The local branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale will soon be rocking with the best of them, thanks to a recent donation to build a media production room.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, several residents gathered at the home of Tom and Tina Duffy. As they have done several times before, they focused on the local McKee branch of the Boys & Girls Club.

However, that evening was a bit different than past events; this time it was Mary Ellen McKee, along with her husband Robert, whom the club is named for, who made an important announcement concerning the club’s future.

The McKees announced that they have contributed the funds necessary to build the Stratton-Lovell Family Multimedia Center. This state-of-the-art center will allow club members to professionally record, play and edit music.

Additionally, there will be state-of-the-art video and editing capabilities in this center.

The idea for the project came from Mrs. McKee, who wanted to do something special to honor both the Stratton and Lovell families, who have done so much for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale over the years.

Jim Stratton was the organization’s president and CEO for nearly 15 years. Graham Lovell was a club parent and son-in-law to Mr. Stratton, who passed away last year. Graham was a tremendous lover of music, for which his two sons also share a passion.

The plan for the building was unveiled by Mrs. McKee, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale President and CEO Steve Davidon, and Senior Vice President of Operations Tom Shaughnessy.

When Mrs. McKee came to the organization wanting to do something for the Stratton and Lovell families, the idea for the multimedia center was born.

Shaughnessy then flew to California to visit a few other organizations to look at their multimedia centers.

“It was important to Mary Ellen that we offer a state of the art, top of the line facility for our members,” Shaughnessy said.

“That is exactly what we intend to do.”

Branch Director Justin Duran said, “This is going to be something that sets the Boys & Girls Club apart from any other youth agency in town.

“It, once again, shows how the Boys & Girls Club is firmly committed to the youths and teens in the Town of Fountain Hills.”

The project is expected to be completed and opened in January of 2015.