Boys & Girls Clubs of America Names New Chairman; Presents Annual Philanthropy Awards

ATLANTA, Dec. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Earlier in December, Boys & Girls Clubs of America named new national board leadership. The non-profit appointed Myron Gray, president of US operations for UPS, as Chairman of the Board of Governors. The board offers strategic leadership for the organization, guiding the work of more than 4,200 Clubs and impacting nearly 4 million kids and teens annually. As the leading advocate for youth, Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides life-changing programs and opportunities for all kids and teens.

"Myron has clearly demonstrated his commitment and incredible value to Boys & Girls Clubs as a trustee and member of the board," said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  "UPS has been a significant partner for Boys & Girls Clubs of America over the last decade, and through Myron's support, has championed programs like the UPS Road Code Safe Driving program which educates Club teens about safe driving techniques. We look forward to learning from Myron's experience and leadership as we continue to build a new vision for Boys & Girls Clubs, enabling more great futures for America's kids."

Boys & Girls Clubs of America also presented its annual philanthropy awards to corporate organizations and foundations that have partnered with the non-profit to make an extraordinary impact on young people in 2016. Recipients include Lowe's, Ross Stores and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

Corporate Philanthropy Award: Lowe's
Since 2009, Lowe's has provided more than $10 million in critical resources that have modernized and revitalized more than 180 Clubhouses around the country. In 2016, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Lowe's embarked on an incredible journey to renovate 59 Clubs spanning every corner of the country. The "Renovation Across the Nation" initiative provided transformational $50,000 renovation grants to Clubs in each of the 50 states. Hundreds of Lowe's Heroes volunteers from around the country donated time and energy to help local Clubs to tackle projects both big and small. In one year alone, the renovations enhanced the Club experiences of nearly 50,000 kids and teens.

Cause Marketing Impact Award: Ross Stores
Ross is a long-time partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and supporter of Power Hour, its after-school homework help and learning program. Over the past two years, Ross Stores raised nearly $5 million to support homework programs at nearly 450 local Boys & Girls Clubs. Ross has also worked tirelessly to establish strong connections between its stores and local Clubs to support kids in the community throughout the year. Over the lifetime of the national partnership, Ross has contributed nearly $12.5 million in support of Boys & Girls Clubs.

Foundation Philanthropy Award: S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation
For nearly 50 years, the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to ensure that young people develop the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to become productive and contributing citizens. Over the last two years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation have forged a strong partnership built on strengthening adult practices to ensure local staff foster caring, character-building relationships with youth. A four year, $20 million grant from the Foundation will serve as a catalyst for achieving an optimal Boys & Girls Club experience for all Club members.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America, its programs and partners go to www.bgca.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,200 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America

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