On the right, Mike Gibson with Fresno Lexus and Kathryn Weakland with Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County hold up a check with club young members. Photo by Ben Hensley

Fresno Lexus presented a dollar-match check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County on Monday, affirming the partnership between the auto dealership and the nonprofit.

The $6,434 donation was part of a partner-match campaign that saw the Fresno auto dealership match donations up to $3,000 during the holiday season. Children from the organization’s Zimmerman and Pinedale clubs attended the event and were invited to take a group photo by the car promoting the fundraising drive, in which many of the organization’s members were given the opportunity to sign and write personalized messages thanking donors.

Fresno Lexus President Mike Gibson said that he’d seen the “write on cars” promotion before, adding that the exposure generated brought attention to both the dealership and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

“We were excited to partner with the Boys and Girls Club,” Gibson said. “It’s such a great organization and, of course, investing in our youth is so important.”

Last year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County celebrated their 75th anniversary, marking their efforts to provide safe, interactive, fun environments for children after school.

Fresno Lexus has also supported local children-service nonprofit organizations in the past; last year the dealership and Big Brother’s Big Sisters of Central California partnered with one another with Fresno Lexus providing free service on their new fleet vehicle for the first year following a $1 million donation from the George & Melodie Rogers Foundation.

Kathryn Weakland, Vice President of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County said that the lives changed by the organization would not be possible without support from organizations like Fresno Lexus.

“On behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County, we extend our deepest gratitude to

Fresno Lexus for partnering with us to raise essential funds for youth,” Weakland said. “During a critical time of year funds like these provide resources for disadvantaged kids, empowering them with opportunities, support, and hope for a brighter future.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County operates 14 clubs, with many located in rural areas of the county, providing much-needed supervision, assistance and educational opportunities for youth ages 6-18. Annual memberships for the club are $10.

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County, visit their website or call (559) 266-3117.

“We were excited to partner with the Boys and Girls Club,” Gibson said. “It’s such a great organization and, of course, investing in our youth is so important.”

“When the Boys & Girls Club approached us with an opportunity to raise money…having these kids come in and write on the vehicle was fun and it gave us a lot of exposure,” Gibson said.

Lexus said they’d match a certain amount of money if the donations hit that level.

Gibson said he’s seen the “write on cars” promotion before, and added that it was good exposure for a fantastic organization.

“We’re just grateful for the Boys & Girls Club and always appreciate everything they do,” he said. “We’re grateful for the donors that made these donations — thank you to them. It’s a great cause.”