BGCMP NEWS - NOVEMBER 2010

Earn Your Tax Credit!
Today, the Clubs are packed with kids looking for a hot meal, a safe place, and genuine support from someone who cares. A staggering 49% of our children live at or below the poverty level, that equates to a family of four with a total income of $22,500. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix is a place where kids can learn, grow and believe in themselves.

Believe in kids and imagine the possibilities. Donate now...it won't cost you a dime! Earn up to $400 married/$200 single on your Arizona taxes. We qualify for the dollar-for-dollar Charitable tax credit. You can do this and the school tax credits. It's easy!

Click here to make a difference.

Macy's Thanks for Sharing Campaign
Earn rewards and inspire change. Starting Septemeber 15, 2010, Macy's card members can enroll in the Thanks for Sharing rewards program with a one-time $25 fee charged to their Macy's Credit Card. Once enrolled, card members accumulate rewards equal to 10% of most of their Macy's Card purchases through December 31, 2010. Macy's will make a $10 donation for each customer enrolling in the Thanks for Sharing rewards program. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix has been selected to benefit!

Visit Macy's Thanks for Sharing to learn more. 

Thanks for Sharing!

Eat Poore Brothers Chips, Help Kids!
Poore Brothers Chips that is...Starting in October proceeds from each Poore Brothers bag of chips will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. Enjoy delicious flavors such as Jalapeno, Barbeque, Original, or Salt and Vinegar. A special thanks to The Inventure Group, Inc. for their support!

AT THE CLUBS

Back-to-School
Fall is in full swing and the kids are back in school, but they couldn't have done it without the support of numerous community partners helping out to make sure that Club members head back to school with all the supplies they’ll need to feel ready and confident for the new school year.

We would like to thank the University of Phoenix/Apollo Group, Ross Stores, JC Penny NextCare Urgent Care, and Staples for their generous donations. Our friends at Staples also helped kids beat the mid-year supply slump last week by donating an additional 550 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to Club kids!

Click here to read the Az Republic article on the Back-to-School Shopping event.

Walmart Bright Spot for Reading
The Herbert Kieckhefer Branch's new Bright Spot Reading Center features books geared at youth ages 11 to 15 and includes programming to encourage adolescents to read more and develop a more positive attitude toward reading.  Programming includes activities in drama, art and technology; field trips to local libraries and service learning projects in order to create reading opportunities in every area of the Club. Tweens and teens were included in a 'focus group" discussion to decide on what the "Bright Spot should look like, what reading materials and furniture it should have, signage, awards -- a VIP area for Reader of the Month. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

MetroOrg Best of Texas Event
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Graham Central Station
1:00pm Lunch/2:00pm Free Texas Hold’em Tournament

Click here to sponsor or register for the event.

The Mayors' Challenge Golf Tournament
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Palm Valley Golf Club
8:00am Shotgun

Click here to register or sponsor the event.

Executive Council Fall Classic Golf Tournament
Friday, December 10, 2010
Grayhawk Golf Club
8:00am

Click here to register or sponsor the event.

Spooktacular Good Time
October 28th & 29th Clubs all across the Valley hosted scary, fun and activity-filled Halloween events. Kids were able to dress up in their Halloween best and have a ghoulish time with their friends and family. The Ed Robson Family Branch even held a pumpkin carving contest, which produced some very creative designs. 

Club Holiday Calendar
Thanksgiving and the Holiday season are just around the corner. Each year Club members and their families are invited to enjoy Holiday celebrations at the Club. Click here for a list of Clubs and dates.

GET INVOLVED

BGCMP Welcomes New Chairperson – Kim McWaters
Since 2002 President and CEO of Universal Technical Institute, Kim McWaters, has served as a board member and supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. Kim has actively served on many committees and Universal Technical Institute has served as the title sponsor of the Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars Dinner and Auction for the past five years.

Her dedication to the Valley’s youth and to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix is unparalleled and she will surely do great things as she steps into the role of Chairman of the Board.

We thank Kim for her continued vision, support and generosity! 

Mal Straus – Champion for Children
Our dear friend, Mr. Malcolm Straus recently passed away. Mr. Straus served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix for the past 45 years. 

Mal was a key member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, and a critical part of the growth and development of the BGCMP for over four decades. He made the BGCMP one of his highest priorities, and worked tirelessly to promote the mission, and needs of our community’s youth. Mal served as Chairman of the Board in 1966 and was a past recipient of the coveted Phil Fingerhut Spirit Award.

“Thank you” is not enough for all that Mr. Straus has done for our community’s youth. Mal will be missed by many.

Please click here if you would like to make a donation in memory of Mr. Straus.

GREAT JOB

Character Counts – Maurae

State Keystone Conference
Nearly 250 teens from across Arizona recently gathered to learn, share, and have fun while serving their communities. Keystone Clubs are chartered small group leadership development clubs for young people ages 14 to 18. Keystoners elect officers, choose their own activities and plan and implement community service projects. This teen leadership program is funded by the Taco Bell Foundation. This year’s State Keystone Conference was hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix at Grand Canyon University. 

Day for Kids
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix recently celebrated National Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids, with exciting events and activities for the whole family. Day for Kids is a special day set aside to celebrate kids and their families, a day for families to bond and strengthen healthy relationships. Each Club hosted their own special activities.

Foundation - Free Wills Kit!
Are you ready to plan your will or trust? We would like to send you a free Wills Kit. This helpful information may enable you to avoid an accidental disinheritance. Request our free Wills Kit and use it to record your family information and your estate distribution plans.

To request your free Wills Kit today send an email to bkuluris@bgcmp.org or call 602-954-8182.