Tag: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

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

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

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

Boys & Girls Clubs members, volunteers featured in Knoxville News Sentinel

Posted by Sarah Pope – April 20, 2011

On Sunday, April 17, the Knoxville News Sentinel published a story about the food distribution that took place at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley headquarters on Saturday, April 16.

Boys & Girls Clubs members and other community volunteers handed food out to families who stopped by and registered.

The event was part of Boys & Girls Clubs’ focus on promoting volunteer work as part of helping members become productive citizens.

Read the full story here!

Details of Golf Invitational to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell announced

Posted by Sarah Pope – March 28, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The 13th annual Halls/Powell Golf Invitational to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell is set to take place on Monday, May 23 at Beaver Brook Golf & Country Club.

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a complimentary luncheon at the Club, located at 6800 Beaver Brook Drive. The shotgun tee-off begins at 1 p.m. and an awards reception will follow the tournament at 5:30 p.m.

“Participating in this tournament is a perfect way to help the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell and have a great day out on the course as well,” said Chad Browning, event co-chair. “Playing golf for a good cause makes it twice as good!”

This tournament is held in memory of Daniel R. Burnette for his involvement in the establishment of the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell and his leadership of the tournament for more than two years.

The invitational is open to the public. An entry fee of $250 per player is required for registration, and $190 of that fee is tax-deductible. All registered players will received a $50 Adidas gift card.

Several levels of sponsorships are still available for this tournament.

Players may register online at www.HallsPowellGolf.com or contact Josh Yarbrough, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell, at (865) 232-1218 to ask for a registration form.

For additional information, contact the event co-chairs, Chad Browning at (865) 925-9593 or Danny Fleming at (865) 250-9984.

To schedule a media interview, contact Sarah Malak at (865) 584-0550 or smalak@ackermannpr.com.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

The Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, which currently serves 5,825 members, ages 5 to 17 years old throughout the 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.

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

Johnny Knoxville comes home for a good cause

Posted by Sarah Pope – December 9, 2010

Actor and stuntman Johnny Knoxville paid a visit to the downtown Knoxville Regal Riviera theatre on Tuesday night for a private screening of his latest movie, Jackass 3D.

The screening was an auction item from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Club Blue fundraiser, Sunglasses at Night. The purchaser, Lee Francis of Knoxville, brought his friends downtown for some fun – and for those who know about Johnny Knoxville – a little bit of mischief.

The Boys & Girls Club is near and dear to Johnny’s heart as he participated in one of the Knoxville Club’s sports programs when he was a kid.  Johnny donated the auction item to raise money for the organization.

A big thanks goes out to Johnny for his generosity to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. The screening was a big success, and as always, it’s always a pleasure when Johnny comes home to Knoxville!

Knoxville News Sentinel’s Terry Morrow caught up with Johnny and you can read about it here.

WBIR-TV’s Erin Donovan also talked with Johnny at the screening. Check out the video here:

Denzel Washington pairs with Boys & Girls Clubs to curb high school dropout rates

Posted by Sarah Pope – October 6, 2010

(Knoxville, Tenn.) – October 6 – America’s youth need your help. Did you know that a young person drops out of high school every 26 seconds and that 1.3 million students in the class of 2010 failed to graduate? If these students had graduated, our nation’s economy would have benefitted from more than $335 billion in income over their lifetimes. 

To address the graduation gap and the lost potential among America’s young people, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is joining Clubs across the country to align its program offerings into three major areas – academic success, good character and leadership and healthy lifestyles. The ultimate goal is to measure outcomes and curb the escalating high school dropout rate. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is an affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), one of the world’s largest networks of facility-based youth development organizations whose mission focuses on serving young people during out-of-school time. Across the nation, Clubs have an extensive reach into low-income and minority communities where dropout rates are highest. The Clubs believe their access to children after school and during summers, and their proven ability to exert positive influence when kids are not at home or in school, create a powerful opportunity to help keep young people on a positive educational track.

“We believe there is a third piece to the education equation that is too often left out of the conversation. In addition to the critical influence of home and school, the impact that can be exerted during the nonschool hours, including weekends and summers, as well as after school, is a significant factor,” said John D. Lee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “We are focusing on this largely untapped opportunity, in partnership with local schools and parents, to help our most vulnerable Club members learn to value education and realize its role in determining their future success.”  

“Our goal is simple to state, but hard to achieve, unless the entire nation understands and responds to this dropout crisis,” said Denzel Washington, a Club alumnus who has served as the organization’s national spokesperson for 18 years. “We want to help every Boys & Girls Club member advance to the next grade level every year, and graduate from high school on time, prepared with the attitude, knowledge and confidence to achieve their full potential. It’s what we mean by ‘Great Futures Start Here.’”

Research indicates that young people who drop out of high school are more likely to be unemployed, be in poor health, be involved with crime, use illegal drugs and become dependent on public assistance. They also are less likely to contribute to their communities in a meaningful way. 

But the high school dropout crisis is a problem that can be solved, according to Dr. Robert Balfanz of Johns Hopkins University, who has collaborated with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Just 12 percent of America’s 20,000 high schools account for 50 percent of dropouts and almost 75 percent of minority dropouts,” Balfanz said.

The age statistics for the young people served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley indicate the organization’s considerable potential to help keep them on track early on, when poor attitudes and habits begin to form, said Lee. “Seventy-six percent of our members are between the ages of 6 and 12, when we can impress upon them how important education is to their future. Our staff serves as mentors, tutors and role models that kids look up to and respect. Their influence really makes a difference.”

Evidence of Impact
Boys & Girls Clubs across the country have already seen dramatic evidence that a holistic approach, including an emphasis on academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles, is effective. 

According to a Harris Survey of Club alumni, BGCA’s emphasis on education pays off for youth:
* 90 percent of Club alumni graduate from high school or earn a GED.
* Nearly two-thirds reported that Club staff contributed to their success in high school.  

The High School Dropout Crisis – By the Numbers:
* One-third of America’s children do not graduate from high school.
* Nationally, 1.3 million students in the class of 2010 failed to graduate with a high school diploma.
* For Latino and African-American males, the rate rises to nearly 50 percent.
* The U.S. is the only industrialized country where young people are less likely than their parents to obtain a high school diploma.  

“Everyone can have a role in supporting a youth development program, such as ours, that reaches kids during the out-of-school hours,” said Lee. “Be a volunteer tutor or mentor, join a board, make a financial contribution. There are plenty of ways to help,” he said.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls of the Tennessee Valley serves some 5,825 young people, ages 6-17, annually in Knox, Blount, Loudon and North Anderson Counties. The programs offered positively impact the lives of Club members with a special emphasis on outcomes that assure academic success, healthy lifestyles and productive citizenship. Clubs provide a safe place to learn and grow, enjoy ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, participate in life-enhancing programs and character development experiences and provide hope and opportunity to the youth they serve. Learn more at www.BGCTNV.org.

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Boys & Girls Club members donate to Haiti orphanage

Posted by Sarah Pope – September 24, 2010

Torch Club members present $302 to White Stone Church for Coq Chante orphanage in Haiti. From left are club members Mekayla Hartsell, Rebekah Copeland, Chasen Dupree-Davis, Alexis Walton, Mark Zimmerman (Pastor of White Stone Church), Brieanna Johnson, Charles Rowe, Jamiracle Suber and Jadysha Fishback.

On Wednesday, Aug. 25, members from the Torch Club of the Haslam Family University Boys & Girls Club in Knoxville donated $302 to the Coq Chante orphanage in Haiti. The Haslam Family University Club is a member of Boys & Members Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

The members raised the money through a teen-based service program called Dinners with a Mission, through which they sell tickets to parents and family members for theme-based meals that they prepare themselves. All profits from these ticket sales were donated to White Stone Church, which supports and sends funds to the orphanage in Haiti.

On the day of a Dinners with a Mission event, Torch Club members are responsible for preparing meals, serving them to other club members, parents and community members and presenting information about preselected charities and non-profits.

Throughout the course of Dinners with a Mission, guided discussions are provided to promote critical thinking about community needs. The activities provide members with experience in the democratic process, practicing researching and developing service projects, budgeting and collaborating with their community and feedback from a final review.

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

AT&T donates $105,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Tennessee

Posted by Sarah Pope – August 10, 2010

(L to R) State Representative Ryan Haynes; State Representative Harry Brooks; Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell Executive Director Josh Yarbrough; State Representative Bill Dunn; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley President/CEO John D. Lee; Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell Advisory Board Chairman Wally Welch; AT&T Tennessee Regional Director of External Affairs Alan Hill

Knoxville, Tenn., - Today, AT&T* announced a $105,000 corporate contribution to Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee to support Project Learn in 21 clubs across the state. Project Learn features a program that provides supplemental learning activities to strengthen developmental skills.

Each of the selected clubs will receive $5,000 to support Project Learn. In Knoxville, the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell was chosen to receive $5,000 for the Project Learn program. The Eagleton Boys & Girls Club in Maryville will also receive $5,000.
 
Project Learn reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people learn at school through “high-yield” learning activities, including leisure reading, writing activities, homework help and games that develop and strengthen cognitive skills.
 
Gregg Morton, State President, AT&T Tennessee presented the donation to Boys & Girls Clubs officials during a ceremony at the Halls/Powell Boys & Girls Club in Knoxville today. “Working with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee through programs like Project Learn emphasizes our commitment to helping educate our youth and better prepare them for the future,” said Morton. “These children are tomorrow’s leaders. AT&T recognizes this and invests in Project Learn in order to provide them with the skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. We applaud our state leaders for creating an environment that encourages business investment in educational initiatives.”
 
“Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee is grateful to AT&T for contributing to Project Learn,” said Bob Schrader, president of Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee. “The overall benefits through the education and training these children receive in this program are a direct return on investment for the state’s business community.”
 
The following Boys & Girls Clubs will each receive a contribution from AT&T:
·         Highland Park Club, Chattanooga
·         Benton Club, Benton
·         James Tucker Club, Cleveland
·         Madisonville Club, Madisonville
·         Maury County Club, Columbia
·         Smyrna Club, Smyrna
·         East Club, Jackson
·         Brownsville Club, Brownsville
·         Northwest TN Club, Union City
·         Ira Samelson Jr. Club, Memphis
·         Hickory Hill Club, Memphis
·         Goodwill Club, Memphis
·         Andrew Jackson Club, Nashville
·         Fairview Club, Fairview
·         Morristown/Hamblen County Club, Morristown
·         Pigeon Forge Club, Pigeon Forge
·         Eagleton Club, Maryville
·         Halls/Powell Club, Knoxville
·         Tennessee Club, Bristol
·         Johnson City Club, Johnson City
·         Riverview Club, Kingsport
 
“AT&T and Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee are setting a great example of what can be accomplished through partnerships between corporations and nonprofit organizations,” said State Representative Harry Brooks, chairman of the House Education Committee. “Identifying the relationship between business investment and educational initiatives directly benefits Tennessee’s children and workforce.”
 
“It is so important to invest in programs like Project Learn,” said Lisa Hurst, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee. “AT&T’s contribution to the program shows its commitment to providing educational opportunities for our state’s children. We applaud our state leaders,

(L to R) Alan Hill, AT&T Tennessee Regional Director of External Affairs; Gregg Morton, AT&T State President; State Representative Ryan Haynes; State Representative Harry Brooks; State Representative Bill Dunn; members of the Boys & Girls Clubs

including Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, House Speaker Kent Williams, Senate Education Chair Delores Gresham and House Education Chair Harry Brooks for their attention and support to education initiatives like this.”

“AT&T’s commitment to education is something we need more companies throughout the state to follow,” said Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey. “AT&T’s investment in programs like Project Learn will strengthen Tennessee’s future economy and workforce.”
 
“Education goes so much further than the classroom,” said House Speaker Kent Williams. “AT&T’s investment in programs like Project Learn exemplifies its commitment to furthering education in Tennessee.”
 
“AT&T should be commended for its efforts and contributions to educational opportunities for Tennessee’s children,” said Senate Education Chair Delores Gresham. “Project Learn is one example of a program that is making a difference in Tennessee.”
 
Project Learn emphasizes collaborations between Boys & Girls Clubs staff, parents and school personnel, and focuses on the skills young people develop both at the Boys & Girls Clubs and in the home. Based on Dr. Reginald Clark’s research, Project Learn incorporates fun, but academically beneficial activities that increase overall academic performance. Formally evaluated by Columbia University, Project Learn has been proven to significantly boost the academic performances of Club members.
 
“Tennessee has made great strides in recent months toward strengthening its education efforts, and our state’s business leaders are playing a key role,” said Commissioner Tim Webb of the Tennessee Department of Education. “We are all in this fight together, and AT&T recognizes that partnering with local community organizations is important to the success of our education initiatives.”                                                                   
 
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
 
About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2009, nearly $155 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.
 
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation’s fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation’s leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE®magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.
 
© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.