at the 2026 Celebrate Youth Gala. The evening honored the remarkable young people whose lives are shaped by the Club experience every day. The energy in the room was a reminder that behind every program and every after-school activity are stories of determination, confidence, and growth.

The Boys & Girls Clubs have long understood a simple but powerful truth: when you invest in young people, you invest in the future of your entire community. 

Every tutoring session, every leadership program, every safe place to spend an afternoon adds up to something bigger – confidence, resilience, and a sense that someone believes in you.

That’s why Bob and I remain so passionate about supporting these organizations. The Boys & Girls Clubs don’t just create programs; they create possibility. 

And there is nothing more powerful than a young person who knows their future is full of it.

Cheers to Great Futures!