Posts by Larry Smith
BGCS 25th Anniversary Youth of the Year Announced
It was a homecoming for some past-year winners who returned for the 25th Anniversary Youth of the Year event to reflect, share their stories, and showcase their talents. BGCS…
Read MorePinehurst Rotary celebrates 10th year of “Happy Feet”
Saturday, August 20th was a happy day for close to 100 members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills. The doors of the Show Carnival in Aberdeen opened at 7am with over 30 members from the Rotary Club of Pinehurst eagerly waiting to usher a young person in to pick out a special pair of shoes for the new school year.
It was the 10th year of this special event called “Happy Feet.” The driving force of this event, Ed Biebrich said, “I don’t think it ever gets old. Each year you see new faces and it’s much more than a charity thing for us, it’s a signature program for the club.”
Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills participates in philanthropy program to maximize impact in community
The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills is one of 30 non-profit agencies in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida that are successfully participating in a Duke Energy philanthropy program aimed at supporting agency operations by reducing costs and offering support services.
To implement the program, Duke Energy collaborated with Restore Global, a worldwide organization that helps nonprofits maximize their impact.
Duke Energy’s $82,000 investment is allowing Restore Global to provide direct benefits to help these organizations better serve customers.
BGCS Board Selects New CEO
The Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills has selected Steve Kastner as their new Chief Executive Officer. Kastner most recently served as President and CEO of Trinity Health Senior Communities which owns or manages over 50 senior living communities serving over 30,000 residents. The announcement comes after Dr. Fallon Brewington, the Club’s current CEO, accepted a position as Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Sandhills Community College. Under Dr. Brewington’s leadership, the Club stepped up to meet the needs of young people across Moore County when the pandemic forced the closure of schools and thus the closure of school cafeterias. In conjunction with Moore County Schools, the Club provided meals for youth and families during the height of the pandemic.
Kastner is familiar with the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills, as he served on the Board during his tenure as the President of St. Joseph of the Pines.
BGCS Taking part in the Summer Food Service Program.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Read MoreBoys & Girls Clubs of America Champion Youth during Virtual National Days of Advocacy
Over 600 advocates for youth from Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation will virtually attend Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Days of Advocacy this week. Top executives, community stakeholders, and youth from hundreds of Clubs will engage members of Congress in the critical issues impacting kids and teens today. Leaders from local Clubs, along with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s President and CEO Jim Clark, will meet with top officials, representing the millions of kids who attend a Club around the country, on Native lands and on Boys & Girls Clubs of America-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide.
Read MoreBGCS NAMES 2022 ‘YOUTH OF THE YEAR’
Helping others, overcoming obstacles, and gaining self-confidence were among the themes shared by Youth of the Year finalists at the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills’ 2022 Virtual Great Futures Celebration. Kanaiya Terry, Ja’Torian Medley, and Tamia McKinnon all had to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Youth of the Year honor, including active involvement in their Clubs, academic success, and community service. “The judges told us this was one of the hardest decisions they’ve ever had to make, and now we know why,” Ke’Ziah Simpson stated when announcing Tamia McKinnon as the 2022 Youth of the Year.Tamia said, “The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills has molded me for success and given me the confidence to adapt to changes and new surroundings.” McKinnon wants to attend an HBCU and eventually receive a Doctorate in Pediatrics following her graduation from Pinecrest High School.
Read MoreYouth of the Year goes Virtual for 2022
Early each year, the anticipation grows among members, families, and staff at the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills wondering who will be named Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year Program honors the nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed, and inspire.
For our 2021 Youth of the Year, Ke’ Ziah Simpson, it was her second attempt to earn the title. She shared that “the experience showed me that I could go beyond the Club”. The Pinecrest Junior is hoping to go on to study Sports Medicine after graduation from high school.
Due to concerns from the spread of COVID, this year’s Great Futures Youth of the Year Celebration will be virtual once again. It will be live-streamed on Thursday, February 17th starting at 6:30 pm via the event site at one.bidpal.net/greatfutures21.
Top 10 Youth Resources from 2021
Here are the top 10 most-read articles from Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2021 that remain helpful resources for you and your family as we embark on a new year and continue to build great futures together. Mental health support of kids was a big one on the list for 2021.
Read MoreCharacter-Building Activities for Kids
People who have good character do the right thing because they believe it is the right thing to do. They are respectful, reliable, and considerate of others’ needs.
As parents, caregivers and educators, we want to see our children display good character. But teaching traits like honesty, loyalty, and kindness can feel daunting. Learning to read and write seems more straightforward than learning to be responsible! Thankfully, there are some ways to include character skill-building into your regular routines.
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