Girls Inc. ready to walk to raise cash for new HQ

LYNN – Girls Incorporated of Lynn has organized a community walk next month to raise the final funds needed to complete a move to its new home, the former Shoe School at 50 High St.Girls Inc. officials say contractors are putting the finishing touches on the like-new building, and hope to have the move completed by the end of spring.The organization first purchased the school building in 2007, undertaking a $10 million renovation project that will provide a newer, larger facility to house the non-profit’s offices and programs, which have outgrown their present Broad Street location.Its present home offers only a tiny gymnasium/auditorium and is nestled in a residential neighborhood, which makes expansion impossible. At their new home, the organization was able to add a 14,000 square foot addition to the rear of the school building, providing a state-of-the-art gymnasium and room for additional office space.Girl’s Inc. purchased the 178-year-old structure in 2004 for $700,000.The city’s first high school had been sitting vacant for several years and was considered an eyesore on the outskirts of the Highlands neighborhood.The multi-million-dollar renovation was covered through loans and tax credits, but Girls Inc. was about $2 million short of paying off the project in September. While donations and other fundraising efforts have brought in the majority of the difference, the group is still short of its goal and is hoping the community will walk to support the effort.”Throughout our capital campaign we have been so impressed with the community’s continued commitment to the empowerment of the young women of Lynn,” Director of Development Joan Lawrence said in a press release. “The Walk for Girls will give us a chance to celebrate together the collaborative efforts that have helped us to complete this project.”Registration for the 5K, or 3.2 mile walk is free, but participants who want to walk are asked to raise at least $25 in donations for the organization. Registration forms can be found at www.girlsinclynn.org along with sponsor forms to keep track of pledging donations.Participants are also asked to visit www.firstgiving.com/girlsinclynn where they can network with friends and family online to raise more funds.Firstgiving.com allows individuals to create their own social networking page where visitors are able to make a contribution to the participant’s cause right from the web page with a credit card.The Web site also allows users to honor a loved one with a direct donation in that individual’s name.The Walk for the Girls will take place Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. beginning at the organization’s 88 Broad St. offices. Participants are asked to arrive at 9:30 for registration.For more information look at the Girls Inc. Lynn Web site or call Lawrence at 781-592-9744 x 262 or email at [email protected].