I Can Achieve Pledge Rally a Success!

Garden Grove, October 19, 2004 - Over 200 kids in Garden Grove pulled together to set goals for school and throughout life. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove hosted its second "I Can Achieve Pledge Rally" on Thursday, October 14, 2004 at Doig Intermediate. The Rally focused on education and goal setting, encouraging the students to set and achieve realistic educational and career goals.

The Rally stirred a lot of attention in the community. Mayor Broadwater was in attendance and read the "I Can Achieve Pledge" with the kids. Members really felt impacted from the event. Matthew N., a student at Doig Intermediate shared, "Thank you Boys & Girls Clubs. Meeting the mayor as a child is a once in a lifetime opportunity." The Garden Grove Unified School District was represented by two District Administrators Debbie Youngblood and Peggy Mahfood. Principal Margaret Feliciani and Assistant Principal Mike Kennedy of Doig Intermediate also were instrumental in the success of the event.

Channel 3 News of Garden Grove filmed and interviewed the Rally's Participants. "Having that kind of event was the most exciting one I have ever been to and I hope BGCGG will have another one in the future," explained Michael N. from Doig Intermediate.

Students from Doig Intermediate, Skylark Elementary and Clinton Kids Club enjoyed a live performance from local musician Corday. For some members, it was the first time they had ever heard a live band. The band reached out through music and sent a positive message to our youth. One highlight of the performance was a 70's medley by Corday and the members sang and clapped along.

Nike binders and hydration backpacks were raffled off and each member walked away with a goodie bag. Following the event the members enjoyed some popcorn and cotton candy served by members of our United Keystone Club.

The event was funded by a grant from the JCPenney Afterschool Fund and together the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove and JCPenney have formed a partnership in conjunction with Lights On Afterschool. Together, we are committed to making education and achievement in school a priority and a reality for our youth.

A big thank you goes to JcPenney, Garden Grove Unified School District, Corday, the BGCGG staff, and the Keystoners that helped out at the event. Your support was vital for such a successful event.

For more information about how you can support a future "I Can Achieve Rally", please contact Heidi Levesque at (714) 530-5933. For general information about the Boys & Girls Clubs, please call (714) 530-0430 or visit our website's about us section.