Dollar Loan Center CEO Announces $3 Million Donation

Oct. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- Southern Nevada entrepreneur and philanthropist Chuck Brennan is “giving back” to his hometown with a $3 million gift to the Boys & Girls Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Brennan Rock & Roll Academy will provide the first ever music education for children in the club, focusing on Rock & Roll instruments including guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums and vocals.

The 6,000 square foot Academy is expected to open in the Spring and includes donated instruments from Brennan’s famous friends like 5 Drum Kit’s from Joey Allen of Pearl Drums and Founder of Warrant, Guitars from KISS, and more from Alice Cooper and Mick Fleetwood.

Brennan, founder and CEO of Dollar Loan Center, operates businesses in Nevada, California, Utah and South Dakota. Born in South Dakota, his first major entrepreneurial effort was when he opened and operated one of the largest Rock & Roll concert halls in the Midwest, The Blitz Ballroom. Iconic bands including Joan Jett, Steppenwolf, Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult all graced the stage at the Blitz during Brennan’s ownership of the venue.

Since then, Brennan’s love for Rock & Roll music has permeated his business ventures. Legends like Alice Cooper, KISS, Mick Fleetwood, Night Ranger and many others are personal friends and often make surprise appearances at Dollar Loan Center events. Alice Cooper, also a philanthropist and founder of the Solid Rock Foundation in Phoenix, was on hand to congratulate his friend during the announcement of the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy.

“I grew up with the Boys & Girls Club, and have a lot of respect for the work they do in our communities,” said Brennan. “I’m thrilled to share my love for music in general with kids who would normally not be able to afford to chase their musical passions.”

Brennan has already appointed a Rock & Roll Ambassador, Kory Van Sickle of the group Kory and the Fireflies. Van Sickle will consult and co-create with the organization, and serve as “…a living example for the students at Brennan Rock & Roll Academy…” said Brennan.

Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire will receive one-on-one lessons with professional musicians, along with band rehearsals to prepare for performances with their peers. Van Sickle will also speak with Academy students and instructors, sharing his experiences with the intention of inspiring the future rock and rollers.

“The facility and music programs will all be offered free to members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire,” said Brennan. “Music is an important part of our culture and can benefit these kids in many different ways. Plus it is just cool!”

Brennan kicked off the Academy with a $100,000 upfront donation and a Three Million Dollar commitment to the program to get the entire state of the art facility up and running and keep it running for 20 years. The Academy is located in the historic Sioux Falls loop, a neighborhood for which Brennan spearheaded a redevelopment project that has sparked an entire neighborhood revitalization over the past 10 years.  He grew up just a few blocks from the Academy.

Brennan lives with his family in Southern Nevada and has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to community organizations including Opportunity Village and Henderson Little League. In both 2011 and 2012, Brennan was the largest single supporter of Henderson Little League which serves more than 600 youth baseball players in addition to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation which helps at risk youth in the Phoenix area.

Brennan is the majority owner of Dollar Loan Center and dontbebroke.com with 75 locations throughout California, Southern Nevada, South Dakota, and Utah.  This year, the company was named a “Best Place To Work” In Southern Nevada by Vegas Inc magazine.  Dollar Loan Center has received several industry awards from their peers for charitable work.  For more information, visit www.dontbebroke.com.

Photo:
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