Boys & Girls Clubs Of Garden Grove Return From San Diego

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hosts Record 3,000 Youth Workers at 99th Annual National Conference

Garden Grove, May 2, 2005 - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove has just returned from San Diego and an information-packed four-day meeting exploring some of the most pressing issues concerning the well being of America's young people. A group of thirty lead by Pat Halberstadt, Chief Professional Officer joined some 3,000 other Boys & Girls Club professionals and board members attending the 99th Annual National Conference for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).

One of the standout sessions was the one led by Olympic Gold gymnast Dominique Dawes. Dawes, the first African American to win a bronze medal in the best-all-round competition in 1996, has spent the last several years traveling the country, inspiring young people, especially girls, to "get up and move." The Chairman-elect of the Women's Sports Foundation, Dawes views the promotion of an active lifestyle as the best antidote to the epidemic of obesity and poor health plaguing America's youth.

Equally compelling were the remarks of keynote speaker Henry Cisneros. The former secretary of HUD and now Chairman/CEO of City Vista, says it's imperative for the United States to get back to the business of building "villages within cities" in order to promote harmony across all racial and socio-economic levels.

One of the highpoints of the four-day national conference was a general session featuring BGCA's 2003 National Youth of the Year Mieasha Hicks and this year's five YOY finalists, including the organization's current national teen spokesperson, TJ Rancour. These youngsters who have overcome significant obstacles, while giving back to their Club, community and families offered eye-opening insight into the challenging issues facing today's teens and the need for more Boys & Girls Club professionals to serve as positive role models.

"One of the workshops, on collaboration with schools, was right on target for us. Because we are already working with our local schools, we learned how similar programs are working in other parts of the country," said Melanie Hare of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove. "The Conference gave us great ideas and the opportunity to network with other Boys & Girls Clubs who are facing many of the same needs we face here in Garden Grove."

Another highlight was Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony, sponsored by the GAP, Inc., in which five outstanding individuals shared their poignant memories of caring adults, lifelong friends, and a place many referred to as their "second home." This year's Alumni inductees included: NBC's Law & Order star Courtney B. Vance and former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, sports icons Joe Morgan and Ed Pinckney, plus the highest ranking civilian in the Air Force Arthur Meyers. M.A.S.H. star and 2004 AHOF inductee Jamie Farr served as the emcee.

The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in Garden Grove for nearly 50 years, providing daily programs and services to 2,500 young people. The Clubs are open daily, providing programs in character and leadership development, education and career enhancement, the arts, health and life skills, and sports, fitness and recreation.