Justin Thomas Foundation donates $1.6 million to Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana received $1.6 million thanks to the Justin Thomas Foundation.

According to its website, the Justin Thomas Foundation positively impacts children in need, junior golf and military families with the intent of helping all achieve their full potential. PGA golfer Justin Thomas, 31, has won 16 tour events, two major championships and previously held the world No. 1 ranking.

"My family and I are committed to ensuring more young people, through the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana, graduate from high school with a plan that involves honing their skills, igniting their interests and connecting to opportunities that prepare them for the future," Thomas said in a prepared video statement for Monday's announcement.

The Justin Thomas Mobile Learning Center is a $1.6 million investment that will allow for young people to focus on STEM, workforce development and financial literacy.

"This is our largest individual gift in our 50-year history here at the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana," said Daryle W. Unseld Jr., president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana.

The organization said its mobile unit "will yield numerous benefits, including improved academic performance, enhanced personal character, leadership development, increased awareness of healthy lifestyles, and reduced rates of juvenile delinquency and risky behaviors. "

Lillian Cook, a recent Youth of the Year recipient from from the group, said the mobile unit will have an impact she's seen for years.

"With our age groups, we do different activities to help build bonds and create friendships," Cook said Monday. "I have some friends who weren't really sure at first, and, as they kept coming back to the club, they realized what path would be the best for them."

It will take nine to 12 months until the Justin Thomas Mobile Learning Center is ready to roll into a neighborhood near you and expand the mission of the Boys & Girls Club to kids who might never benefit otherwise.

"The Thomas's have been long time supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana and have continued to increase their investment to our organization to support the growing needs of young people in this community," Unseld Jr. said in a news release Monday. "I'm so grateful for their generosity and their commitment to our mission. Their generosity will allow us to expand our mission footprint to serve young people who don't have access to our traditional brick and mortar club houses."

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana, click here.