In the RTO business, we see lots of children who do without and these are the kids I wanted to help: the children of some of the customers I see everyday.
Gary Hughes, ColorTyme Franchisee

Because of the outstanding commitment and generous support we receive from Gary and Jutta Hughes, we are able to continue to live up to that promise and meet the needs of every child in our community.
Jon Evans, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley

Gary and Jutta Hughs with kids from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley. The Hughs' gave $26,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs to sponsor 324 children through their Gary and Jutta Charitable Foundation.

Though Gary Hughes has set the pace as a trendsetter in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry, he’s looking now to set trends a little closer to home. This past summer, Hughes and his wife, Jutta, gave nearly $26,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley, to sponsor 324 children through their Gary and Jutta Charitable Foundation.

Each of the 324 ‘CashTyme Kids’ received free membership for the Boys & Girls Clubs’ summer program and also a $30 activity card allowing them to participate in community activities such as swimming, roller skating, and bowling. All of the children benefiting from the donations qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Hughes and his wife also plan to continue their support through the Clubs’ fall after school program and expect many of the same ‘CashTyme Kids’ to participate.

“I really can’t think of a better way to give back to our communities and customers than to provide a safe and positive environment where children can take advantage of computers, crafts, and sports,” Hughes said. “It’s a great solution for many of their parents who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford child care, but also provides a fun, structured place for kids.”

Hughes first became involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs in 1995 after attending a local fundraiser. He soon became a member of the Board of Directors and supported an annual auction benefiting the Clubs’ works. In 2003, Hughes launched the ‘CashTyme Kids’ program in the Clubs’ Clarkston facility and expanded it to the Lewiston-based program in 2005.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley never turns a child away because of financial hardship,” explains Jon Evans, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley. “Because of the outstanding commitment and generous support we receive from Gary and Jutta Hughes, we are able to continue to live up to that promise and meet the needs of every child in our community.”

Though Hughes’ term ended on the Board of Directors in 2003, Jutta took over his seat and has since chaired an annual auction benefiting the Clubs. In 2006, the auction reached its highest level yet, raising more than $212,000 to benefit members of the Boys & Girls Clubs.

“In the RTO business, we see lots of children who do without and these are the kids I wanted to help: the children of some of the customers I see everyday,” Hughes said. “I’ve learned that there are so many great kids that truly want to grow and develop if only given a chance. I really believe in supporting the part of the community that your business is involved in, that’s why the Boys & Girls Club is such a great fit for ColorTyme.”

ColorTyme, Inc. is the oldest franchised rent-to-own or rental purchase company in the United States with nearly 300 stores.