Over the past four decades we served thousands of young people and made them into productive, caring and responsible citizens. Many former Club members have achieved success by getting an education, raising a family, serving their country, pursuing a career or supporting the community.

Dr. Willie J. Burden

Associate Professor of Sport Management at Georgia Southern University

“Everybody remembers that one kid on the block who had everything, the baseball and bat, basketball, football, bicycle, roller skates, etc., and you went to his house to play all day long. Well, in the sixties, in my old neighborhood, we didn’t have that guy. My next door neighbor had a basketball and horseshoes—and boy we kids were grateful for that. But, it wasn’t until the Boys & Girls Clubs opened its doors that finally, we had the house where we could play all day long! Most of us neighborhood kids went there every day before the doors opened, and we were the last to leave at closing time. Our parents felt relieved to know where we were, because they knew the Boys & Girls Clubs was a safe place—not running the streets with the wrong crowd. I was introduced to games I had never played before, like foosball and table tennis. They even had real boxing gloves and boxing matches. I won my first and only boxing match, and I quickly realized I didn’t want to be a boxer. Instead I became a professional football player and university professor. The Club was a great experience for me as well as my two younger brothers, Wayne and Marcus. I have fond memories of the safe, welcoming, and fun times I had as a kid at the Club. Those are the reasons my sons were members and why I still support our local Club today.”

LeVelle Moton

Head Coach,
Men’s Basketball at North Carolina Central University

“To be completely honest with you, the Boys & Girls Clubs is the reason that I am alive today. I come from a housing project that only produced six college attendees over a span of 35 years, and those six had one thing in common—and that was the Boys & Girls Clubs. I joined the Club when I was five, and it immediately became a safe haven for my older brother and me. My life was extremely complicated, and each day I was forced to make a decision that could mean life or death, literally. The staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs showed me that I could be someone and that there was a life for kids outside the housing projects. Socially, athletically, and morally, I could not ask for anything more. Needless to say, I owe everything that I am to the Boys & Girls Clubs. To me, it is truly the Club that beats the streets.”

Megan Burge

Special Assets Coordinator at Capital Bank

“When I grew up in Wake Forest, the Boys & Girls Clubs was the only major after-school provider in the area. Many kids whose parents worked full time went to the Club because it was the safest solution. I have very fond memories of the Club, and I recall many first-time experiences as well. For instance, I learned to play team handball, and I earned my first art award. Another opportunity that was provided to me through the Boys & Girls Clubs was the exposure to numerous public speaking engagements. My involvement in several leadership and character development programs fostered and shaped my ability to speak comfortably and self-assuredly in front of large groups of people. But at the Club I also learned the meaning of true friendship. I met my very best friend there, and I have since then maintained a multitude of friendships that began at the Boys & Girls Clubs. I would not trade this experience for anything, and I hope that many other children will have the chance to call their Boys & Girls Clubs their second home.”

Robert Green

Enloe High School, Class of 2010, Honor Roll Student

“Never did I believe that I would ever get the opportunity to express myself through the arts. Growing up in a singleparent home was stressful and challenging for my mother, but she encouraged my sister and me to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs in order for us to be influenced by positive and caring adults. After realizing my passion for the violin at the age of seven, I felt a lot of discouragement while trying to reach my goals. The staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs really had an impact on me. They always believed in my talent and provided me with opportunities that I would not have had outside the Club. For years, I would borrow my teacher’s violin, but one Christmas, the board of directors presented me with my very own violin. It was at that moment that I realized that you should not give up on your dreams and that you should be yourself. The Boys & Girls Clubs has enriched my life so much that all I can do is smile when I reminisce on the times that I experienced at the Club. I am thankful for the lessons I learned and for the moral support I received.”

Are you a former Club member? Share your story with us at news@wakebgc.org