In The Media
Here you will find links to articles and stories of interest to the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Children's Charity Spotlight: Boys & Girls Clubs
I'm one of those really lucky people who truly love – and get fulfillment from – their jobs. Not long ago I joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica (SMBGC) as Director of Development, which is to say that I'm responsible for fund-raising. I start this post with this in the interest of full disclosure. Yes, I could have buried this at the bottom of this post or in my biography but I don't because the story of how I arrived here is relevant to why this wonderful organization deserves to be spotlighted here today.
To read the full article, click here
LOS ANGELES PORT POLICE RESERVE OFFICER SHAQUILLE O'NEAL RAISES MONEY FOR REGION'S BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS
National Basketball Association all-star and volunteer Los Angeles Port Police Reserve Officer Shaquille O'Neal introduced a new milkshake for Millions of Milkshakes over the weekend, and 50 percent of the proceeds for the next three months will go to the Los Angeles County Alliance of Gateway Boys and Girls Clubs.
To read the full article, click here
As the national graduation rate falls, Denzel Washington's work with the Boys & Girls Clubs takes on new urgency
“Like so many parents these days, my father worked two and three jobs to take care of us,” says Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, who credits the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) with helping him stay out of trouble. Washington has been a BGCA spokesperson for 18 years – work that's become more important than ever amid reports that dropout rates are approaching 50% in some American communities. The U.S. is now the only industrialized country in the world where young people are less likely than their parents to graduate from high school. “The hours between 3 and 6 p.m. are critical,” Washington says. “That's when kids need homework help, tutors, and mentors, but many are going home to empty houses.”
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Coca Cola Pledges to Match $10,000 In Donations Before the End of August
Coca-Cola recently held its 2nd annual “Live Positively Triple Play” basketball tournament at Staples Center. Over 500 members from the 27 LA County Alliance Clubs participated.
Leslie Billinger, Commercial Execution Leader for Coca-Cola in LA, said, “Coca Cola is proud to be a partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and sponsor the ‘Triple Play' program.” The program emphasizes good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being.
In addition, Coca-Cola committed to match our donors' donations up to $10,000 to support the LA County Alliance throughout August. Donations can be made here or text “BeGreatLA” to 20222 to make a $5 donation.
Bank of America Pledges Even More Support
Bank of America continues its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs LA County Alliance by committing $100,000 and donating 500 tickets to a Dodger game. In addition, Bank of America associates will be visiting Clubs in September to present “Your Financial Future” workshops to tweens and teens.
At Dodger Stadium, Jim Ventress, Chairman of the LA County Alliance and CPO of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita, Michaela Pereira, anchor for the Channel 5 Morning News and member of the Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach Board of Directors, and David Walker, Director of the LA County Alliance, presented a recognition gift to Gina Adams, Market Development Manager for Bank of America, and Garrett Gin, Sr. VP of Corporate Social Responsibility for Bank of America, on behalf of the LA County Alliance.
Los Angeles and Boston Put Center Court potlight on Challenge for a Cause
The historic rivalry between Los Angeles and Boston basketball fans spins off the court and into the stands this year. The Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Los Angeles and Boston area are launching a mobile text and online giving challenge to extend the fan experience during the NBA playoffs. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Boys & Girls Club Alumnus, announced a friendly challenge toward Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Boston fans to see who can raise the most "smiles and support" for local Boys & Girls Clubs.
To read the full article, click here.
The Walt Disney Company Renews Corporate partnership with $155,000 Grant and Disneyland Tickets
The
Walt Disney Company continues their corporate partnership for 2010 with a grant
of $155,000 to be shared with all the Clubs in LA County as general operating support
along with 50 tickets to Disneyland. In addition, The Walt Disney Company is working
with the Clubs to help youth learn more about taking care of the environment through
their "Friends for Change" program. Each Clubs will be awarded an additional $500
for club members to develop an eco-friendly project in their community.
Bank of America Gives $100,000 support to the Boys & Girls Clubs as a 2010 Partner
Keith
Drake, Sr. VP with Bank of America, announced at a mid-year retreat with all of
the Boys & Girls Clubs Chief Professional and Volunteer officers of their $100,000
support to the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Keith serves on the board of directors of the Challengers Club and was a Club kid — and helped bring this gift to the Clubs so they can make greater impact in kids lives and in the communities that need safe, positive places with mentors for kids.
Program lets kids express creative side
The kids at the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley have never been to an art gallery, but few can argue that their paintings don't belong in one.
To read the full article, click here.
Local Boys & Girls Club receives 10,000 free Halloween costumes to give out to area children
About 150 jubilant kids funneled into a recreation room at the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Slavik Center Monday to claim one of more than 10,000 free Halloween costumes donated to the organization.
To read the full article, click here.
Dropouts costing California $1.1 Billion Annually in Juvenile Crime Costs
Study finds that cutting the dropout rate in half would save $550 million and prevent 30,000 juvenile crimes a year. Law enforcement urges more dropout-prevention programs.
To read the full article, click here.
Salesian Boys & Girls Club working with schools and parents to combat Inhalants
Los Angeles youths' nitrous oxide use has adults taking action. Parents are getting the word out about the harmful inhalant, and an Assembly bill limiting sales of small canisters has been introduced.
To read the full article, click here.
Boys & Girls Club opens clubhouse at Adams Middle School
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica celebrated the grand opening of its latest state-of-the-art Clubhouse at John Adams Middle School (JAMS). Over eight years in the making, the new clubhouse was selected at JAMS due to its proximity to thousands of struggling families in need of affordable, quality after school services
To read the full article, click here.
High school dropouts cost U.S. $319B over lifetime
ATLANTA (AP) - Former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise says high school dropouts from the class of 2008 will cost the country $319 billion over their lifetime.
To read the full article, click here.
