“Great Futures Start Here” -  An Agenda for America’s YouthBGCA National Spokesman Denzel Washington and Director Ron Howard Issue a Call to Action to America on Behalf of Millions of Youth Most in Need.To raise awareness about critical issues facing our nation’s young people, Boys & Girls Clubs of America unveiled a new public service announcement, directed by Ron Howard, featuring 21 prominent Club alumni including Washington and co-spokesperson Jennifer Lopez.

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Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs premier recognition program for Club members, promoting service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The program is most effective when used as a year-round tool for fostering young people’s character, personal growth and leadership qualities.

Local Clubs recognize members ages 14 to 18 as Youth of the Month winners and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competitions. State winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives up to an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.

As a mentor, you are encouraged to:

• Encourage and foster academic excellence.
• Provide opportunities to assist in writing, critiquing, and encouraging teens to write essays that are well thought out, logically organized and grammatically correctly.
• Follow-up with school for transcripts, examine school report cards, and encourage and recognize improvement.
• Encourage participation in service projects in the Club and community.
• Help members develop public speaking skills.
• Help teens understand the importance of good character and encourage them to demonstrate it often.

Mentors are encouraged to communicate with mentees weekly, and attend monthly Youth of the Year Sessions.

To learn more about the Youth of the Year Program.  Please contact Tia McLaurin at 919.834.6282 or via email — tmclaurin@wakebgc.org

Raleigh – The N.C. Division of Public Health’s Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch has selected eight Wake County organizations to receive Healthy Places, Active Spaces grant funding to help local children, youth, and families eat healthier foods and get more physical activity

RALEIGH, NC– Caleb Thomas, an eight-year member of the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club, has been named the Youth of the Year for the state of North Carolina by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).  In addition to winning this prestigious title, Thomas will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation.  Twenty-eight candidates competed against him for this prestigious tittle during a two-day judging process last weekend in Rocky Mount, NC. He is among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills, and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.  This program was founded more than 61 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

Last year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County produced yet another state winner, Xavier Del Rosario, who is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in athletic training. “We are very proud of the accomplishments of our young people, and we have high hopes for Caleb Thomas in the regional competition later this summer”, says Ralph Capps, CEO/President of the Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County.

At age 14, Caleb began working as a counselor and a lifeguard during the summer at the organization’s owned camp.  His duties included being in charge of nearly 100 children, ages 6-12, and he became their comforter and guide.  He recounts the time he was awakened at 2 am by a crying and homesick camper, which provided him an opportunity to comfort the child and avoid a late night call to distant parents.  Caleb also has recognized the needs of many of his elderly neighbors and shares his time to mow their lawns, rake leaves, water plants, and even give some occasional technology assistance. 

Caleb, 17, is a senior at Wake Forest Rolesville High School, where he currently maintains a 3.25 average, while loading himself with AP History and Honors Chemistry, English, Algebra II, Spanish III, and Spanish IV.  He has served as the Vice President of the Latin Club and co-captain to the soccer team, while still maintaining his grades.  During his sophomore year, he was team leader of a four-person team that went on to win first place in a statewide technology camp.  That experience helped teach him time management, leadership, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.  He clearly values education and is determined to gain as much as possible from his high school experience. 

In June, Caleb will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA’s Southeast Region.  If named regional winner, he will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington D.C..  The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by President Barack Obama during a ceremony in the Oval Office.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County

For more than 44 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs has served young people ages 6-18 in Wake County, NC.  Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  Today, more than 4,100 children and teens are Boys & Girls Club members in one of the seven Clubs in the county.  To make an investment or to volunteer, call (919) 834-6282 or visit our website at www.wakebgc.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57% said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

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 (Zebulon, NC) – More than 400 children currently involved in the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club are one step closer to getting a new building and 600 potential new friends after today’s groundbreaking for their new 15,600-square-foot clubhouse facility and outdoor activity area located at 1320 Shepard School Road in Zebulon. 

 The Boys & Girls Clubs will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, March 21 at noon with Board Members, donors, community supporters, elected officials and Zebulon Boys & Girls Club members present.

When completed in 2012, the new Zebulon Club will have the capacity to serve 1,000 members. The Club currently serves 420 members within its 3,600 square-foot mobile unit on the campus of Zebulon Middle School. 

“We have been talking about this day since the Kitahata family donated this land to us back in 2001. We are able to officially begin construction on this long-awaited project thanks to Wake County’s award of a $550,000 in Community Development Block Grant and commitments from several businesses and individuals who have gotten our campaign off to a great start,” said Ralph Capps, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs. “We hope that these early pledges will be a strong incentive for other businesses and individuals to do their part to ensure that Zebulon has a great Boys & Girls Club for its young people. We are most grateful for their support.”

Several donors cited the opportunity to impact young lives and support the community as driving reasons for their contributions.  “Since Nomaco moved to Zebulon in 1988, the people of Zebulon have always supported our businesses,” explained local businessman and campaign donor Marc Noël.  “Contributing to the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club is a way to give back and invest in the futures of thousands of children.” 

The Zebulon Club is one of seven Boys & Girls Clubs in Wake County.  All together, the Wake County Clubs serve more than 4,200 children each year, providing educational support, citizenship and leadership development, life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.  For the past six consecutive years the Boys & Girls Clubs report a 100 percent graduation rate from high school for those students who remain with the Club their entire high school years, grades 9-12.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  To make an investment or to volunteer, call (919) 834-6282 or visit www.wakebgc.org.

Groundbreaking at Future Home of Zebulon Boys & Girls Club

WHO:   

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County Board of Directors and Personnel
• Zebulon Building Committee
• Capital Campaign Donors
• Community Supporters
• Mayor Bob Matheny and Members of the Zebulon Board of Commissioners

 WHAT:   Groundbreaking Celebration – Zebulon, NC

The Boys & Girls Clubs will break ground on construction of a new 15,600-square-foot clubhouse facility and outdoor activity area that the Boys & Girls Club plans to build on four acres of land. 

 WHEN:   Monday, March 21, 2011 at 12:00 P.M.

WHERE:   Future Home of Zebulon Boys & Girls Club

WHY:     This new facility will allow the Boys & Girls Clubs to serve 1,000 children and teenagers (600 more than currently served) upon completion in 2012. 

 ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF WAKE COUNTY

The Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  To make an investment or to volunteer, call (919) 834-6282 or visit www.wakebgc.org. 

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 Boys & Girls Clubs Kick Off the 2011 Positive Place For Kids Campaign In an effort to raise $1,200,000

Raleigh, NC, February 14, 2011 – The Boys & Girls Clubs is holding a kick off event for its annual Positive Place For Kids Campaign at the Brentwood Boys & Girls Club on Tuesday, February 15^th, 2011 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at 2025 New Hope Church Road in Raleigh. The goal set for this year is $1,200,000, which is $100,000 more than last year.  With the help of individual and organizational donations, the Boys & Girls Clubs has high hopes of attaining this ambitious goal.  Renee Chou, reporter and anchor for WRAL, will lead the program.

Currently, the Boys & Girls Clubs serves more than 4,300 children ages 6 to 18 in seven locations in Wake County; it also offers a summer day camp in Nash County.

The 2011 Positive Place for Kids Campaign is headed by Gordan Brown from Alfred Williams & Company, as well as the Co-Chairs for the public site Mark Lee from Baker Roofing and Kevin Carlin from Millennium Pharmaceuticals.  More than 150 community volunteers will help raising funds until mid-May, 2011. The 2011 Positive Place For Kids Campaign also features a $25,000 challenge grant that will match any new or increased online donations and $50,000 for offline contributions received during the campaign.  Lead donors such as RBC Bank, Wachovia, the Kids ‘N’ Community Foundation, and Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation will be recognized for their generous investments. 

Funds raised through the 2011 Positive Place For Kids Campaign will sponsor children to attend summer camp and provide quality after-school programs in character and leadership development, health and recreation, the arts, and technology. A contribution of $5,000 can provide team sports leagues for 250 members.  A contribution of $400 can purchase six month’s worth of school supplies for 25 members.

The public and media are invited to attend the kickoff and may RSVP to Marymac Webb at (919) 834-6282 or Mwebb@wakebgc.org.

The Positive Place For Kids Campaign is a reflection of the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  To make an investment or to volunteer, call (919) 834-6282 or visit our website at www.wakebgc.org.

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$50,000 grant from Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation will provide funding for building renovation and camp improvements

 WHO:    Lowe’s representatives Tony Freeman, Store Manager, Dianne Chappell, HR Manager, and Dwight Jones, District Commercial Account Specialist; Renee Chou, WRAL News Anchor/Reporter; Gordon Brown, Chairman, Boys & Girls Clubs; Board of Directors, Boys & Girls Clubs; Campaign Volunteers; Jennifer Clements, Promotions Director Mix 101.5 and 99.9 THE FAN

WHAT:     Annual Campaign Kickoff– Raleigh, NC

 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County was awarded a $50,000 grant from Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation to fund the renovation and upfitting of the Raleigh Boys Club, the Raleigh Girls Club and the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club as well as the organization’s owned summer day camp facility in Nash County. Projects range from replacing existing gym lights, gym roof and HVAC unit to replacing old thermostats and fencing at properties.

Since 2009, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation have donated more than $2 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

WHEN:                 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2011

WHERE:              Brentwood Boys & Girls Club

ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF WAKE COUNTY

The Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  To make an investment or to volunteer, call (919) 834-6282 or visit www.wakebgc.org. 

About Lowe’s

Lowe’s is a proud supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, SkillsUSA/Skills Canada, and The Nature Conservancy, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities in North America. In 2009, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $30 million to support community and education projects in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lowe’s also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe’s Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe’s is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2009 sales of $47.2 billion and has more than 1,725 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit Lowes.com/socialresponsibility.

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