Category: Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Vote for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley to win!

Posted by – December 22, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley are in the running to win $200k in free cloud computing services from Claris Networks, LLC. Please share the link below and cast your vote for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley!

http://clarisnetworks.com/About-Us/Cloud-Giveaway

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, visit www.bgctnv.org.

Boys & Girls Club members to enjoy ice skating and lunch in downtown Knoxville

Posted by – December 19, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Tomorrow, one hundred youth from Boys & Girls Clubs in Blount, Loudon and North Anderson Counties will experience a day in downtown Knoxville full of fun and holiday memories – all sponsored by Regal Entertainment Group.

The youth will be given hats, scarves and gloves, admission to Holidays on Ice skating rink in downtown Knoxville’s Market Square and lunch at a downtown restaurant.

The event is tomorrow, December 20. Group One will eat lunch at Downtown Grill & Brewery from 11 a.m. to noon and ice skate in Market Square from noon to 1:30 p.m. Group Two will eat lunch at Latitude 35 from noon to 1 p.m. and ice skate in Market Square from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

“We are so thankful to Regal Entertainment Group for sponsoring this field trip to downtown Knoxville for our youth,” said John D. Lee, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “Tomorrow’s activities will create lasting memories for the youth who participate – and enjoying an afternoon in downtown Knoxville will be a first for many of these kids. It will truly be a day to remember.”

Please contact Sarah Malak Pope at 865.584.0550 (w), 615.542.2999 (m) or spope@ackermannpr.com to arrange interviews and/or a visit. Boys & Girls Club staff and youth will be available for interviews.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak Pope
Phone: 865.584.0550
spope@ackermannpr.com

Peyton Manning and the PeyBack Foundation bring holiday cheer to teens at Boys & Girls Clubs

Posted by – December 14, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – On Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m., Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will host a holiday party at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Moses Teen Center for 200 teens from Knox, Blount, and North Anderson Counties. 

Due to pro football season being in session, Manning will not be able to attend, but he is sending each of the members a special gift package and providing pizza and drinks.  Manning and the PeyBack Foundation have sponsored this event for the teen members for the past seven years. 

The Moses Teen Center is located at 220 Carrick Street, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37921.  The event will take place in the auditorium on the second floor.

“For the past seven years, Peyton Manning has brightened the holiday season by donating needed items as well as a pizza party for deserving members.  Since his involvement as a summer staff member at the Boys & Girls Clubs many years ago, he realizes not only what impact he has had on our members, but also the impact that our members have had on him.  We appreciate his loyalty to our organization and to our community,” said John D. Lee, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

Manning’s relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley goes back to his college days at the University of Tennessee.  Manning is a former staff member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, as he worked for two summers as a participant in the Athlete Reading Program.  He was also the featured speaker at the 2006 Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame and Induction Ceremony, an annual event that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

Interviews and photo opportunities may be arranged on site.  For more information, call Anna Beth Meccia at (865) 232-1120 or Sarah Malak Pope at spope@ackermannpr.com.

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ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY: The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley serves 5,600 children through 15 locations in Knox, Loudon, Blount and North Anderson Counties.  On average, 1,200 youth, ranging from 5 to 17 years of age, walk through the Clubs’ doors daily.  Programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs encourage youth to aspire to BE GREAT by increasing academic success, encouraging healthy lifestyles and developing productive citizens.

John D. Lee inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee Hall of Fame

Posted by – November 22, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – John D. Lee, current President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV), was recently inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee Hall of Fame.

John D. Lee with Lawrence Hahn, former Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oak Ridge and Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee Hall of Fame member

The Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee Hall of Fame is open to any individual who has provided exceptional service to a Boys & Girls Club(s) in Tennessee, either from Club membership, serving as staff or on a board of directors, volunteering or any other beneficial service.

Lee, who recently announced his retirement of BGCTNV as President and CEO, has spent more than 40 years of his career working with the organization. He began as Assistant Executive Director in 1970 and he is only the second President/CEO in the organization’s history since its inception in 1943.

Lee’s retirement is effective Dec. 31, 2011. Lisa Hurst, current Executive Vice President of BGCTNV, has been named his successor.

L to R: John D. Lee (Tennessee Valley), Farzin Ferdowsi (Middle Tennessee), Chuck Owens (Kingsport), Steve McKinney (Rutherford County), James H. Tucker (Cleveland) (not pictured Bernal E. Smith, Sr. (Greater Memphis))

For more information about John D. Lee and the Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee Hall of Fame, contact Sarah Pope at (865) 584-0550 or spope@ackermannpr.com.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley receives $15,000 donation

Posted by – October 19, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Haslam Family Club University got a facelift on Tuesday when a dozen volunteers from Alcoa Inc. came to plant trees and flowers, interact with Club members and present a $15,000 check for the LEGO Robotics grant.

WATE-TV stopped by the Club on Tuesday to learn about the project. Click on the photo to see the story!

WATE-TV Coverage of Alcoa Inc. Work Day at BGCNTV

For more information, contact Sarah Pope at (865) 584-0550 or spope@ackermannpr.com.
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Lisa Hurst named new President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Posted by – October 11, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Lisa Hurst has been named the new President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV).  Hurst has been with the organization for 25 years, currently serving as the Executive Vice President.

Lisa Hurst

“The board is thrilled that Lisa has accepted the position of president and CEO,” said R.L. “Bunny” Oakes, III, chairman of the organization’s Corporate Board of Directors. “The search committee conducted an extremely thorough national search for the new President and Lisa came out as the top candidate. Her passion and dedication to the Boys & Girls Clubs are what is necessary to succeed as President and CEO, and we know she is the perfect fit.”

“I’m excited to lead the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley into this next phase,” said Hurst. “I firmly believe that I can provide the leadership to our team to fulfill our vision of ensuring that every child in our community has access to our programs, achieves academic success, lives a healthy lifestyle, and becomes a productive citizen.”

Current BGCTNV President and CEO John D. Lee recently announced his retirement from the organization. His retirement is effective December 31, 2011.

Hurst is available for media interviews. For more information or to set up an interview with Lisa Hurst, contact Sarah Pope at (865) 584-0550 or spope@ackermannpr.com.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Knoxville philanthropist receives award for improving quality of life for at-risk youth

Posted by – October 11, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Edfinancial Services and its Chairman, President and CEO Tony Hollin have been named recipients of the Boys & Girls Clubs Tennessee Area Council C.A.R.E. (Children Are Reason for Excellence) Service Award. The state-wide C.A.R.E. Award provides recognition to individuals who have made significant contributions to the quality of life for at-risk youth in Tennessee.

Tony Hollin, Chairman, President and CEO of Edfinancial Services and member of BGCTNV Corporate Board of Directors

Hollin is a member of the Corporate Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) and has served on the marketing and communications committee, property committee and annual giving committee.

“Tony and Edfinancial’s philanthropic roles in the Tennessee Valley region have had an enormous impact on the community, especially through their commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley,” said John D. Lee, President and CEO of BGCTNV.

“The company’s employees work every day to make a compelling difference in the lives of the students and families they serve by donating time, energy and funding – as both a company and individual associates,” said Lee.

Hollin was a member of the Boys Club of Valdosta and spent his youth playing sports at the Club, which enabled him to play high school and collegiate football.

For more information about Tony Hollin and Edfinancial and their contributions to BGCTNV, contact Sarah Pope at (865) 584-0550 or spope@ackermannpr.com.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak Pope
(865) 584-0550
spope@ackermannpr.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley announces new board members

Posted by – September 26, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley has announced the following new members of its Corporate Board of Directors: 

  • Ray Evans, Owner and Chairman of The Anesis Group, Inc.
  • Michelle Hardin, Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager, Medical Private Banking, First Tennessee
  • Russ Watkins, Chief Executive Officer, Partners Development
  • David Rausch, Chief of Police, Knoxville Police Department 
  • Josh Birdwell, Manager, Retail Technology, Pilot Flying J
  • Belinda Kitts, Vice President of Human Resources, Ruby Tuesday, Inc.
  • Andy White, General Manager, Lexus of Knoxville

Additionally, Linda Vaughn, Corporate Secretary and member of the Corporate Board of Directors, Emmet Vaughn Lumber Company, has been named a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Board of Trustees. 

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Board of Directors is a hard-working group. We are passionate about the mission of the organization and work well together to make a direct impact on the youth the organization serves,” said R.L. “Bunny” Oakes, III, chairman of the organization’s Corporate Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome these great additions.” 

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, visit www.bgctnv.org.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way. 

*Headshots available upon request.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak Pope
(865) 584-0550
spope@ackermannpr.com

President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley retiring

Posted by – September 19, 2011

John D. Lee

Knoxville, Tenn. ― After spending four decades of his professional career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, John D. Lee is announcing his retirement.  He is only the second President/CEO in the organization’s history since its inception in 1943.

A native of Charleston, S.C., Lee began his career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley as Assistant Executive Director on September 16, 1970.  With more than forty years of experience, Lee has not only been invaluable to the Boys & Girls Clubs, but also to the local community.   He has been a mentor to many in the area, lending his expertise and advice on a variety of topics, including management and fundraising.

But, his heart and passion have always revolved around his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs, developing area youth and helping to change the lives of thousands of young people.  Throughout his career, he has ensured that every young person in the Boys & Girls Clubs program has been given the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe and nurturing environment.

“We’d like to thank John Lee for his extraordinary service with the Boys & Girls Clubs over the past few decades,” said Bunny Oakes, chairman of the organization’s corporate board of directors. “He has taken the organization to new heights and has truly made a difference in the community. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is what it is today because of John’s efforts.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s new strategic president and CEO, whom will be announced in the coming weeks, will lead and direct the agency in growing its mission of promoting the educational, vocational and character development of boys and girls in a safe and caring environment.

The new BGCTNV president and CEO will begin working with the organization in mid to late November. Lee’s retirement will be effective December 31, 2011.

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, visit www.BGCTNV.org.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Inaugural Loudon County Leadership Hall of Fame Class Announced

Posted by – August 5, 2011

Loudon County Leadership Hall of Fame logoLOUDON, Tenn. – August 3, 2011 – The night of August 25, 2011 will be a truly memorable night for eight members of the Loudon community as they are inducted in to the Loudon County Leadership Hall of Fame.  This initial class will be honored with a dinner and induction ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Lenoir City.

The Hall of Fame was established by the Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County, in partnership with the Leadership Loudon County (LEAD) Alumni Association.  Nominations were requested earlier this year and required that nominees were either a resident of Loudon County, worked in Loudon County, or were born in Loudon County.

“The leaders recognized by the Loudon County Leadership Hall of Fame exemplify the traits that Boys & Girls Clubs instill in young people, ensuring great futures for our youth and our community,” said John D. Lee, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “We look forward to a successful event this year, with many more to come in the future.”

Below are this year’s eight inductees along with the categories they will be honored in:

¨       Dick Krajewski – Business Leader

¨       LCPL William C. Koprince, Jr. – Military

¨       Albert Dukes – Educator

¨       Lisa Harvey – Community Service

¨       Jimmy Matlock – Public Service

¨       Sylvia and Harvey Sproul – Lifetime Achievement

¨       Jason Gilleran – Youth Mentor

Bill Williams, former WBIR Channel 10 news anchor will be the featured speaker at this year’s event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of the Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County, which has been serving children since 1954.

For more information on the inaugural Loudon County Leadership Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, please call (865) 232-1228 or visit www.LoudonCountyHallofFame.com.

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About Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County

The Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County, a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV), began providing services to children in our community in 1954.  We now serve over 350 youth annually at our Lenoir City Club.  BGCTNV offers programs that increase academic success, encourage healthy lifestyles and develop productive citizens among youth and teens. Along with providing educational support and leadership opportunities, Clubs empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and others’ cultural identities. There are 15 Club locations in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties.

**MEDIA NOTE –   If you would like to receive extended bios and headshots or to set up an interview, please contact Ryan Willis of Ackermann PR at (865) 584-0550 or rwillis@ackermannpr.com.