"The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County has come a long way since first opening its doors 20 years ago. Of those 20 years, one of our biggest accomplishments is the opening of the Berard Center. A Stevens Point Center to provide more of our county's youth with endless opportunities and skills to grow their great futures.

This throwback is an article from February 2016 that talks about the grand opening of the Berard Center.
The article goes on to include,
“Standing out in front of that campaign were the Berards of Stevens Point, who pledged $1 million to the campaign. They were joined by Delta Dental of Wisconsin, which also pledged $1 million. The campaign ultimately raised more than $4.4 million.
More than a year later, the facility will be unveiled to the community during a grand opening on February 6th, and those who attend will see its new name, the Berard Center, over the entrance of the front door.
“We wanted to do something that would be a legacy for our family,” said Bob Berard.
The Berards said they initially were inspired to become supporters of the Boys & Girls Club through their friendship with John and Patty Noel and became regular donors to the organization’s annual campaign.
But that changed when Bob and Mary, owners of Paramount Farms in Bancroft, got a chance to look at the plans for the new Stevens Point facility. The couple agreed they wanted to do more and settled on their biggest donation yet or $1 million.
“I was blown away when I heard what they wanted to do,” Kevin Quevillion, executive director of the Club. “It helped make this project happen and is going to help so many kids in the community.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County provides youth in grades 1 through 12 the opportunity to receive homework instruction, healthy snacks and meals, and various enrichment programs. Opened in 2002, the Club has grown to eight locations serving more than 1,400 members.
Quevillion said the new facility will allow the club to provide its programs to ever-growing numbers.
According to the club, an additional 300 children are expected to be served annually by the Berard Center, and membership is expected to grow by more than 24 percent.
Getting to see the facility complete has only reinforced the couple’s decision to make their donation, according to Mary Berard. There’s a high ceiling in the main lobby which gives the space the feel of a ski lodge and offers kids space to play pool, foosball, table tennis, and air hockey. There’s The Club, the teen center, with a café where youth can get snacks along with a lounge and areas for games or socializing.
The Creativity Center, an art space, along with the Learning Center, a classroom space, is clean and bright with projects already started.
Across the hall is The Studio, a room with wooden floors and musical instruments ready for performances, and down the hall is the Delta Dental Smile Club where children can receive dental care, such as cleanings.
“We saw the plans and drawings, but when you actually walk in and see everything it is so much better,” Berard said.
The Berards say the plan is to continue to support the Boys & Girls Club and hope that others do as well.
“Just because this building is done doesn’t mean they won't still need our help, but we are fortunate to live in a generous community,” Berard said."

We are so appreciative to the Berard Family, Delta Dental, and all those supporters who helped make the Berard Center possible. We continue to be a place for our youth to thrive and are excited to see just what may happen in another 20 years!"