Welcome Madison- Morgan Kids to the Boys & Girls Clubs Family

March 3, 2008

ATLANTA (March 3, 2008) –Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) welcomed Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club into its family with a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting on March 1.

Boys & Girls Club staff, as well as community leaders, including Superintendent of Schools Stan DeJarnett; Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Unit Board President Harris Warbington; Mayor Tom Dupree; Marguerite Copelan, president of the Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Joe Hutcheson, principal for Morgan County Middle School;and Mack Bohlen, chairman of the Morgan County Board of Commissioners gathered in front of the club to officially open the Madison-Morgan County Club.

This is the first Boys & Girls Club to open in Morgan County and is located on the Morgan County Niddle School property. A dedicated group of leaders decided the community needed to establish a place for children to go after school, where they would continue to receive the guidance and programming necessary for positive youth development. With much hard work and commitment, their vision came true.

"I want to thank all of our generous community supporters who helped make this new club a reality,” said Harris Warbington, unit board president for the club. “I am always amazed to see the smiling faces of kids who are glad we are here for them. That is what matters, and thanks to many people – our kids, the future of Morgan County – are provided the care needed for them to develop into productive adults and citizens.”

"And, I want to thank BGCMA for opening its doors in our community,” Warbington continued. “Belonging to such a reputable, longstanding organization provides our community the resources, outreach and support we need to sustain our club and possibly expand in the future.” The grand opening celebration kicked off with a ribbon cutting. The Morgan County Middle School band performed, and Club member kids gave tours throughout the day.

"Morgan County is a community that cares deeply about its children” said Dr. Stan DeJarnett, superintendent of Morgan County Schools. “The Morgan County schools reflect that care and commitment in our everyday work with our students. We look forward to a productive partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta in Morgan County on behalf of our children. Together we can help them realize their dreams for the future.”

Several supporting donors were recognized in the day’s event.

The new Club is located at:
Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club
Morgan County Middle School
920 Pearl Street
Madison, GA 30650
(706) 342 - 1117

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF METRO ATLANTA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta operates 24 Clubs in 12 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, please visit www.bgcma.org.