The Boys & Girls Club Story

Clubs Mobilize for Tornado Victims

Our thoughts go out to communities in Oklahoma, in Texas and other parts of our heartland as they cope with the devastating damage and loss inflicted by last week’s massive tornados.

Thankfully, our Oklahoma City Club and its members were spared any harm. Further south in Texas, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hood County suffered damages to one unit. But the brunt of the destruction was borne by its members, including 40 kids whose homes were completely destroyed. To support the Club with an online donation, go to BGCHoodCounty.org. Or make a $10 donation by texting the word HOOD to 80888. (Data and text rates may apply.)

In the wake of this tragedy, our Boys & Girls Club family has, once again, stepped up. Take, for instance, the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Wisconsin’s Karen DeSanto and Michael Johnson of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Wis. As part of an eight-vehicle convoy, they helped deliver 26 volunteers and $15,000 in supplies to Oklahoma City. Similar efforts are taking place throughout the country, from Texas to Arkansas, from Michigan to California.

A shout-out to all the Club staff and members who have mobilized in support of tornado victims – your hard work and generosity to assist communities in need are cherished.

National Conference Attests to Clubs’ Impact on Youth

Being involved with the Boys & Girls Club Movement for many years, I’ve met countless outstanding Club professionals and board members. Nothing represents their collective impact on America’s youth quite like BGCA’s annual National Conference, the 107th of which took place last week in Orlando.

Conference attendees stream into the ballroom for another exciting session.

Conference is a lot of things. For one, it’s a learning experience; a chance to glean insights from experts in youth development and related fields, and apply them back home. It’s also an opportunity to recognize outstanding Club staff for contributions to their profession. But more than anything, the conference is proof positive that Clubs help kids succeed.

All week long, we saw how the Club brings out the best in young people. From talented youth performers who dazzled audiences, to inspiring Youth of the Year winners whose stories of obstacles overcome held thousands in rapt attention.

We saw the proof in our newest Alumni Hall of Famers: an astronaut, a Congressman, a best-selling singer, a paralympic athlete, a baseball legend, a pro bowler, an hotelier and a career military officer. While their ages and achievements were diverse, their memories of the Club and its impact on their lives were remarkably alike – fresh as if they’d just happened.

Yes, our National Conference means many things to many people. To me, it offers proof that Boys & Girls Clubs change and save young lives – and a reminder of why we do what we do.