Unlocking Potential, Nurturing Dreams – A New Year of Impact Has Begun

Dear Friend of the Club,

We are a couple of months into 2024 and I am filled with excitement for the incredible journey ahead. Our mission to empower youth and shape great futures takes center stage, and I am thrilled to have you as cherished members of our community.

This year, we embark on a quest to make an even greater impact, and I invite you to be an integral part of our transformative mission. Our Fill the Gap Campaign aims to raise $955,500, a crucial initiative to ensure that no potential goes untapped and no dream is left unfulfilled.

To make this vision a reality, we need the collective strength of our entire community. Every partner, every supporter, and every form of assistance will play a vital role. Together, we can bridge gaps, foster growth, and pave the way for countless success stories.

This year holds special significance as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Delta Dental Pro-Am, a milestone that reflects the enduring commitment of our community to make a positive impact. Additionally, the much-loved Four on the 4th event is set to return to Vinton for the third year, bringing the community together for a day of celebration and support.

Your unwavering dedication has been the bedrock of our achievements, and I am confident that, with your partnership, 2024 will be a year that leaves an indelible mark on the lives of the youth we serve. I hope you will join us.

Wishing you a beautiful spring season,

Rebekah Meadows  

Chief Executive Officer

rmeadows@bgcswva.org  

WELCOME NEW BOARD CHAIR ARCHIE FREEMAN, III

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia proudly announces Archie Freeman, III, as our esteemed new Board Chair. With a distinguished tenure as a Board Member since 2016, Mr. Freeman brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our organization. Currently serving as the Chief Academic Officer at Roanoke City Schools, his leadership, passion, and commitment make him the perfect candidate to guide us on our mission to empower youth and shape great futures!

Thank you to everyone who donated during the 10^th Anniversary of the Ross in-store fundraiser. More than $4.3 million was raised nationwide for our Clubs! Your generosity will go a long way in supporting the academic success of young people in our region. Special thanks to our partner Ross Dress For Less for being the national sponsor of Power Hour and helping ensure all kids have great futures.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR USCELLULAR BLACK HISTORY ART CONTEST WINNERS

Congratulations to the talented winners of the UScellular Black History Art Contest!

• 1st Place: Lauryn from Andrew Lewis Middle School
• 2nd Place: Nyla from Burlington Elementary School
• 3rd Place: Nizyah from Andrew Lewis Middle School

These young artists drew inspirational black STEM icons, and through public voting, they emerged as the winners, walking away with well-deserved cash prizes. We celebrate their creativity and dedication!

ANNOUNCING OUR 2024 YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Drumroll please… We’re thrilled to announce that Eastern Mongomery High School senior Club member Caiden has been named our Youth of the Year! Up next Caiden will participate at the state level, a competition that will be hosted in Roanoke as young people from across Virginia will compete for the state title, the opportunity to advance to regionals, and a cash prize.

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth leadership program, honoring extraordinary young people and their achievements in leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. The National Youth of the Year title is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon a young person, representing the voice of millions of Boys & Girls Club youth as the national teen spokesperson. 

HAPPENING NEXT WEDNESDAY!

SML GIVES IS MARCH 13TH

The SML Gives campaign is on Wednesday, 3/13, and we're thrilled to announce that early giving kicks off this Monday! This day holds special significance as it is dedicated to rallying support for nonprofits in the counties of Bedford and Franklin. At Boys & Girls Clubs, our footprint extends across Franklin County, where we operate two Club sites at Lee M. Waid Elementary School and Rocky Mount Elementary School.

Our mission is clear: to raise $2,500 that will directly fuel our afterschool and summer programs, providing a vital lifeline for the youth in our community. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey by considering a contribution to our cause. Join our campaign and be a beacon of positive change for the youth we are privileged to serve.

SPECIAL NOTE: Virginia NAP tax credits are available for gifts at our Impact Society level of $1,000+. Contact Christina Ballard at cballard@bgcswva.org with interest or for more information.

SAVE THE DATE - GIVE ROANOKE IS APRIL 24TH

GIVE Roanoke is a fun, easy, and flexible way to donate and learn more about organizations making a difference in the Roanoke Valley. GIVE Roanoke is hosted by the Council of Community Services. This year's campaign will take place on April 24th. Stay tuned for more information on how you can support our effort, double-your-impact announcements, and more!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR OUR MAY EVENTS

Join us at the Delta Dental of Virginia ParTEE for Kids fundraiser on Wednesday, May 22nd at Roanoke Country Club. This golf-themed soiree features food, drink, auctions, raffles, and impact stories about how the Club supports our youth. Proceeds benefit our Summer Camp Club Experience. This event is free to attend but registration is required. Hope to see you there!

Teams will fill up fast! Secure your spot today to participate in the 25th annual Delta Dental Pro-Am for Kids. The tournament will take place on Thursday, May 23rd at Roanoke Country Club. Proceeds support scholarships for our summer program so youth who need us most have access to a safe, productive, and FUN place to spend their out-of-school time. NEW for 2024! The Silver Jubilee sponsor level provides the opportunity for your team to PICK YOUR PRO! This is first come, first serve. Sign up today!

FOUR ON THE 4TH RETURNS TO VINTON THIS JULY

Join us for the 13th annual Four on the 4th, now in its 3rd year in Vinton! This Independence Day, lace up your running shoes for a 4-mile race in support of our youth. Registration is open, and early birds can secure a spot at the early fee, guaranteeing a coveted event t-shirt. Start your holiday with this special family-friendly tradition, all while making a meaningful impact on the journey to greatness for our youth. Mark your calendar and sign up today!

SEEKING 2024 CORPORATE PARTNERS

At Boys & Girls Club, we believe in the power of collaboration and the profound impact it has on our community's youth. Corporate partners are the cornerstone of our mission, providing crucial support that enables us to empower young minds and create lasting change. We invite our valued corporate partners to explore new opportunities to be involved in our mission. Your engagement goes beyond sponsorship; it's a commitment to building brighter futures for the next generation. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and teens – together, we can inspire greatness. Explore partnership opportunities with Boys & Girls Club in 2024 at the website below or by contacting Chief Development Officer Christina Ballard at cballard@bgcswva.org.

CLUB ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

Boys & Girls Club gives young people a safe and productive place to spend out-of-school time. We love encouraging creativity and seeing our young artists use their talents to create beautiful masterpieces!

Our amazing Christiansburg Middle School Club members participated in a fun STEM activity, unraveling the secrets of matter's three elements.

But wait, there's a sweet twist! Not only did these young scientists explore the building blocks of the universe, but they also turned their newfound knowledge into delicious creations – CHOCOLATES!

Every First Thursday, our amazing tweens and teens don their aprons and head to the Roanoke Rescue Mission, embodying the spirit of goodwill and community service. They spend the evening preparing and serving dinner, spreading warmth, and nourishing both the body and the soul. Through volunteering, they are not just serving meals; they are cultivating virtues of good character and citizenship. Their dedication to giving back is a powerful lesson in compassion, empathy, and the belief that small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

The talented kids at Rocky Mount Elementary Boys & Girls Club recently took part in the UScellular Black History Month Art Contest, immersing themselves in the inspiring stories of Black individuals who have made significant contributions to STEM fields. Eager to showcase their newfound knowledge and artistic prowess, the youngsters channeled their creativity into crafting vibrant and meaningful pictures depicting these influential figures.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY

If you are passionate about working with young people and changing lives, please visit the link below to learn about open positions or contact Michelle Crigger at (540) 904-7401.

If you believe our program would be a good fit for your family, please visit www.bgcswva.org/locations to find the Club in your area and contact the Unit Director to inquire about program details and availability.

Thank you to these partners who have committed at the $2,500+ level of support for 2024