BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER NORTHWEST INDIANA CELEBRATES NINE

OUTSTANDING TEENS AT 2025 YOUTH OF THE YEAR EVENTCHECKOUT

CHALLENGE STARTING APRIL 7 WILL BENEFIT REGION YOUTH

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER NORTHWEST INDIANA ANNOUNCES

SUCCESS OF 2024 RETURN TO LEARN MATCH CAMPAIGN

OCTOBER 21FEBRUARY 28APRIL 4, 20254, Portage, Ind. – From April 7 to 13,

2025, Strack & Van Til customers can make a big impact with small change through the

grocer’s Checkout Challenge Round Up, benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater

Northwest Indiana. During this weeklong campaign, shoppers across the Region will

have the opportunity to round up their total at checkout, with all proceeds supporting

local youth.

Each day after school, one in five children are left without a safe and structured

environment, according to the Afterschool Alliance. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater

Northwest Indiana fills this critical gap by offering affordable after-school programs for

kids ages 5 to 18, ensuring thousands of children have a safe space to learn, grow, and

succeed.

“Funds raised through the Checkout Challenge Round Up help us keep our doors open

and our programs strong,” said Mike Jessen, President & CEO of Boys &Girls Clubs of

Greater Northwest Indiana. “We serve more than 8,000 youth annually, many of whom

face economic hardship, food insecurity, and other daily challenges. Thanks to partners

like Strack & Van Til, we’re able to support these kids through homework help,

mentoring, sports leagues, music classes, and much more.”

Recent Club enhancements include sensory rooms for neurodivergent children, an

interactive music program, and upcoming dodgeball and flag football leagues. Major

initiatives currently underway include a new teaching kitchen and community cafe in

Portage, major renovations to the Gary Club, and new leadership and career

exploration programming set to launch this fall.

The Checkout Challenge Round Up is part of Strack & Van Til’s 95-year tradition of

philanthropy and community engagement across Northwest Indiana.

PRESS RELEASE

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, including how to

donate or volunteer, visit  bgcgreaternwi.org .

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (BGCGNWI) held its annual Youth of

the Year event last night, an inspiring evening honoring exceptional teen Club members

for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and commitment to their

Club and community. This highly anticipated annual event, with Presenting Sponsors

Toyota of Merrillville, Powers Health, and M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. took place at Avalon

Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. 

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership development

program, celebrating young people who have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and

a deep dedication to making a positive impact. The nine teens honored this year have

shown extraordinary determination in overcoming challenges, excelling academically,

and leading efforts to improve their Clubs and communities.

“I couldn’t be prouder of all our candidates,” shared Mike Jessen, President and CEO of

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “They have been working hard for

months preparing for this night, working with their mentors to write their speeches,

preparing resumes, and learning about professional dress and etiquette. Sharing their

stories, challenges, and aspirations to a packed room of over 350 people is a testament

to their courage. You could feel the love and support in the air last night, and it’s a

reflection of our mission in action.”

Throughout the evening, guests heard firsthand accounts from the honorees about their

journeys and dreams. One exceptional finalist, James Adams Jr., a 17-year-old who

attends the Hammond Club, was named the 2025 Youth of the Year and will go on to

compete at the State level in April, with hopes of advancing to the Regional and

National competitions with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“I feel like I have everybody counting on me and looking at me, knowing that I have to

achieve this, and finally I’m able to fulfill their dreams and make them proud. I’m on

cloud nine; it feels beyond fantastic. I am amazed at everybody I met along the way,

too. Its just a wonderful program and it feels amazing to do this,” said 2025 Youth of the

Year winner James Adams Jr. Attendees had the opportunity to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest

Indiana’s life-changing programs, which provide mentorship, academic support, and

leadership development for thousands of young people across the region. 

The event also featured BGCGNWI"s PALS group of young professionals who helped

mentor the teens, with PALS member Ben Blohm serving as master of ceremonies.

Guest speakers included board member Jason Lammertin and Portage Club Director

Gerald Watt. The Youth of the Year panel of judges included representatives from

Boeing, Natron Corporation, Porter County Career and Technical Education, Sage

Popovich Inc., and Terrys Discount Windows & More LLC.

Those interested in supporting the mission of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater

Northwest Indiana may do so by visiting bgcgreaternwi.org/give .

For more information about the 2025 Youth of the Year event, including a

comprehensive list of sponsors, please visit  bgcgreaternwi.org/2025yoy .

Boys &Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (BGCGNWI) announces the success

of their 2024 Return to Learn match campaign, which took place September 12-28 and

coincides with the beginning of the new school year. Thanks to the community’s

outpouring of support, BGCGNWI not only reached its $100,000 match goal but

exceeded it by more than double with a grand total of $211,799 – an impressive 50%

increase over their 2023 Return to Learn campaign.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana provides safe and enriching

environments for young people, offering programs focused on academic success,

character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles. Serving over 8,000 youth

annually throughout Lake and Porter Counties, the organization is committed to

ensuring that every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential as productive,

responsible and caring citizens.