A Lasting Legacy
Since its inception more than 100 years ago, the Boys & Girls Club Movement has provided children of all backgrounds with the opportunity to grow and realize their dreams. To celebrate the accomplishments of former Boys & Girls Club members, BGCA annually recognizes distinguished alumni during the organization’s National Conference.
The event honors alumni who have gone on to make major contributions in their fields, from sports and entertainment to business and medicine, from politics and justice to art and education. Their stories are very different, but all start out the same: with the life-changing programs, caring and attentive staff, and fun and safety of a local Boys & Girls Club.
This year’s outstanding inductees are:
“When you’re a kid, you just want to be a kid. (The Club) was that home away from home that all kids need.”
“Coming from a single parent family … I can’t think of a better place to go. Thank you for opening up so many doors for me.”
“I know Clubs save lives, because they teach kids to swim. It’s a big deal.”
“The boys … we were thugs back then. Thank you for dealing with the frustrations of kids. Thank you for your service.”
“They saw something in me and said what can we do for this kid. And they did everything. Amazing things have happened to me because of what they did.”
“It’s not about where you come from; it is about where you are determined to go. I stand before you with a grateful and humble heart.”
“The music business is not easy. I heard “no'”and “can’t” a lot. If not for that basketball coach (at the Club) eradicating that word “can’t,” I probably wouldn’t be here.”
“Because of the Boys Club, CC is at Yankee Stadium.” Margie SabathiaMother of CC Sabathia
“You have saved lives; you have made lives. And you have made America and Indian Country a better place.”