Boys & Girls Club Clears Major Hurdle With Tax-Exempt Status

Organizers of the Menifee Valley Boys & Girls Club cleared their last major hurdle this week by receiving approval from the IRS on their application for federal tax-exempt status.

Sue Kristjansson, chair of the club's board of directors, received word on Monday that the group's request for 501(c)(3) status has been approved. This is a significant development because it maximizes the club's business operations and allows donors to make tax-exempt contributions.

According to Kristjansson, this will allow board members to move forward with a membership drive and additional fundraising activities. Some funds have been collected so far, but the next few months will be important in not only registering participants, but receiving donations.

The group's original goal for public donations was $40,000.

"I was uncomfortable having people sign up or make substantial donations before we had all our approvals," said Kristjansson (right). "We will have news about several fundraisers and we have subcommittees working on various planning aspects."

One of those subcommittees is working on electronic factors, including setting up a Facebook page and a website. Once this is established, there will be an easy way for people to both make donations and apply for the various programs the club will offer. Currently, donations can only be made via regular mail.

Kristjansson said the target date for opening the club's facility for before- and after-school activities is Jan. 1, 2014. Once club officials receive all the paperwork from the IRS, they can sign a lease to use the former Menifee Elementary School on Garbani Road.

Meanwhile, the club will soon begin accepting registration for its basketball and soccer programs, to begin this fall. According to Kristjansson, the club will create as many teams as are needed to accommodate all those who sign up.

"It would pain me to turn anyone away," she said.

Kristjansson said the board's original estimate of the maximum allowable enrollment for the before- and after-school programs was 100, but that number is flexible. First, they must gain access to the school and determine how much of the facility is appropriate for use. Also, that number will depend somewhat on the response of the public.

Menifee 24/7 will publish details as fundraising and registration announcements are made.