Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, MLS: Works, and the Seattle Sounders have sponsored an overhaul of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue Teen Center’s music room; outfitting it with new soundproofed doors and windows, and filling it with brand new gear including recording
equipment, microphones, snakes, guitars, and a new drum set. Thanks to the Sounders and MLS’s dedication to giving back to kids in their community, The Club can finally run its music program concurrently with other after school programming without the interruption of wailing guitars and pounding drums. Teen bands can practice while other Club members can participate in after school programs, including, the BE GREAT: Graduate mentoring program, Club Tech, and Diplomas 2 Degrees
college prep meetings.
The grand opening for the new Sounders’ “Sound Wave” Recording Studio will kick off Wednesday March 5 at 2:30 at The Club teen center, 15228 Lake Hills Blvd. The opening will include the Taco Time truck handing out free burritos and mexi-fries, kindly donated by Taco Time, appearances by some of the Sounders, and the Sound Wave band performing!
The Sounders have an extensive relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. They supported the grand opening of the new Teen Center in July of 2012, and Sounders Brad Evans and Taylor Graham even joined in the festivities. This remodeled former library helped The Club triple programmable space and included a technology center, stage and practice room, teaching kitchen, and art room. This $20,000 investment by MLS and the Seattle Sounders will help expand the Club’s robust music program, which includes a weekend concert series, sound engineering internships, music lessons, and a leadership group called the Music Advisory Board. “We have been looking for a way to soundproof the music room to
make the Club more functional. Now the music program can run at the same time as the rest of our programs. We are so grateful to MLS: Works and the Seattle Sounders for stepping up and helping us create an amazing space for teens to explore and create music,” said President Kathy Haggart
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue was established in 1952. Currently the organization has 13 sites throughout the City of Bellevue and serves children 2 ½ – 19 years of age. Club programs include the Project Learn
After-school Program, structured athletic leagues, Preschool, and Teen specific programming. For the past 60 years, the Club has provided the young people in our community with something they need and
want most – a safe environment where adults respect and listen to them, and where they can have fun!
Our mission follows that of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.