Atlanta, BE GREAT During National Boys & Girls Clubs Week
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta celebrates March 22-28 with activities and engagementMarch 13, 2009
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA), a local non-profit focused on youth development for at-risk children, celebrates National Boys & Girls Club Week by addressing children’s needs and encouraging the community to get involved and BE GREAT for the kids.
March 22-28, 2009 is National Boys & Girls Clubs Week – a time to recognize Boys & Girls Clubs’ role in the Atlanta community and a time to call on Atlanta to support the children in our community.
The theme for this year is BE GREAT. BGCMA challenges its children every day to push through challenges, overcome adversities and encourages them to BE GREAT.
BGCMA invites the community to participate in National Boys & Girls Club Week by getting involved, learning more about their local Boys & Girls Clubs and supporting during a time when children need us most. Visit www.begreatatlanta.org to learn what you can do during National Boys & Girls Club Week.
The following outlines some challenges children face and what BGCMA is doing to address these challenges for National Boys & Girls Club Week.
Engage Teenage Boys & Girls with Positive Mentors – Young Professionals Get Involved to BE GREAT
Who: Club Blue, BGCMA’s Young Professionals Group
What:
Club Blue men & women serve as mentors for teenage boys and girls during National Boys & Girls Club week. The Women of Club Blue kick off their girls mentoring program, “Women of Distinction.”
The men of Club Blue will participate in BGCMA’s Passport to Manhood mentoring program. Each program is designed to address the specific concerns and issues girls and boys face in their daily lives.
When:
March 26 – Women of Distinction Kick Off
March 28 – Passport to Manhood
Where:
Women of Distinction – Various Clubs
Passport to Manhood – Fiserv in Norcross, GA
Why:
Girls and boys face issues in their daily lives where they need positive guidance. Young professionals of Atlanta who recognize this need and who want to make a difference are engaging with Boys & Girls Clubs teenagers. Each program will engage the teenagers in discussions and activities that reinforce positive behavior and empower them to make responsible decisions
Educate Atlanta Families on Healthy Opportunities with Community Health Fairs
Who:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is hosting community health fairs and education programs throughout metro Atlanta
What:
Boys & Girls Clubs in the Metro Atlanta area will host health fairs to educate families on healthy living and provide fun activities, educational information and health screenings.
When: Friday, March 27, 3-8 p.m.
Where:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta locations. Visit www.bgcma.org for location information in each community.
Why:
The health fair will bring together community business and resources to provide overall health assessments, blood pressure screenings, dental and vision screenings, and educational resources on breast cancer awareness and physical fitness.
Celebrate Leaders Who Have Committed Support with Benefit for the Children
Who:
Following Boys & Girls Club Week, BGCMA will host its annual Hometown Heroes event to honor Arthur M. Blank, The Coca-Cola Company, former President of BGCMA Jerry Tipton and Executive Director of Warren/Holyfield Boys & Girls Club Gail Johnson.
What:
Each year, BGCMA honors individuals and organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the Atlanta community with an annual event — Hometown Heroes. These “Hometown Heroes” are business and community leaders, through whose time, talent and resources, improve the quality of life for our youth by providing promise and the opportunity for a brighter future. In addition, a mock Boys & Girls Club will be set up on the field, hosted by BGCMA kids, for attendees to tour and enjoy the Club experience.
When:
Thursday, April 2 2009
6 p.m. VIP Reception
7 p.m. Dinner
Where: The Georgia Dome – 50 yard line
Tickets can be purchased online at www.bgcma.org or call 404-527-7101 for more information on tickets and sponsorships
Why:
Honoring supporters who make Boys & Girls Clubs possible is important to recognizing the philanthropic efforts of Atlanta. These heroes are leading by example and giving back to the children and families in Atlanta who need a place like BGCMA. The event will benefit BGCMA programs.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF METRO ATLANTA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta operates 30 Clubs in 13 metro counties in addition to Camp Kiwanis and Youth Art Connection, a gallery and workspace for young artists. A trained and professional staff serves more than 17,000 youth annually by offering specialized programming and a safe haven for at-risk and underprivileged children and teens. Memberships cost only $35 per school year but scholarships are available for those who need assistance. For more information or to make a promise to metro Atlanta children, please visit http://www.bgcma.org
