Did you know that 15,000 U.S. youth will use drugs for the first time today? Or that Arizona ranks 40th out of 50 among the worst states for the well-being of children?

These statistics are the reality our Valley's youth face everyday. Do you believe in a better future? Join us in providing life-changing programs that change kids' lives. Believe. Imagine the possibilities.

Please visit www.bgcmp.org/believe to find out how you can help.

Get ready for the 14th Annual Mayors’ Challenge Golf Tournament. Join Mayors and businesses of the West Valley to support the Tri-City West/Thornwood Branch with a day of golf, food, and fun. Tee off with special guest, NFL Hall of Famer and Arizona native, Randall McDaniel.

Saturday, October 24th, 2009
The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa
300 Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park
7:00 a.m. Registration
8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

Greens fee, golf cart, range balls, and lunch are included. Sponsorship opportunities start at just $300. For more information on the tournament click here or call 602-954-8182.

Enjoy BBQ, Football and free Texas Hold’em.

Sunday, November 8, 2009
Graham Central Station
12:30 p.m. Registration
$50 registration fee

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Call (602) 954-8182 or e-mail rpierson@bgcmp.org for more information.

It couldn’t be easier to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. “Shop and Give” is part of Bashas’ ongoing commitment to give back to Arizona, and runs now until April 30, 2010.

Click here for easy instructions on how you can help.

Jerry & Helen Wisotsky/Peoria Branch Teen Program Director, Earnie Hohl, was recently recognized as “State Keystone Advisor of the Year” by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, supported by the Taco Bell Foundation. She also received the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence's "Individual Award".  This award honors an out-of-school time professional for their exemplary work in fostering the education and overall youth development of Arizona's school-age youth.    

In addition, the Peoria Legacy Keystone Club received national recognition when they were presented with the “Award for Teen Outreach” for putting on a job fair, from which over 100 teens found employment!

Other BGCMP Keystone groups are making their mark, as well. The Jerry Colangelo Branch Keystone Club received the “National Project of the Year” award for their video documentary, “Between the Cracks”, about life on the streets for homeless teens.

On September 25th, the Swift Kids Branch hosted over 150 kids, parents and siblings for the Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play. Together the Keystone Club members and the Club staff provided games and activities for Club members and their families. The event encourages exercise and quality time for families. After the games, all the families enjoyed ice cream and cookies for participating in the event. Everyone had a great time!

Kids across Phoenix and the West Valley participate a wide variety of programs at the Club every day. For more information on activities and times call the Club nearest you.

October 22
The Jerry Colangelo Branch Torch Club and Keystone Club members will be participating in a community service project in honor of Lights on Afterschool Celebration. This event helps to call attention to the afterschool programs that keep our kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families.

October 19-23
The Tri-City West/Thornwood Branch will be participating in Character Counts Week. Activities throughout the week will encourage working together and leadership skills. The week will end with a big party for all participants.

October 23
The Arizona Dental Association and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix are gearing up for the 8th annual Give Kids A Smile Day, which provides free dental services to some 850 children in need. The event will take place from 10AM-1PM at the Dave Pratt Dental Clinic/I.G. Homes Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. If you are interested in volunteering your time to help bring healthy smiles to Valley kids, please call the Arizona Dental Association at 480-344-5777ext 325.

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

Friday, December 11, 2009

Grayhawk Golf Club

10:00 AM Shotgun/3-man Scramble

Each golfer will receive: continental breakfast, barbeque lunch, fabulous tee package, awards banquet and hosted beverages.

Call 602-954-8182 or email gnoble@bgcmp.org for sponsorship opportunities or registration information.

Jennifer Hanlon and her dog, Philly, are volunteers for Gabriel’s Angels Inc. and have been a wonderful addition to the Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch family. Jennifer works with kids teaching them animal empathy, how to take care of Philly (feed him, give him water, walk him and brush him) and interesting facts about animals. The kids love seeing and helping take care of Philly the dog.

Through this program, members have reached a level of comfort in speaking with Jen and other staff -- they even share difficult home situations or other troubles. Gabriel’s Angels, Jennifer and Philly, have all made a huge difference in the lives of the kids they work with and we are so thankful that they spend time with us at the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Are you ready to plan your will or trust? We would like to send you a free kit to help get you started.

This helpful information will ensure that your money goes to the people and organization that you care about most.

Request your free Will Kit and use it to record your family information and your estate distribution plans.

Go to www.clubgift.org and select "Free Wills Kit" from directory.

If you would like to set up a bequest benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, please call (602) 954-8182 or e-mail Brad Kuluris at bkuluris@bgcmp.org.