MORE: Former students tour Lakota’s Union School for final goodbye
In addition to Boehner, speakers will include Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Dana Pink, regional director of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Other local dignitaries will also speak.
The public is invited.
More than $6.2 million has been raised toward the $6.8 million project, according to Patti Alderson, a Boys & Girls Club board member who has led the fundraising effort.
Funds raised include a $750,000 grant from DeWine's office. In addition, the club received a $300,000 grant from the state budget.
Lakota Local Schools paid a majority of the costs to demolish the former school.
The new building is estimated to be completed by the beginning of 2018.
“We are so excited to host this groundbreaking,” Alderson said. “This is truly a community effort led by parents, teachers and business professionals who saw a need in the community for every child to have access to a fun, safe place to go after school.”
There are more than 1,140 independent Boys & Girls Clubs of America organizations across the nation, according to the association website.
“The Boys and Girls Club makes a difference in our student’s lives,” said Eric Bauman, principal of Liberty Junior School and a board of directors member. “Every day, I see the positive impact of adult role models. Students are completing their work, finding success in school and seeing big dreams as possibilities in their lives.”
In addition, The Boys & Girls Club will host its third annual fundraising Steak and Burger event on Nov. 2 at the Center Park of West Chester Holiday Inn in West Chester Twp. Guest speaker is Evander Holyfield, a four-time U.S. heavyweight champion boxer who is a Boys & Girls Club alumnus. Cost is $125 per person or $200 per couple. For tickets, visit www.bgcwcl.com.