THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER LEE COUNTY

THE POSITIVE PLACE FOR YOUTH & TEENS!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

OF GREATER LEE COUNTY  

4/27/10

Contact: Meaghan Brantley, (404) 431-4956 (cell) (meb0003@auburn.edu)

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

Non-profit organization hosts tournament to benefit local sports teams

Event sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation, organized by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee

County

WHAT: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County basketball teams are competing in a

tournament to raise money for all of the organizations’ sports leagues.

WHEN: Friday- Sunday, April 30th-May 2nd, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Auburn University basketball arena, located directly across from the baseball stadium

on S. Donahue Drive.

WHO: Both male and female teams of all ages will be competing in their own brackets against

one another. There will be a league champion announced in each age group for both the boys and

the girls.

AUBURN – The Auburn University basketball arena will host a fundraising tournament for the

athletic teams of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County. The event will begin at 10 a.m.

and conclude at 5 p.m. each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission to watch the

tournament will be $10 a person. All proceeds are to benefit all sports leagues affiliated with the

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County.

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

OF GREATER LEE COUNTY

PATRICK HARRISON UNIT DIRECTOR

BIOGRAPHY

Patrick Harrison, 36, is the unit director for the Auburn chapter of the Boys and Girls

Clubs of Greater Lee County. Harrison is a native of Birmingham, Ala. and moved to Auburn 14

years ago to get his graduate degree from Auburn University in Human Development and Family

Studies. Harrison received his undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree from Troy

University.

After completing his graduate studies at Auburn University, Harrison had planned to

return to hometown outside of Birmingham, and find a career in a local nonprofit organization.

But after spending three years in Auburn, he could not imagine living anywhere else. Harrison

was required to spend many hours volunteering each week with the local Boys & Girls Club in

order to complete his degree. He found that he really enjoyed working with the youth and teens

at the center. Harrison volunteered his time in the mentor program and enjoyed coaching several

of the community sports teams in basketball and baseball.

Harrison enjoyed his time at the Auburn Boys & Girls Club so much that after he

graduated he asked about permanent work opportunities with the organization. The club hired

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him as one of the program directors. Harrison continued his commitment to the club for three

more years and then took over as the unit director of the entire organization. Harrison has been

the unit director for the past 8 years, and now also works for Auburn University in the College of

Human Sciences department.

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Contact Information: Meaghan Brantley Office: (334) 340-8928 E-mail: mbrantley@gmail.com

   

Contact Information: Meaghan Brantley, Media Relations Specialist Office: (404) 431-4906 E-mail: mbrantley@auburn.edu

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER LEE COUNTY

FACT SHEET

♦ The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County provide a positive and safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow.

♦ In June 1989, Mrs. Jane C. Walker and four others joined forces in an effort to establish a local Boys & Girls Club organization.

♦ In June 1990, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County was chartered by Boys & Girls

Clubs of America. They opened club units in Auburn and Opelika. ♦ BGCLEECO is dedicated to giving the community’s disadvantaged children and teens

access to programs and services that will enhance their development and provide hope for their future.

♦ Club programs and services fosters and instills a sense of competence, belonging,

usefulness and influence that builds self-confidence and esteem. ♦ The mission of the clubs is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who

need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. ♦ BGCLEECO accomplishes this mission by developing relationships with young people

and providing them with several programs that incorporate our five core areas of youth development: Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation.

♦ BGCLEECO has been recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Alabama

Area Council with Honor Awards for Program Excellence in the areas of Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development and the Arts.

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The  kids  at  the  Auburn  Unit  enjoy  some  free  time  to  play  “Simon  Says.”      

     

Several  young  girls  enjoy  reading  a  book  together  during  homework  time.    

 Contact:  Meaghan  Brantley  at  mbrantley@gmail.com  for  more  information.  

Original  photos  used.  

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

OF GREATER LEE COUNTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: April 27, 2010 Meaghan Brantley (334) 982-9834 Mbrantley@auburn.edu

TEEN PROGRAMS HELP LOCAL YOUTH SUCCEED The Boys & Girls Club has programs exclusive for its’ teen members

AUBURN, Ala. —The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County has labeled itself the

“positive place for teens” in the Opelika and Auburn community. Young people ages 13-18 are

encouraged to participate in the programs specifically for teens. Both the Auburn and Potter-

Daniel units offer the following programs: The Torch Club, Keystone Club, Career Launch,

Passport to Manhood, and SMART Girls. Each club is part of a core program area that the Boys

& Girls Clubs bases their mission and foundation on.

There are five core program areas. They are: character and leadership development,

education and career development, health and life skills, the arts and sports, fitness and

recreation. These programs are the foundation for the core beliefs of the Boys & Girls Clubs.

According to the credo on the Greater Lee County website, these core program areas build a

“youth development strategy that underlies all Boys & Girls Clubs programs and fosters a sense

of belonging, competence, usefulness and influence that builds self-confidence and self-esteem.”

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The Torch Club is a small-group leadership development program, sponsored by Staples,

aimed for ages 11 to 13. Members elect officers and plan and implement their own activities and

community service projects. The Torch Club is a part of the character and leadership

development core program area.

Keystone Clubs are small group leadership development clubs for those ages 14 to 18.

The Taco Bell Foundation sponsors this program. Members select their own officers, choose

their own activities, and plan and complete the community service projects that they prepared.

This club applies the foundations of the arts core program area and the character and leadership

development area.

CareerLaunch is a career exploration and mentoring program for youth ages 13-18 that is

funded by The Gap Foundation. The program includes the career launch Web site which allows

teens to take an interest survey and then explore careers that match with their hobbies and goals

in life. The program also provides information on training or education requirements for future

occupations. Members can also learn more about financial aid and play skill-building games on

the Web site. CareerLaunch is a club that utilizes the beliefs and attitudes of the education and

career development core program area.

Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility while reinforcing positive

behavior in male members ages 11 to 14. The program consists of 14 small-group sessions, each

of which concentrates on a specific aspect of manhood. This is achieved through interactive

activities. Each member is given his own “passport” to emphasize the idea that he is on a journey

of maturation and personal growth. This club is also a part of the character and leadership

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development core program area.

SMART Girls is a health, fitness, prevention, education and self-esteem enrichment program for

girls ages 8 to 17. The Tupperware Brands Corporation sponsors this program. The acronym

stands for skills mastery and resistance training. The program is intended to encourage healthy

attitudes and lifestyles that will enable adolescent girls to develop to their full potential.

Studies have shown that girls self esteem tends to drop more than boys over time. There are

many pressures during adolescence that target girls more than boys, such as eating disorders and

depression. While the club strives to treat all of its members equally, they believe that both males

and females could benefit from some gender-specific programs. This club is part of the health

and life skills core program area.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: April 27, 2010 Meaghan Brantley E-mail: mbrantley@auburn.edu

THIRD ANNUAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT

Auburn community bowls for charity

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn Lanes will host the third annual Bowling Tournament for the

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County this Friday, April 30th.

On Friday afternoon, four person teams can pay $200 to bowl two games,

complete with gutter guards, shoes and a t-shirt. There will be two rounds, one at 1 p.m.

followed by one at 3 p.m. During the day, there will be competitions and prizes awarded

for best scores, ugliest shoes and even the most gutter balls.

The money raised from the tournament will be donated to the Auburn and Potter-

Daniel units of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County. This non-profit

organization provides programs for youth and teens that are in disadvantaged family and

economic situations. Members participate in afterschool enrichment programs that

involve education, art activities, games and sports that will help develop their character

and provide life-long skills.

Registering a team for the bowling tournament is a great way to get involved and

donate to the organization. Other ways to get involved and help are to volunteer your

time in one of the many programs the Boys & Girls Club offers: Project learn, Keystone

Clubs, mentoring programs or coaching a sports team. Monetary donations to a local club

or the national program will also help the mission. To learn more about how you can

donate to help create a positive place for kids to learn and grow, please visit

www.bcga.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: April 27, 2010 Meaghan Brantley Office: (334) 342-4532 E-mail: mbrantley@auburn.edu

JACKIE JOYNER-KERSEE SPEAKS AT LOCAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

EVENT Former Olympian gives speech at anniversary kickoff event

AUBURN, Ala. — Three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee was the key

speaker at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County’s 20th anniversary kickoff

luncheon last weekend.

Joyner-Kersee, a former Boys & Girls Club member, recently helped launch the

Lee County branch fundraiser, the Champions for Kids campaign. The campaign helps

support many of the programs that the club provides.

In Joyner-Kersee’s speech she gave her advice: “My message to kids is to dream,

never give up on your dreams and to be prepared to work hard to reach their goals.”

Wanda Lewis, Boys & Girls Club president, says she hopes Joyner-Kersee’s message

will influence the youth. Lewis said, “This lets them see that there are people who have

gone on to do great things who walked exactly the same path that they are on as Boys &

Girls Club members. It shows them that anything is possible.”

During the luncheon, Lee County family Court Judge Richard D. Lane was

honored with the 2010 Jane Walker Community Champion Award. The award is named

after Jane C. Walker, one of the initial founders of the Lee County chapters of the Boys

& Girls Club, and is given to someone whose work demonstrates a commitment to the

youth of Lee County.

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Contact Information: OPINION Meaghan Brantley April 25, 2010 Office: 404-422-5343 Cell: 404-431-4592 Mbrantley@auburn.edu

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

OF GREATER LEE COUNTY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN STUDENT MENTORING PROGRAMS

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County is a non-profit organization that helps

give disadvantaged youth and teens a safe and positive place to learn and grow. It provides kids

with opportunities to develop through programs and services that will enrich their lives and give

them hope for the future. The youth development strategy underlies all Boys & Girls Club

programs and fosters a sense of belonging, competence, usefulness and influence that builds self-

confidence and self-esteem.

In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation or company in the

streets. Many children are left at home with no supervision or adult care. Young people need to

know that someone cares for them. The Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place for youth to develop

and thrive because they provide a positive and fun learning atmosphere. The clubs are dedicated

to ensuring that the community’s youth have access to quality programs and services that will

ensure that they become productive adults.

Did you know that the after school hours of 3-6 p.m. have been recognized as the most

dangerous time for kids? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County provide an after school

youth development program from 2:30-6:30 p.m. for those ages 6-18. The clubs are staffed with

caring individuals who create the positive environment for youth and provide mentoring services

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to them.

Recently, there has been a lack of staff members to help guide and counsel the youth of

Greater Lee County. There is a need for compassionate individuals to volunteer their time to help

members with reading and homework assistance, tutoring, coaching sports teams and working

with different mentor projects and clubs.

There are many opportunities to volunteer. Project Learn is a learning enhancement

experience that consists of homework help and tutoring. Patient volunteers are needed to help

those members who are struggling academically or need someone to push them to achieve their

highest academic abilities. Keystone Clubs are clubs that teach members the value or community

service and caring for others. Volunteers are needed to coordinate and attend meetings, and work

with members regarding Keystone Club activities. The Mentoring Program provides successful

adults to serve as positive role models for youth members in a one on one setting. Part of the

program is to ensure that youth members know that they have adults who care about them.

Volunteers are needed to provide at least one hour of adult mentor time with the youth at the

club. This time can be spent doing homework, talking, or participating in other club programs

and activities. Volunteers are also needed to coach the inter-club league teams in basketball,

baseball, softball and football. Other volunteers are also needed to assist with these programs.

A recent program evaluation was undertaken to gather information about the strengths

and weaknesses of various programs. Some notable findings were:

• The average grades of those who participated in the tutoring program improved in every

subject area during the 2008 academic year

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• 95 percent of youth participating in computer classes demonstrated an increase in

knowledge, and more than 50 percent used the clubs’ computers for homework

assignments

• 90 percent of parents surveyed reported that the clubs have helped keep their children off

drugs

• 100 percent of members participating in the Gang Prevention Program were not involved

in gang activity

The positive feedback and the impact the club has on its’ members is because of its’ helpful

and caring staff and volunteers. Without volunteers from the community, there might not be

anyone else for the local youth to turn to. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County are

asking you to volunteer and donate your time to help the youth in our local community.

Please help us in our mission to keep providing children and teens with a safe place to learn

and grow. To become a volunteer, fill out the volunteer application

(http://www.bgcleeco.org/volunteer)and contact the individual units Auburn Unit (334) 821-

6020 and Potter-Daniel Unit (334) 745-2582 to schedule an appointment to meet with the

unit director.

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Contact Information: Length: 30 Meaghan Brantley Office: 404-422-5343 Cell: 404-431-4592 Mbrantley@auburn.edu

THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ANNOUNCES THE 5TH ANNUAL MAYORS BALL

ANNOUNCER: ON SATURDAY, MAY 1ST THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF

GREATER LEE COUNTY ARE CELEBRATING THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY BY

HOSTING THE 5TH ANNUAL MAYORS BALL. MAYORS BILL HAM AND GARY

FULLER INVITE YOU TO A NIGHT OF DINNER AND DANCING, FEATURING THE

SOUNDS OF ROUTE 66. THE EVENT IS BLACK TIE ATTIRE AND BEGINS AT 6 P.M.

AT THE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER IN AUBURN, LOCATED AT 241 SOUTH

COLLEGE STREET. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER LEE COUNTY.

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Contact Information: Length: 60

Meaghan Brantley Office: 404-422-5343 Cell: 404-431-4592 Mbrantley@auburn.edu

AUBURN UNIVERSITY SORORITY PHILANTHROPY EVENT

ANNOUNCER: THIS SATURDAY, MAY 1ST IS ALPHA EPSILON PSI’S 3RD

ANNUAL FRATS AT BAT PHILANTHROPY EVENT TO BENEFIT THE LOCAL

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER LEE COUNTY. COME WATCH AS

TWENTY-TWO FRATERNITIES WILL COME BATTLE TO BE THE SOFTBALL

FRAT CHAMPIONS ON CAMPUS. THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT KEISEL

PARK OFF OF WIRE ROAD IN AUBURN. ADMISSION IS $10 PER PERSON AT

THE GATE.

ALPHA EPSILON PSI HAS BEEN A SPONSOR OF THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

OF GREATER LEE COUNTY FOR 17 YEARS. THE SORORITY ACTIVELY

VOLUNTEERS TIME AT THE CLUB YEAR AROUND AND MANY MEMBERS

ARE MENTORS TO THE YOUTH OF THE COMMUNITY. PLEASE JOIN US THIS

SATURDAY, FOR A FUN-FILLED DAY OF WATCHING THE CUTEST GUYS ON

CAMPUS SWING AWAY FOR A GOOD CAUSE. PIZZA, BROWNIES, AND

OTHER CONCESSIONS WILL BE SERVED WHILE EVERYONE CHEERS ON THE

FRAT GUYS IN THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE. THE FIRST GAMES

WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AND YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS A THING! WE

HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE OUT THERE!

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