Boys & Girls Club Day in Indiana

Did you know December 15 is officially Boys and Girls Club Day in Indiana? Governor Mike Braun signed a proclamation naming Boys and Girls Clubs of Elkhart County directly and declaring this special day in our honor.

One of our own Middlebury members, Kaden Todd, traveled with President and CEO Dr. Tami Hicks to Indianapolis for the ceremony. Kaden presented Governor Braun with a painting and a pair

of Boys and Girls Club socks as a small token of the Club’s appreciation. He even had the special honor of sitting to the governor’s right as the proclamation was signed.

“I was pretty nervous, but Governor Braun was really nice. He even gave us a tour of the mansion!” Kaden said.

After the signing, Governor Braun led the group on a personal tour through the Governor’s Mansion. They visited his office, the dining room, kitchen, basketball court, and garden.

“It was really cool to see his office. I got to see his desk, and he told us some stories about being a dad and his plans for Christmas,” Kaden shared.

Dr. Tami Hicks reflected on the importance of the day. “Today’s proclamation is more than a statewide recognition. It is a reminder that Boys and Girls Clubs change the trajectory of young lives every single day. We are deeply grateful for this honor, and we remain committed to ensuring every child in Indiana has access to a safe, inspiring place to grow.”

The proclamation recognizes the essential role Clubs play in preparing Hoosier youth for great futures through safe, structured, and mentoring-rich environments. It also honors the Boys and Girls Clubs movement across Indiana, including 30 local organizations serving more than 180,000 youth at over 185 clubhouse locations.

Every day, over 1,400 kids call the Boys and Girls Club their home away from home. They are part of a much larger story, one that stretches across the entire state and touches the lives of thousands of young people who walk through Club doors filled with potential and ready to explore great futures.