Category: Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Inaugural Loudon County Leadership Hall of Fame Class Announced

Posted by Shane Rhyne – 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.

Michael Phelps Foundation program expands in local Boys & Girls Clubs

Posted by Sarah Pope – July 28, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Michael Phelps Foundation has expanded it signature program through Boys & Girls Clubs of America, making it available to 16 Clubs across 14 states this summer, including the Haslam Family University Club in Knoxville, Tenn., a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV).

WATE-TV’s Erica Estep produced a story (below) yesterday on the new swim program, called “im,” which was developed in partnership with KidsHealth.org and the Michael Phelps Swim School and offers water safety lessons, recreational aquatic activities and health, wellness and goal-setting instruction.

WATE-TV Story on Michael Phelps Grant at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

The program, named in recognition of Phelps’ signature event, the Individual Medley, and as an abbreviation to the self-affirming “I am,” is based on the same basic techniques and principles that Michael Phelps has implemented throughout this swimming career.

“I was first introduced to the sport of swimming through water safety,” said Phelps, a 16-time Olympic medalist and Founder of the Michael Phelps Foundation. “I hated to get my face wet so I began to learn how to swim on my back, but with proper instruction, I learned to be comfortable and confidant in the water and my passion for swimming grew with each visit to the pool. Now, with the support of the Boys & Girls Clubs and KidsHealth.org, we are able to offer children a program that will help them become water safe, teach them to set and achieve goals, and live healthier, active lifestyles.”

“We are so proud to have the ‘im’ program here in Knoxville,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) Aquatics Director Sydney Pennington. “This curriculum is so much more structured than any other program we’ve used and it’s proven to be very effective.”

Pennington traveled to Baltimore, Md. earlier this year to meet Phelps and his childhood swim coach, and also participate in training for the “im” program. The “im” grant has afforded BGCNTV the opportunity to hire two additional aquatics staff members.

The “im” program includes week-by-week illustrations so the participants will know in advance what they will learn each week during swimming instruction, Pennington said. Participants also take healthy eating and goal-setting classes and earn medals as they advance through the curriculum, with the opportunity to earn eight medals upon completion of the entire program.

“Most of the participants in our program do not come from swimming households and would not have the opportunity otherwise to learn how to swim,” said Pennington. “Swimming is a necessary life skill and drowning is preventable. These lessons are invaluable to the participants.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 15 and is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4. A study released last month by Pediatrics, the official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, revealed that one child dies every five days from portable pool submersions during warm weather months.

A 2008 survey conducted by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation determined that two key barriers preventing children from learning to swim were fear of injury or drowning, and the lack of parental encouragement. Further, the USA Swimming study found that nine people drown each day in the U.S., youth drowning rates in ethnically-diverse communities is 2-3 times higher than the national average and that six out of 10 African-American and Hispanic/Latino children do not know how to swim, which is nearly twice as many as their Caucasian counterparts.

Highlights of the “im” pilot program include:

  • Clubs averaged 120 participants and 180 hours of programming
  • More than 75% of the participants received swimming instruction (safe) for the first time in their life
  • 98% of the successful participants felt confident they could now effectively set and achieve goals for themselves
  • 80% of the program participants were of African-American, Latino/Hispanic descent

In addition to developing the program, the Michael Phelps Foundation provides each Club with financial support to assist with overall program costs including staffing, training, supplies and equipment, pool access and maintenance, and administrative expenses as well as official posters, medals, member handbook and assorted prizes.

To learn more about the Michael Phelps Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org.

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About the Michael Phelps Foundation

The Michael Phelps Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthy and active lives, especially for children. Fourteen-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps established the Foundation with the $1MM bonus he received from long-time sponsor Speedo for winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games. The Foundation’s first initiative was a nationwide tour to share Phelps’ Olympic experience and promote his message of Dream, Plan, Reach with members of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Since then, the Foundation has developed and launched the program, helped establish Level Field Fund-Swimming, a grant giving program that provides funding to uniquely talented swimmers in need of financial assistance, and offers autographed swim caps for charity auctions through Caps-for-a-Cause. For more information, please visit www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org or http://www.facebook.com/MichaelPhelpsFoundation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 members, ages 5 to 17 years old throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for members free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of members, 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.

Local Boys and Girls Display an Array of Talents at Annual Show

Posted by Ryan Willis – July 22, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ― With a full week of activities planned for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Thursday afternoon was highlighted by the annual talent show held at the Boys & Girls Clubs headquarters.  More than twenty-four acts took to the stage to showcase their talents as individuals or as a group during the two-hour show. 

Participants were placed in one of four different categories with cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 awarded in each category.  They were judged on their creativity, presentation and overall performance.  Judges for this year’s show included John Duncan, Carla Hatifeld, Barbara Tallent and Anthony Ingram.

 

*Video courtesy of WBIR-TV

The talent show is among a week full of activities for Boys & Girls Clubs members.  Teen members were given the opportunity to take part in “Career Exploration” days where they learned about different careers in the Knoxville area.  Local business professionals spoke to the group and gave the teens the opportunity to ask questions about their careers. 

The week concluded with the Boys & Girls Clubs’ 65th Annual Fun Day on Friday, sponsored by the Knoxville Civitan Club.  The kids enjoyed a day full of carnival games, inflatables and even a dunking booth.  Refreshments were provided along with drawings for prizes, including new bicycles. 

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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
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

30th Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony Honors Sports’ Finest

Posted by Ryan Willis – July 20, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ― The Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame will continue its tradition of honoring the area’s finest athletes – past and present – when ten inductees are recognized at the dinner and induction ceremony on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Former NBA and University of Tennessee basketball player Bernard King will serve as the keynote speaker of the 30th annual celebration. King is an alumnus of Boys & Girls Clubs. 

For three decades, the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony has celebrated excellence in athletics while benefiting the life-changing work of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Each year, ten individuals with ties to the Greater Knoxville region are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their achievements in athletics. 

Hospitality begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m.  Media interviews will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center. Live interviews may be conducted in Room 300A; please contact Sarah Malak at (865) 584-0550 or smalak@ackermannpr.com to reserve your interview time slot and/or reserve media pass(es).

2011 Inductees

BEN MARTIN

Legendary Oak Ridge High School coach in football, basketball, and track, compiling winning record in each sport he coached. Served as Athletic Director at Oak Ridge from 1943-1971, with ORHS teams winning 14 boys’ state championships. ORHS on-campus track facility named in his honor in 1977. Was one of first inductees into Oak Ridge Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2010.  

Former NBA and UT basketball player Bernard King will be this year's featured speaker

BILL REDDING

Longtime Knoxville News Sentinel Human Resources Director was city golf champion in 1957. At age 61, qualified for Match Play at USGA Senior Amateur Tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16. Defeated defending champion James Stahl before being defeated by reigning British Senior Champion Joel Hirsch. Served on Tennessee Golf Association Board of Directors 1968-1997, as vice-president 1987-90, and as member of Competitions Committee. He officiated at State Amateur Tournament from 1981 through 1997. 

DONNA FIELDEN

Fielden’s officiating career began in 1982 with the Knox-Ridge Basketball Officials Association, working district, regional and sub-state tournaments for 15 years. Was the first female to officiate in the TSSAA Boy’s State Basketball Championship (1994). Collegiate career in women’s basketball began in 1985 with the Volunteer State Athletic Conference and the Tennessee Junior College Athletic Association. Has assigned and supervised officials for AAU and Special Olympic State Basketball Tournaments. 

ED POORE                                                  

Poore, a 1962 graduate of East High School and native Knoxvillian, earned basketball scholarship to the University of Florida, playing from 1963-67. Spent more than 30 years in public education in Gainesville and Hernando County school systems as teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Also served as director of Human Resources and Chief Negotiator for the Hernando County School System. 

ELIZABETH HENDERSON

Involved in tennis since 1973 at junior, prep and collegiate levels and in coaching and teaching, and administrative capacities. Head women’s coach at William & Mary (1982-84) and the University of Tennessee (1984-87). Inducted into the UTC Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, the Tennessee Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. 

HEATH SHULER

Former University of Tennessee quarterback and 1993 Heisman Trophy runner-up was elected to Congress in 2006 and reelected in 2008 and 2010. Led Swain County Maroon Devils to three state championships and was named “North Carolina High School Player of the Year.” Was All-SEC quarterback, SEC “Player of the Year,” and Academic All-SEC in 1993. Built one of the largest real estate firms in Tennessee. 

JIM BEMILLER

University of Tennessee pole vault coach had legendary success in career dating from 1986-2005, with five NCAA Championships, 15 Southeastern Conference Championships, and 21 All-America Certificates.  Led the way as vaulters broke SEC, American Junior, NCAA, American, World Athletic Final, and Olympic records.  Former Vols won the pole vault at three consecutive U.S. Olympic Trials (1996, 2000, and 2004) and won Gold (2004) and Silver (2000) Olympic Medals.

JIM SMELCHER

Lake City, Tenn., native played 1955-57 as tackle at University of Tennessee. Was an outstanding football and basketball player for Lake City High School. In 1953, he was an All-State football selection and was in the State Basketball Tournament in 1951-1953. Was 1966 KIL “Coach of the Year” for his work at Bearden High School. In 2009, he was inducted into the Anderson County Hall of Fame. In 2010, Bearden dedicated a new fieldhouse named in his honor. 

REGGIE COBB

Cobb broke in as a redshirt freshman at the University of Tennessee in 1987 and rushed for 1197 yards and 17 touchdowns.  Had 225 yards rushing in a 21-14 win over No. 4 Auburn. Had ten 100-yard games during career. Ranks No. 10 on career rushing list with 2,360 yards. Taken in second round of 1990 NFL draft by Tampa Bay. Rushed for 3,743 yards and 27 touchdowns. Now a scout with the San Francisco 49ers. 

SCOTT GALYON

Seymour native and Tennessee linebacker and co-captain (1995) is Lakeway Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) representative in Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, and Jefferson counties. Follows grandfather Milo Fisher in to the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. Played professionally for the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins. Helped lead team to 11-1 record and victory over No. 2-ranked Ohio State in senior season. 

Special Award Recipients

GUS MANNING

2011 “THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES”

Athletic department’s longest serving employee, dating to the days of Gen. Neyland. Has held nearly every position athletic department could offer and joined Haywood Harris as the co-host of the legendary “Locker Room” program on game days starting in 1961. Has served through ten football and basketball coaches over the years and, like Harris, is one of the most recognizable “Tennessee faces” in college athletics. 

JAMES A. DICK

2011 SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Long-time Knoxville radio entrepreneur lived a life of dedicated community service, starting WIVK Radio and using the airwaves to benefit a number of community causes. His last great gifts to the community were his support for the historic Tennessee Theatre and the Joy of Music School. Named University of Tennessee “Volunteer of the Year” and was presented “Distinguished Alumni Award” by Transylvania University. 

TREVOR BAYNE

2011 PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Newest and youngest Daytona 500 Champion. Has more championships (22) than his age. Has stamped himself as a fierce competitor on the track. Has notched 14 wins, 19 pole positions and 30 top-five finishes in only 41 starts in the Allison Legacy Race Series. In short period of time, has established himself as one of the up and coming NASCAR stars. 

VANCE LINK

2011 SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Has been a leader in youth league baseball, doing everything from lining fields to distributing flyers about baseball programs. By his estimate has pitched to more than 600,000 prospective young baseball players, either overhand or underhand, depending on their ability level. Has led the growth and development of programs at Sequoyah and Lakeshore Parks. Has taught young players lessons that go beyond the baseball diamond. 

Male High School Athletes of the Year

DEVRIN YOUNG

BEARDEN HIGH SCHOOL

Bearden product was one of the more heralded prospects to come out of the Knoxville area in years, honored by the Tennessean, PrepXtra, and the Tennessee Sportswriters Association. Was a threat to go all the way any time he touched the ball, either rushing or returning kicks. Signed scholarship papers with the University of Tennessee in February 2011. For his career had 7,433 all-purpose yards, 83 touchdowns, 498 points scored. 

LESTER WILSON

CARTER HIGH SCHOOL

The all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Carter High School, with 2,872 points (25 ppg) and 1,452 rebounds (14 rpg) for his career. Three-time All-State selection. Was four-time All-District and All-KIL. Named District 3AA “Player of the Year” in 2011 and was Class AA “Mr. Basketball” finalist in 2010. Led Carter to first TSSAA State Tournament appearances in 2009 and 2010. 

PARKER WORMSLEY

WEBB SCHOOL OF KNOXVILLE

Awarded 11 letters in three sports at the Webb School of Knoxville. Four-year starter at quarterback, leading team to a 25-1 record during junior and senior seasons, winning back-to-back state championships. Won the Spartan Award in 2010, named Best Offensive Player in 2009 and 2010, and was 2010 team captain. Also had distinguished career in baseball, being a three-time All-State selection and University of Tennessee baseball signee. 

Female High School Athlete of the Year

MADDIE TREASURE

WEST HIGH SCHOOL

Won the 2010 Nike Indoor Nationals in the Pentathlon, earning Indoor All-American status.  Served as Track Team Captain for three years and helped lead her team to two state titles and one runner-up in the Division I AAA class.  Part of 4×400 relay team that set a state record (3:51.19).  Earned two All-American honors and 14 All-State honors.  Will attend Stanford University on a track scholarship. 

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Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermanpr.com

Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2011 Anderson County Hall of Fame Induction

Posted by Sarah Pope – June 6, 2011

Hallerin Hilton Hill

Lake City, Tenn. – Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for his or her service to the local community, or who simply demonstrates excellence in his or her field?  Now in its fifth year, the Anderson County Hall of Fame acknowledges individuals in the local community during an annual dinner and induction ceremony.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of North Anderson County.

Inductees, who must be a resident of, work in, or have been born in Anderson County, are selected in the categories of Business Leader, Athlete, Elected Official, Community Volunteer, Military, Lifetime Achievement, Coach/Youth Mentor, and K-12 Educator. The deadline to submit nominations is June 30, 2011.

This year’s Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will take place on October 6, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Clinton, located at 225 North Main Street. Hallerin Hilton Hill of NewsTalk 98.7 FM in Knoxville is the featured speaker.

“The leaders recognized by the Anderson County 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. “This is an excellent event for the organization to be involved with.”

For more information about the Fifth Annual Anderson County Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, including ticket prices and nomination instructions, call (865) 426-4711 or visit www.AndersonCountyHallofFame.com.

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About Boys & Girls Club of North Anderson County
The Boys & Girls Club of North Anderson County, a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV), began providing services to children in 2005. The Club now serves more than 250 youth annually. 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 16 Club locations in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties.

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

Tennessee Valley Boys and Girls Clubs Teaching Summer Safety

Posted by Shane Rhyne – June 3, 2011

Boys and Girls Clubs of America logo

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – (June 2, 2011) – This Friday, June 3, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) is hosting its first annual “Summer Safety Day” from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Haslam Family Club University located at 407 Caswell Avenue.

Mayor of Knox County Tim Burchett, Mayor of the City of Knoxville Daniel T. Brown, representatives from Dollywood’s Splash Country and the Knoxville Fire Department, among other groups, will be in attendance to educate and discuss important safety precautions with families. Snacks, carnival games and inflatables will also be on hand. This event is free and open to the public.

The event will focus on water, fire and Internet safety. Because the summer months lend more time to swimming and boating, children being out of school and home more often and spending more time on the Internet, it is pertinent to focus on keeping families and kids safe during this season.

With the arrival of the summer months, water safety precautions are a must for families in America. As a Make a Splash local partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) is committed to providing swimming lessons and water safety classes to the youth the organization serves, in order to break the cycle of non-swimming adults and create generations of parents-to-be who will know how to swim.

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children ages one to 14. For every child who dies from drowning, another four receives emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.

“Drowning can be prevented with education and awareness,” said Sydney Pennington, BGCTNV Aquatics Director. “It’s a little-known fact that a great number of Americans don’t know how to swim – and that’s dangerous. We’ve got to educate our youth and families on how to stay safe during the summer months.”

BGCTNV offers year-round youth safety classes, swim lessons and events partnering with the “Make a Splash” organization, which is a national child-focused water safety initiative created by the USA Swimming Foundation with the goal of teaching every child in America to swim. BGCTNV’s Haslam Family Club University is the first swim program in Knoxville to become a Make a Splash local partner.

BGCTNV has also launched a program called “im,” part of the Michael Phelps Foundation, which is designed to encourage healthy and active lifestyles for participants by offering water safety courses, recreational pool activities and swim training as well as health and wellness education. BGCTNV was provided a grant so the programming is available at no cost to the members.

Also at Summer Safety Day, Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 Kids “Preparing Tennessee’s Next Generation for Success” program will award BGCTNV new computers. This program is a result of a $2.3 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant awarded to the C4K program in August 2010 by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). BTOP provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.

Boys & Girls Clubs offer technology programs that develop members’ computer and Internet safety skills.  Developed in collaboration with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, NetSmartz teaches Internet safety skills through engaging multimedia activities and offline interaction with Club professionals. Topics include personal safety, shopping safety and ethical use of the Internet.

For more information on Make a Splash, including downloadable water safety materials, visit www.makeasplash.org.

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About Computers 4 Kids:
Preparing Tennessee’s Next Generation for Success: Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 Kids project is helping to prepare Tennessee’s most vulnerable youth for success by providing them with connectivity. The program promotes economic, career, and educational development through the provision of computers and broadband Internet, online technology training, career training, and community awareness that highlights the benefits of technology adoption. For more information about what Connected Tennessee is doing to accelerate technology in Tennessee’s communities, visit www.connectedtennessee.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 members, ages 5 to 17 years old throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for members free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of members, 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. For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, visit www.bgctnv.org.

Media Contact
Sarah Malak
smalak@ackermannpr.com
(865) 584-0550

Local Boys & Girls Clubs Members to visit with Jeff Gordon

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 26, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tomorrow, May 27, 2011, three members of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and one member from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dumplin Valley will have the opportunity to spend some time with NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon.

This experience is made possible by Dean Winegardner of American Book Company, who purchases the opportunity each year at an auction.

Winegardner is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley Corporate Board and personally flies the club members to Charlotte, North Carolina in his private plane. The group will tour the Hendrick Motorsports complex, eat lunch and talk to Jeff Gordon in a private setting for about an hour and a half.

“This is something I really enjoy doing, and Jeff Gordon enjoys it as much as the children. I hope this is an experience these children will cherish for a long time,” said Winegardner.

This is a once in a lifetime experience for Riley Gibbs, member of the Halls/Powell Boys & Girls Club, Madeline Flinn, member of the Laura Cansler Club, Trenton Johnson of the Lake City Club and Izak Griggs, member of the Dumplin Valley Club.  They were selected as the winners from among 20 club members who entered an essay contest with the theme “Why NASCAR is important to me.”

“For these children to be flown to Charlotte on a private plane and have lunch with Jeff Gordon is a very special experience. We are so appreciative of Dean Winegardner for making this experience possible,” said John D. Lee, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

UPDATE (5-27-11): 4-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon sent out this picture of his lunch with the children via his Twitter account (@jeffgordonweb):

4-time NASCAR champion driver Jeff Gordon enjoying lunch with members of the Tennessee Valley Boys and Girls Clubs.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves 5,825 members, ages 5 to 17 years old throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 414,970 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for members free of charge. The Clubs see as many as 1,200 youth walk through the doors on any given day. There are 15 Club locations in 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.

*The best media opportunity is upon the group’s return, between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. tomorrow, at McGhee Tyson at Tac Air.  Call Jacqui Wolfenbarger at (865) 966-7454 or (865) 919-5640 to confirm the return time or learn more about the visit.

Media Contact:
Shane Rhyne
srhyne@ackermannpr.com
(865) 584-0550

Gift of Hope Luncheon Supports Area Boys and Girls Clubs

Posted by Shane Rhyne – May 11, 2011

Knoxville, TN - The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCNTV) will host its annual Gift of Hope Fundraising Luncheon on Thursday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center. The Boys & Girls Clubs is excited to announce that University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Head Coach Pat Summitt will serve as the Master of Ceremonies at this year’s event!

The Gift of Hope Award was created to honor Emmet P. “Buck” and Linda Vaughn for the many years of outstanding dedication, inspiration and hope they have provided to the members of Boys & Girls Clubs. Buck and Linda will honor Jim and Natalie Haslam this year with the Gift of Hope Award in appreciation of 46 years of exceptional support of capital campaigns, day-to-day operations and fundraising events of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

The event is free to attend, but advance reservations are required. Attendees will have the opportunity to give pledges at the event. For more information, visit www.bgctnv.org.

Lisa Hurst, Executive Vice President of BGCTNV and De’Sheema Smith, Boys & Girls Club member, stopped by the WBIR-TV studio on Tuesday to talk about the event and fill the audience in on details about the event. Video of the interview is available on the WBIR website.

Media Contact: Sarah Malak, smalak@ackermannpr.com, (865) 584-0550

Loudon County to get Leadership Hall of Fame

Posted by Sarah Pope – May 9, 2011

LOUDON COUNTY, TN – Loudon County has been blessed with visionary leadership through the years, and on August 25, 2011, a select few of those individuals will be among the first to be inducted into the Loudon County Leadership Hall of Fame. 

The Hall of Fame was established by the Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County, in partnership with the Leadership Loudon County (“LEAD”) Alumni Association, “to honor those outstanding citizens who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and modeled servant-leadership in their communities,” according to Advisory Board Chairman Paul Hilchey.

“Through this new venue, we hope to not only give credit where credit is due but also inspire others to catch a vision for what they, too, can do to give back to their community,” Hilchey said.

Individuals will be recognized for Leadership in Business, Community Service, Public Service, Military Service, Education, Philanthropy, Youth Mentoring, and Lifetime Achievement. Nominees must either be a resident of Loudon County, work in Loudon County, or have been born in Loudon County. They may be either living or deceased.

Nominations from individuals and organizations are welcomed and encouraged. Forms are available from the Boys & Girls Club office or online at LoudonCountyHallofFame.com. The deadline for submittal is May 31.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of the Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County, which has been serving the children of our community since 1954. The Club now serves more than 350 county youth annually at its Lenoir City location. It offers after-school and summer programs in the areas of education, health, the arts, careers, alcohol/drug and pregnancy prevention, gang prevention, athletics, and leadership development.

A recent study showed that youth who participated in the programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley were more than twice as likely to graduate from high school than had they not participated.  The results of the study conducted by Robert Kronick, PhD, Professor, University of Tennessee (UT) and R. Eric Heidel, MS NCC, Statistical and Research Design Consultant, UT Graduate School of Medicine and PhD Student in Counselor Education, UT prove that Boys & Girls Clubs prepare youth for the GREAT FUTURES they deserve.

Leadership Loudon County was founded in 1999, and more than one hundred people have now completed the program.

“A Leadership Hall of Fame is such an obvious fit for these two organizations,” said Hilchey. “The Boys & Girls Club is all about developing our next generation of leaders, while LEAD is geared toward adults who are already involved in our community and who want to take their leadership capability and commitment to the next level.”

Event chairman Chuck Jenkins stressed that the Hall will strive to be inclusive, regardless of how long someone has lived here or what part of the county they are from.

“Whether your local roots go back just a few years or a few generations, we’re all proud to call Loudon County home. And what makes this place so special is the people. This event is about recognizing those exceptional individuals who have made our county such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Jenkins.

The Hall of Fame festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 25, at First Baptist Church in Lenoir City. Scheduled Keynote Speaker is Bill Williams, former WBIR-TV news anchor and one of East Tennessee’s most admired media personalities. For sponsorship and ticket information, call 865-232-1228 or go online at www.LoudonCountyHallofFame.com.

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Media Contact:
Jason Gilleran, Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County
(865) 232-1228

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Walmart Foundation recognize national library week with the launch of 100 reading rooms

Posted by Sarah Pope – April 21, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – In recognition of National Library Week (April 10-16) and Support Teen Literature Day (April 14), Boys & Girls Clubs of America announces the expansion of its reading initiative that promotes both educational and leisure reading for tweens and teens through a $1.15 million grant from the Walmart Foundation. The Bright Spot for Reading initiative will be added to 100 Boys & Girls Clubs across the U.S. to create a dedicated reading center for members.

According to the 2009 Reading Report Card, only 33 percent of fourth graders are reading proficiently and 17 percent of low-income fourth-grade students are reading well. By the eighth grade, the reading proficiency rate drops to 32 percent for all students and 16 percent for low-income eighth-grade students.

The Walmart Foundation previously funded BGCA with $1.4 million for Bright Spot for Reading initiatives at 100 Clubs in the U.S. Since that time, it’s estimated that more than 6,000 young people are actively reading in Bright Spots and 40 percent of Clubs have seen an increase in teen participation. The new $1.15 million grant will expand the Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading initiative to include an additional 100 Bright Spots at Clubs across the U.S.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s “Bright Spot” is located in the Moses Teen Center at 220 Carrick Street in the Mechanicsville neighborhood.  The reading area funded by the Wal-Mart Bright Spot for Reading initiative provides a comfortable and aesthetically appealing place for members of Moses Teen Center to relax and read.  Located in the tech lab of the center, the area is defined by shelving, couches, tables, lamps, area rugs, and full size lounging pillows as well as wall décor.

Moses Teen Center established reading/discussion groups within their existing “SMART Girls” and “Passport to Manhood” clubs with 10-12 members regularly participating.  Thanks to the Wal-Mart Foundation’s Bright Spot initiative, other Club members have gained interest in reading with sixty (60) members taking the initial survey required to take part in the project.

According to John D. Lee, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, “It is our hope that this newly gained interest in reading will spread throughout Moses Teen Center and the entire Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley organization.” The first group reading of the project consisted of Club members reading and discussing “The Color Purple,” followed by a field trip the Tennessee Theatre for the play “The Color Purple” touring America.

“The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading initiative is essential in motivating our youth to read and preparing them for academic success,” continued Lee, “We are grateful to the Walmart Foundation for the opportunity to create an environment that will encourage and allow our youth to enjoy and develop a lifelong love of reading.”

Beginning February 1, 2011, the Bright Spot Reading Centers will feature books targeting young people ages 11 to 15; including programs to encourage Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley members to read more and develop a positive attitude toward reading.  The centers will offer activities in drama, art and technology; field trips and service learning projects to integrate reading opportunities into every area of the Club.

“At Walmart, we believe education is critical to the lives and success of our nation’s youth,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We’re proud to provide the opportunity for more teens to use the Bright Spot reading rooms to grow, learn and excel at school, at home and at Clubs across America.”

In addition to the Club’s new Bright Spot Reading Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s teen website www.myclubmylife.com will continue to serve as a resource for the Club to promote the reading initiative; highlight age-appropriate books and book reviews; and encourage tweens and teens to read more and share their reading experiences with others.  Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley will also strengthen existing and develop new relationships with local libraries to enhance its programs and services.

Located at 220 Carrick Street, Moses Teen Center provides program opportunities for over 500 boys and girls each year. The Club is open Monday-Friday, 3 to 8 p.m. during the school year, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer and school holidays. Children interested in joining the Club, learning more about The Walmart Foundation Bright Spot for Reading Initiative or other youth programs may contact Shauna McKinney at Moses Teen Center, (865) 232-1210.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has changed and saved lives, enabling young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve some 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in neighborhoods throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing a wide variety of youth development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. The Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

About National Library Week
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.

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