| President's Corner | | |
As we approach the end of our summer camp season I come to you with optimism and great joy to share on the positive things BGCGW is doing in the lives of our youth.
What a summer it has been for our kids! We ran 15 summer camps at Clubs in DC, VA and MD. In addition to our summer day camps we also provided 8 weeks of residential camp at Camp Brown in Scotland Maryland on the Potomac with the help of our partners the Metropolitan Police Department. This year's Camp was made possible through the generosity of long time Board Member Richard England, and his wife, Lois. On our Annual {Camp Brown} Director's Day, Council Member Mary Cheh joined us to celebrate the first Alumni Day for former campers, many of whom went on to pursue law enforcement and other service careers, and seemed thrilled to be back in this special place. At Camp Brown in addition to our normal camp activities this year we co-sponsored a first-ever International Jazz Camp with the Juilliard School in which we provided youth concentrated training in the performance and theater arts. Also for the first time at Camp Brown, we hosted a truly memorable weekend for parents and kids participating in our H2O(Hope to Opportunity) Program. H2O is a collaboration between BGCGW and the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corp. to provide meaningful programming to homeless youth.
In July, 80 Club members were invited to the White House lawn to take part in First Lady Michelle Obama's fitness initiative "Let's Move". Through Board Member Eric Fremont, Verizon launched an 8 week summer web design program at the Richard England Clubhouse 14 with employee volunteers teaching 30 club members website design in our new Microsoft Tech Center of Excellence. We are now in conversation with Verizon to include an even broader digital learning opportunity for our Members in the future. On August 4th, as part of a State Department initiative our Hopkins Branch (located in public housing in Ward 7) hosted a group of young African leaders from various countries as they came to assist with a day of camp. This community service commitment was a part of their 3 day forum with the President and a broad range of agencies. Details and footage in next month's newsletter and elsewhere on our website.
Speaking of websites, look out for our new look - coming soon! Director Neil Patel has shared his expertise to help us create a more interactive site and to maximize our social media output. As an organization set to turn 125 years old next year, we want to be as appealing as the children and youth we serve.The newly renovated Dunbar Olympic Alexandria Club also has a 75th anniversary next year - our celebration plans are underway.
Momentum continues on our initiative to restart service in Prince George's County. Directors Bobby Mills and Marvin Dickerson joined me, my Senior Team and Lorraine Orr and Henry Saxon from BGCA at a community all-district meeting in Landover, Maryland. Although we have many points of discussion we are leading with the phrase "Children First!" More to come. We are also working very hard with our Regional Board in Prince William County and hope to achieve a positive outcome revitalizing our services there.
Last I share with you the ending of the story that began with the purchase by the City of Clubhouse 10 in Columbia Heights and Jelleff in Georgetown. Late last week we were awarded the contract by DC Parks and Recreation to continue managing the daily operations of these Clubs, transitioning into Community Centers. This is a huge step for us, moving beyond our Club walls to offer youth development services and enrichment programming on what will now be a 7 day a week, family-plus basis. We are excited and we know one key to the success of a child is having at least one supportive adult in their life, and to be able to now focus on ways of serving this broader adult community as well is a wonderful opportunity, of which we will take full advantage.
So, as we approach the challenges we know we face in the coming year - a fragile economy for example; major funding reductions (known as 'earmarks') by the District government; countless programming opportunities without enough staff to bring them to life, I ask you to be positive. Be positive in your outlook, aggressive in your outreach and convinced of our success.
With thanks for all you do,
Pandit
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| Art Gallery | | ICON 10
Visual Arts Winner | |
"Hands Across the Universe"
Quyen Ha, Age 15
Culmore Characer Club |
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TAPROOT Foundation Awards Service Grant to BGCGW
The TAPROOT Foundation has selected BGCGW as a recipient of a Service Grant to assist with the development, design and refresh of BGCGW's marketing collateral. This grant, valued at $45,000, includes consultative services provided by a team of experts in the marketing field.
"We are extremely excited to work with the TAPROOT Foundation team and are looking forward to getting started," says BGCGW's VP of Marketing & Communications Eric Liley. "The partnership represents the ideal opportunity to develop new comprehensive print collateral materials that effectively communicate the positive impact we are having on the youth we serve, especially as we approach our 125th Anniversary."
Taproot Foundation Service Grants are provided through the generosity of pro bono consultants and sponsor foundations and corporations. The BGCGW Service Grant is made possible through support from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.
Realizing that some organizations don't always have access to the marketing, design, technology, management or strategic planning resources they need to succeed, the TAPROOT Foundation's mission is to lead, mobilize and engage professionals in pro bono service that drives social change. Through its partners, TAPROOT helps organizations stay focused on their intended impact on critical issues like the environment, health and education.
To learn more about the TAPROOT Foundation visit
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Taco Bell Foundation & BGCGW Team to Provide College Visits for Teens
On July 13, 2010, the Taco Bell Foundation made it possible for thirty teenagers representing clubs from Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia to tour four Virginia colleges as the BGCGW Summer College Tour 2010 hit the road. From Virginia, the Culmore Branch brought many ambitious teens that were ready to learn. Clubhouse 14 and the FBR Branch represented DC with charismatic teens ready to take action and lead the way. The Silver Spring Branch brought enthusiasm and motivation to meet new people and learn about new places. The positive energy on the bus paved the way for the great visits to Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Hampton University and Christopher Newport University.
The tours. led by currently enrolled students, provide an introduction to college life. The group learned specifics about the respective campuses including its history, class and athletic offerings, application process, living accommodations, student culture and unique strengths. Each institution exposed the group to different college lifestyles opening our teen's minds to the various options available. BGCGW club members asked questions about courses offered, school prerequisites and access to stores and restaurants. As the teenagers walked the college campuses, they imagined themselves as college students. They began to see the benefits of furthering their education.
BGCGW Teen Services prepare and expose our teens to post-secondary education. The Summer College Tour 2010, comprised of teens 14-17 years, is an integral part of that process.
Coupled with the College Bound program, an initiative launched to counsel high school seniors through the college application process, the visits have resulted in greater interest among our teens to seek college admission. The exposure encourages them to take the necessary steps to make the most of the school year in preparation for making their college dreams come true. Thanks to the efforts and positive energy provided by BGCGW Teen Directors throughout the year, our teens are inspired to achieve the goals of their academic plan and career aspirations. |
BGCGW Members Receive School Supplies from NFL Star Brian Westbrook
(L to R) Ron & Zelda Westbrook with Tim Phillips, BGGCW Director of Sports, Fitness & Recreation |
NFL Pro Bowl Running Back, Brian Westbrook partnered with Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington to provide 150 backpacks filled with school supplies for club members. The gift was made possible through Westbrook's philanthropic arm Brian's Blessings.
"I've always admired the longstanding relationship BGCGW has had with the community and am so honored to partner with them to bring backpacks and school supplies to over 150 children this year," Westbrook says, "It's very humbling for me to participate in things like this. My hope is that this encourages the kids to learn and feel like they can be anything they want to be."
Ina letter read to the children, Westbrook encouraged kids to work hard and believe in themselves saying, " My hope for you this school year and throughout life is that each of you will strive to do your very best every single day. Remember to help others and treat them the way you want to be treated. But most of all, I want you to believe in yourself. I believe in you and I know that if you put your mind to it, you can be anything you want to be in life!"
Brian's Blessings was established to help local, less fortunate children foster a sense of high self worth by providing them with the tools they need to learn, play and achieve their dreams. The goal is to raise awareness of the needs of the underprivileged and to provide the empowerment and inspiration these children need to become successful young people.
Westbrook is currently on the West Coast training with the San Francisco 49ers. His parents, Ron and Zelda Westbrook, were on hand to distribute the backpacks and school supplies. |
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Our Kids in Action - Operation:GiveMore
In honor of Patriot Day 2010 (9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance), our Keystone and Torch Club members will be showing their support of those who demonstrate their character and leadership qualities every single day through their service in the U.S. Military. Through Operation:GiveMore, members will be preparing care packages that will be sent directly to our U.S. Troops, specifically, to those soldiers that do not receive goods, letters or simple postcards.
Ten BGCGW locations are currently conducting donation drives. Please consider helping our Keystone and Torch club members meet our organizational goal of filling and shipping 500 packages. You can help...
- With collections - Hold a donation drive at your office and school.
- With shipping - Provide a monetary donation to underwrite the cost of shipping each package.
- With Packing - Sign up to volunteer an hour of your time.
- With all areas of Operation:GiveMore - Show your support in ANY combination of the above.
This project is another example of how BGCGW youth demonstrate their character and leadership skills through action! |
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Capital One and The Heart of America Foundation Provide the FBR Branch @ THEARC with New READing Corner
BGCGW Staff Members Christina Parrish & Elliott Brown (rear) share the excitement of their new READing Corner with members Caprice and Clifton Humphries | Thanks to the generosity of the Capital One Financial Corporation and The Heart of America Foundation, the FBR Branch @ THEARC received a new READing Corner in July. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Angie Halamandaris, Colleen Noland, and Kerri Daddazio from the The Heart of American Foundation; John Finneran and Adam Ostrach from Capital One; and BGCGW members and staff.
As a corporate citizen that invests in programs to enhance the lives of children and families, Capital One works with The Heart of America Foundation to encourage a love of reading across the country. Together they provide books, redecorate facilities and renew community support in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The new FBR Branch READing Corner includes vibrant paint, cozy seating, technology and new furniture. The gift consisted of five new computers, 250 new library books - including 50 financial literacy titles - and presented members with five new books each to start their own personal home libraries. The opening also included a celebration with activities and snacks for members and their families. BGCGW is grateful to Capital One and The Heart of America Foundation and is thrilled to have been selected for this incredible opportunity. |
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WHUT TV Partners with BGCGW
WHUT TV, Howard University Television, is recording a special archive of oral histories that document baseball in Washington. From memories of Griffith Stadium -- located where Howard University Hospital
(Top) Boys Club members Dennis Marcel & Frank Brown at 1962 All Star Game (Bottom) Dennis Marcel today. | currently stands -- to recent Nationals' games, WHUT wants to capture the highlights, magic, and memories of D.C.'s baseball history which tell the story of how both the city and the game has changed over the decades.
BGCGW is one of the community partners for WHUT's outreach initiative for "The Tenth Inning". This project is dedicated to educating young and old about the contributions of the Negro Leagues in American baseball.
"We are thrilled to be included in this monumental celebration acknowledging the players, coaches, fans and fields that make up the game often referred to as America's Pastime. It is inspiring to know that stories from some of our long time coaches and club alumni are woven into the District's rich baseball history. For over a century, Boys & Girls Clubs sports/recreation programs have continued to encourage youth to go that extra inning," said Pandit F. Wright, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.
The stories comprise personal reflections that illuminate events such as the 1962 Major League All Star Game hosted at D.C. Stadium (known today as RFK Stadium). President John F. Kennedy throws out the first ball from the stands. The President watches from the stands with Dennis Marcel and Frank Brown, members of the Washington's Boys Club. Marcel and Brown would witness history starting from the President's pitch to Maury Wills receiving the MVP award for the game.
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Washington Mystics Star Visits Clubhouse 14
Washington Mystics star, Marissa Coleman, is surrounded by BGCGW fans |
Approximately 50 BGCGW members had the opportunity to meet Washington Mystics forward, Marissa Coleman, during her visit to the Richard England Clubhouse 14. All were eager to speak with Marissa about her experiences and even more excited to get on the court and shoot hoops with the Mystics star. BGCGW presented Marissa with an honorary membership to our clubs which she happily excepted and plans to use.
The Mystics franchise is no stranger to Clubhouse 14 and has committed to doing a service project at the club when the Mystics make it to the finals. Let's cheer on our Mystics! |
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Germantown Open House
The Germantown Branch is celebrating its first full year in its completed building and is inviting the community for a day of fun and games. The club will be open for tours and several basketball workshops and tournaments will be held throughout the day. Local business will also have booths set up during the event.
When: Saturday, August 28, 2010
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: Germantown Branch
19910 S. Frederick Road, Germantown, MD
Basketball Workshop Details:
Classics AAU Basketball will be running a 3on3 tournament in the morning on the outdoor and indoor courts. In the afternoon there will be a youth basketball skills challenge and 3- point shooting and slam dunk competitions for high school and older ages.
For more information contact Isaac Berry at 301-353-9600 or
240-482-6312. |
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