Boys & Girls Clubs in Financial Straits

Facing a significant financial crisis, the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara has launched an emergency fundraising drive in hopes of generating $300,000 in the next 60 days. The organization runs four clubs — the downtown branch is independently operated — serving 5,000 kids from Lompoc to Carpinteria. The problem became apparent late last year when club administrators found their grant awards were coming in $150,000 less than anticipated. Likewise, a mountain retreat property they rent out to camps generated $100,000 less than expected. Rumors have been circulating that the Westside facility — which serves 200 kids a day — could close as soon as 3/15 or experience significant cuts, but club administrators insist that won’t happen.