The stars are lining up for a red-carpet evening as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix prepares for its "Today's Kids, Tomorrow's Stars," an event proudly sponsored by UTI.

The event, which will take place at the Arizona Biltmore Resort on Saturday, February 24, will feature community and business leaders Jerry Colangelo, Jerry Moyes, and Ed Robson serving as honorary co-chairs for this magnificent event.

Stars is an inspirational event noted for touching the hearts of the Valley’s distinguished guests. This year attendance at the event is anticipated to be over 1,000 guests.

In addition to crowning the 2007 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, the evening includes a memorable dinner and some of the Valley's most exclusive items available at both the live and silent auctions. Prepare yourself by checking out our new Stars web page at www.stars2007.org.

Don't forget to mark your PDA for Saturday, February 24, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix in recognizing outstanding youth at "Today's Kids, Tomorrow's Stars." For more information please call 602.954.8182 today!

Discover "works of art" that are not able to be displayed in a gallery as you join the Executive Council at "Taste 2007 - The Art of Flavor."

Featuring flavors from Italy, Japan, Germany, France, South America, and Spain, the list is almost endless. Food and wine from particular regions often complement each other. But whether you prefer gourmet delicacies or enjoy a great wine tasting, Taste 2007 will inspire your inner connoisseur to explore the different flavors offered. Who knows, you just might find a new favorite combination.

Taste 2007, The Art of Flavor When: Sunday, April 22, 2007
           6:00 to 9:00 p.m. 

Where: Kierland Commons (northwest corner of Scottsdale Road and Greenway Parkway.)

Also check out:

Champion's Dinner and Pre-Taste Celebration: A black-tie dinner and auction, Saturday, April 7, 2007 5:30 p.m. to midnight, at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (northwest corner of Greenway Parkway and Kierland Boulevard.)

Post-Taste: Sunday, April 22, 2007, 9:00 p.m. to midnight (following Taste 2007) at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

Individual tickets to Taste 2007 start at $150. Tickets to the Pre-Taste start at $500 each. Underwriting and sponsorship packages are also available.

For more information, please call 602.954.8182 or e-mail tsokolowski@bgcmp.org

Please join the Executive Council in offering hope to children who need it the most. Taste began as a small dinner party hosted by the Executive Council, a volunteer group of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. Thirty-three years later, Taste is Phoenix’s premier spring event attracting an average of 6,000 guests annually.

Just who are the Youths of the Year being honored at "Today's Kids, Tomorrow's Stars?" Ten outstanding Valley teens have been selected based on their contributions to their schools, communities, families, and their Boys & Girls Clubs. It is an honor that is actively sought after by youth involved at the Clubs. Here are their stories:

Echos Blevins I. G. Homes Branch Sponsored by Jerry Colangelo
	Freddie Espinoza Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Melissa Fuentes Warner A. Gabel Branch Sponsored by Carole and Arte Moreno
	Danielle Hanson Jerry & Helen Wisotsky/Peoria Branch Sponsored by Linda and Bill Pope
Tiffany McInerney Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch Sponsored by Buzz Sands
	Roquel Renfrow Tri-City West/Thornwood Branch Sponsored by UTI / Thornwood Furniture Manufacturing, Inc.
Kelsey Rutledge Herbert Kieckhefer Branch Sponsored by Michelle and Ed Robson
	Jimmy Salinas Glendale Branch Sponsored by Jerry Moyes Family
Jeffrey Seelinger Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch Sponsored by US Airways

The listed events are samples of activities at the Clubs: 

Wednesday, February 14
The Clubs are preparing to celebrate Valentine's Day with heartful decorations and engaging activities. Valentine's related activities are scheduled as follows:

• Glendale Branch: 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• I. G. Homes Branch: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• Herbert Kieckhefer Branch: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
• Jerry & Helen Wisotsky/Peoria Branch: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
• Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Tolleson Branch: 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 15
Kid of the Year recognition event. A selected boy and a girl from each of our ten branches will be honored as the Clubs' Kids of the Year. The kids are selected based on their participation in Club programs and their service to their peers. "Kid of the Year" is a younger version of the "Youth of the Year" program. The Kids of the Year are also recognized during the "Today's Kids, Tomorrow's Stars" event sponsored by UTI.

Friday, February 16
Kids from all ten branches will be participating at the All International Festival to take place at the administrative offices of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. The festival will expose youth to a variety of cultures, broaden their world view, and encourage the appreciation of diversity. Each branch will be representing a different culture through the five senses (sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste). This event has become an annual favorite of club members. The festival will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, February 23
Members of the Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch will be participating in a variety of educational activities as part of their Black History Month celebration.

Call your local Club for more information and a complete schedule.

TODAY'S KIDS, TOMORROW'S STARS
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

PRE-TASTE AND CHAMPION'S DINNER EVENT
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

TASTE 2007 "THE ART OF FLAVOR"
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Kierland Commons

POST-TASTE 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007 (immediately after The Taste)
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

For more info on these events, call 602.954.8182 or visit www.bgcmp.org 

Kid of the Month Dakota Staren with FSN Arizona's Brad Steinke

Dakota Staren is a 12-year-old member of the Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch. She is a smart and outgoing member who enjoys being around other kids. Dakota has a positive attitude that is a morale booster to the other kids. This dedicated team member is always looking for ways to help the team improve and is not afraid to make suggestions to the coach and other members if she feels they can help.

Described by her coach as a leader who is always encouraging the other members of the team, Dakota exhibits great sportsmanship. Win, lose, or draw, Dakota remains positive and encouraging. She is an avid competitor but keeps the game in perspective, treating all with respect.

Dakota is a great role model to her little sister and other younger members. She understands the value of being a positive role model and takes pride in leading by example. An active member of the Torch Club, a community service group, Dakota is a tireless worker. She loves to help around the club and is always willing to take on any task, whether it is serving food at the holiday party or helping kids in the homework room. Dakota is a valued member of the Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch who helps anybody that she can.

The BGCMP is proud to recognize business and community leader Freddie Daniels as the volunteer of the month. Freddie has been a volunteer for more than 15 years serving as a basketball coach at both the Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch and the Glendale Branch.

Club staff consider Freddie to be a no-nonsense volunteer- he helps the kids learn and perfect their motor skills. He is a highly motivated volunteer who truly wants kids to succeed. Freddie takes the time to get to know each of the kids he coaches and compliments them on their improvements.

Throughout his volunteering years Freddie has consistently been selected as an "all-star" coach because of his service, dependability, and mentoring skills.

Freddie gives it 110% every time and is always there eager to start, usually being at the Club early and leaving late.

His commitment, passion, and creativity are unparalleled in his pursuit to enhance children's lives.  

Thank you, Freddie Daniels, for your dedication to volunteering and helping improve our community for all these years!