How would you like to help our community's kids while also receiving a tax credit for your support?

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Itemize Deductions on Your Federal Tax Return. The first year is considered your baseline.*
2. Give Your Gift. Your donation qualifies as an Arizona tax credit! This, credit, over your baseline and up to $400 married/$200 single, cannot exceed your Arizona state tax.
3. We send you a receipt and a form for your taxes.
   

It's That Easy! Thanks to Arizona's Tax Credit for the Working Poor. Make Your Contribution Today!

There are many ways to donate:
* online at www.bgcmp.org
* by mailing your contribution to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix 2645 North 24th Street, Phoenix AZ 85008
* by calling (602) 954-8182. Please reference Tax Credit on your contribution.

Remember, you can participate in this program AND the School Tax Credits.
* Beginning in 1996. Your gift is also a Federal deduction - Uncle Sam may even give you a refund! For more information, visit www.revenue.state.az.us or consult your tax advisor.

Over the years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix (BGCMP) has been the grateful recipient of support from the Valley Automobile Dealers Association and their annual Arizona International Auto Show. Their contributions have funded several mini-buses, providing youth safe transportation to their local Club. This support is made possible through the success of their annual Auto Show.

The 2008 Arizona International Auto Show, which opens Thanksgiving Day, November 22, and runs through Sunday, November 25, will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center. The show will provide visitors with the opportunity to view over 500 new cars and trucks in a non-selling environment. The show is also a venue for displays from a variety of automotive manufacturers.

Members of the BGCMP family have the opportunity to purchase tickets at $4.50, which is 50% off the regular price! To purchase these discount tickets visit www.autoshowphoenix.com, and click on the “E-ticket”, and enter the code “BGMPHX”. Thanks again to the Valley Automobile Dealers Association for their support in helping our valley youth get on the road to a brighter future!

Every year, thousands of children in the Valley do not get to experience the cheer of the holidays.

ADOPT A FAMILY: The BGCMP has identified families in need and prepared a family information sheet identifying family size, food, clothing, and household needs. If you want to adopt a family, you can either do the shopping and deliver the items to the family or you can let us know how many family members you want to adopt and the club staff will do all the shopping and make the proper arrangements.

GIFTS FOR KIDS: Our goal is to collect 2,000 new and unwrapped gifts to present to all the children who attend the holiday parties.

If you want to help bring the magic of the holiday season for thousands of deserving children, please call Steve Beekman at 602.954.8182. Thank you!

Join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and title sponsor UTI in celebrating ten of the Valley's most outstanding youth and honoring MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.

Commissioner Bud Selig with 2002 Youth of the Year Nicole Garcia at the 2008 Stars Kick-Off celebration

The event will feature a fabulous evening of fine food, exciting live auction, and a silent auction. The event culminates with one youth being named the Youth of the Year of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix.

Save the date and join us on Saturday, February 23, 2008, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities please call 602.954.8182 or email llesniak@bgcmp.org or visit www.stars2008.org

Newsweek editor and award-winning columnist, Jonathan Alter recently wrote a column titled An Ounce of Prevention in which he talks about a successful program that has helped shape several of the leaders in the United States...this program is the Boys & Girls Clubs.

The Boys & Girls Club is more than just about basketball and sports. Through educational programs, the Club has empowered and inspired kids who have gone on to become some of America's greatest icons like Denzel Washington, Cuba Gooding Jr, Colin Powell, Michael Jordan, Wesley Clark, and many others.

To read a full version of this article click here.

Kids at the Clubs will be celebrating Thanksgiving through a variety of parties Valleywide. Contact your nearest Club for more information on the activities for each event. The following calendar of events lists samples of activities at the Clubs:

Friday, November 16th
Glendale Branch 6 - 8 p.m.
Herbert Kieckhefer Branch 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Tolleson Branch 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Tri-City West/Thornwood Branch 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Jerry & Helen Wisotsky/Peoria 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Monday, November 19th
Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 20th
Warner A. Gabel Branch 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch (Teen Celebration) 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 21st
I. G. Homes Branch 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

There are a variety of activities going on throughout the month. Call your local Club for more information and a complete schedule.

MOLINA HOLIDAY PARTY DESIGNATED PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF METROPOLITAN PHOENIX
December 2007
Arizona Biltmore Resort

TODAY'S KIDS, TOMORROW'S STARS - CELEBRATING EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH! HONORARY CHAIR MLB COMMISSIONER BUD SELIG
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Arizona Biltmore Resort
www.stars2008.org

CHAMPIONS DINNER
Saturday, March 22, 2008,
Westin Kierland Resort

For more info on these events, call (602) 954-8182 or visit www.bgcmp.org 

Kid of the Month Tyler Porter with FSN Arizona's Jody Jackson

Tyler Porter has been a member of the Jerry & Helen Wisotsky/Peoria Branch for about 6 years. During that time he has learned a lot about Sports and about education.

Tyler takes his academics very seriously. He credits his academic success to his maturity in understanding the importance of education. Because of his dedication, Tyler participates in all the gifted programs at his school.

He takes full advantage of Power Hour at the Club, a time set aside for members to complete their homework. You will also find Tyler encouraging his peers to finish their homework, even when they try to come up with reasons not to.

Tyler has even stopped a game of dodge ball in the gym to remind his youngest sister to complete her homework and not forget to read for 15 minutes!

Due to his outstanding character and leadership, we are proud to name Tyler Porter as the FSN Arizona Character Counts Kid of the Month. Congratulations Tyler!

Executive Council Member, Kevin Callahan, has been a volunteer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix for the past four years and during this period has served as the chairman for the Golf Fall Classic two years in a row.

Kevin is a broker for CB Richard Ellis and has used his leadership skills to help ensure the success of the events in which he participates. As chairman of the Golf Fall Classic, Kevin's leadership was instrumental in selling out the event one month in advance!

He is a leader and follows a family tradition of volunteering for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix that dates back 25 years.

Kevin's enthusiasm and commitment to the kids and clubs are to be commended. We are proud to recognize him as this month’s Volunteer of the Month.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering please visit our website at www.bgcmp.org or call Teresa at (602) 343-1210.