News
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.
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Boys & 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.
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BGCS 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.
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Character-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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Michael Phelps’ Top 5 Mental Health Tips for Teens
Recently, gold medalist and mental health advocate Michael Phelps connected with Club teens at our National Keystone Conference for young leaders to discuss ways to improve mental health and overall wellbeing.
As a partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America for nearly 20 years, Michael Phelps and the Michael Phelps Foundation have championed the importance of water safety, goal-setting, and physical and mental health with the millions of young people Clubs serve each year.
As he spoke about his own mental health journey, Phelps shared some of the things he utilizes to help reduce stress, be confident and incorporate wellness into your everyday life. Below are a few tips for maintaining your mental health during stressful times like the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Trinity Location is Moving and Expanding
Thanks to wonderful support from the community, the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills will be reopening the Trinity Unit at the Moore Montessori School on May Street in Southern Pines.
“We are honoring our past partnership and history with Trinity AME Zion Church by retaining the club’s name and moving to Moore Montessori with plans to restart our performing arts programming as well,” said Fallon Brewington, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills.
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