News
Jersey Mikes sets new record for Day of Giving for BGCS
The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills is pleased to announce that Jersey Mike’s of Aberdeen and Pinehurst donated a total of $22,370 as a result of their Month…
Read MorePartnership with BGCS and Weymouth Equestrians is Galloping along
For Alisah, Jasmine, Taylor, and Anna it’s not just any day at the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills but it’s a special day, as they finish their homework and grab a hot meal excitement grows because they are about to see their new best friend Savannah V at the newly remodeled barn at the Weymouth Center.
As they get off the BGCS bus, they are greeted by Kelly Dobert, Director of Weymouth Equestrians, which has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills to provide young people the opportunity to learn to ride and care for horses on Weymouth’s historic property. As they gather, the first thing they all ask about is Savannah V and Dobert smiles and explains that she’s out in the pasture still getting comfortable with her new surroundings. She asks each of the members what they learned last week and Taylor pipes in,” To count the poop”. Kelly responds,” Yes, that’s just one of the ways that keep a check on the health of the horse”.
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 2015 Youth of the Year winner Daniel Roberts reflected on how the Club helped him find a career path as a WNCN News Producer. His sister Edith Roberts, who was Youth of the Year in 2014, shared her gift of music as she mesmerized everyone with her masterful playing of the violin. Other former Youth of the Year winners including Kadisha Taylor, Monique Kiser, Jasmine Gray, Shu’ Diamond Utley, Brianna Brewington, and Ke’Ziah Simpson all came to support this year’s winner and catch up with staff and old friends.
Cory Dunn, Precious Dunn, and Jai’Torian Medley prepared for weeks in order to meet all the criteria to be eligible for Youth of the Year. Each candidate touched the crowd of approximately 200 people with their stories. Last year’s 2022 Youth of the Year, Tamia McKinnon shared “that the Judges had enjoyed meeting each candidate and said that it was a hard choice because each of them was so uniquely qualified”.
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.
Dedman gift propels The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills’ Building Great Futures Campaign Closer to finish line
The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills is thrilled to announce a gift of $500,000 from one very generous donor: the Dedman Family. The family through Pinehurst Resort & Country Club helped the Club open its doors nearly 25 years ago with a gift of the same amount.
The Dedman Family’s generous investment pushes the Club within $500,000 of their total goal of $ 2.9 million for the Building Great Futures Campaign. This multi-faceted campaign drives the organization forward to meet the ever-growing needs of the young people in Moore County, specifically through academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyle programs. The Dedman Family believes their gift encourages the community to step up and support the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills to raise the remaining $500,000.
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.
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