How did this all start?  In 1994, the Community Foundation for Park County (an affiliate of the Wyoming Community Foundation) began the “Youth At-Risk Initiative”.  In 1995, the “Youth At-Risk Initiative” hires a full-time county-wide coordinator to investigate and support new and existing youth oriented programs.  Also, 1995 was the year that retired banker Victor Riley and his wife Marilyn arrived in Cody.  According to a Cody Enterprise 2001 article, their plan was to “build a small country home…and not to be involved at least for a time, because (they) had been so involved in other places.”  But, as the owner of some apartment complexes in Cody, Victor and his daughter Karen realized that some tenants had trouble paying rent in a timely manner.  Karen had the “unfortunate job” of knocking on doors to ask about the rent.  The children often answered the doors.  Karen said, “Those parents weren’t working to buy bigger cars and houses.  They were working to put food on the table and a roof over their heads.”  Clearly, those latch key kids needed a safe and positive environment in which to hang out.  Riley connected with the community, and the idea began to take shape.

For the first summer of operation, the B&GC operated in the Cody Auditorium.  The Club leased the auditorium for $500 a month and used the building Tuesdays through Saturdays.  Hours were generally after school.  By fall, the board moved ahead with securing a permanent space.  Within a year about $800,000 was raised and 20 jobs were created at the B&GC to benefit more than 1,500 Park County kids. 

In 1996, Jr. City Councils were established in Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse.  The Powell Jr. Council and their mentor, Tim Mendenhall investigated the Billings and the Red Lodge Montana B&GCs. In 1997, the “Youth At-Risk Initiative” focused efforts on assessing the needs of Park County’s youth, and a B&GC Board of Directors was formed.

In 1998, Club efforts turned into reality.  The Cody Club opened its doors on June 8^th.  The Meeteetse Club opened June 9^th.  The 100^th member joined August 8^th.  Capital and endowment funds were established on behalf of the Clubs by the Community Foundation for Park County and the Wyoming Community Foundation.  The Powell Club’s opening was slated for September 28^th with a projected membership of 180 members by November 1^st.  By November, 1998, permanent Club sites were located in Cody and Powell.  Arrangements were made to purchase the sites by January, 1999.   Surrounding communities expressed an interest in joining and opening their own Clubs.  Worland was successful in starting a Club, and at one time was a part of the Park County B&GCs.  Since then, they have acquired their own charter and are operating independently.

One of the Clubs’ major donors (Bill Price) has been quoted as saying, “Joanne (Bill’s wife) and I believe we must start early and support our youth to help them prepare for future success”.  I think we could all agree that the earlier we start, the better our chances of reaping the benefits from all of our efforts to raise a positive and productive generation.