IN TOUCH: Spring 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

As 2023 marches on, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated donors for their continued support and trust in Girls & Boys Clubs of Oakland. It is an honor and privilege to serve at BGCO, and our entire team is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of Oakland's youth. They say in life it's good to do the thing that scares you, and that's one of the reasons we're so proud of our student members. The obstacles they face are often intimidating to overcome. As a BGCO alumnus, I know how daunting the challenges of rising above circumstance can be. That's why we are ecstatic to congratulate Patrick, our 2023 Youth of the Year! We're looking forward to celebrating Patrick's personal growth and accomplishment at our Salute to Youth gala on Friday, June 30th, 2023. We hope you will join us to salute Patrick and all of our student-members for staying the course... the positive course. At this writing, Patrick has received over 30 college offers from across the country. This outstanding young man looks forward to a great future indeed! We are honored to fulfill our mission in 3 flatland Oakland neighborhoods, and we will continue to work tirelessly to build a brighter future for our community through its deserving kids and teens. In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude to BGCO's professional staff, board, other volunteers, and our stakeholders for their unwavering generosity and their trust.

Youth of the Year 2023

While striving to become Youth of the Year, Patrick shared the following: "As I get closer to graduating, I know it's important to acknowledge the adversity and experiences that have molded me in order to be even better next year as I start college."

"It's taken me a long time to learn how to be committed to one thing at a time, stay focused, and stay on the path to fulfilling my goals."

"I was growing up at the Club every day after school; that gave me the confidence to strive to improve and make better decisions at school and among my friend group." Patrick, mirroring BGCO's mission, will no doubt continue as a positive contributor to society.

Great Futures Start Here.

As VP of Advancement for Girls & Boys Clubs of Oakland, I have the pleasure of working with our donors, and the great honor of raising essential funding for our kids and youth. BGCO donors have a significant impact on the kids who need us most, and for their gifts I have the greatest gratitude and appreciation. It is because of the increased support from our dedicated donors that we can continually improve the programs and services that BGCO provides with a sense of pride, professionalism and community. The generosity of our sponsors and donors is making a big difference in the lives of our student-members. We are currently planning BGCO's Salute To Youth event to celebrate Patrick, our 2023 Youth of the Year. If you'd like to sponsor or volunteer, this fun event is dedicated to the hard work and unlimited potential of BGCO kids! For more information on how you can donate, sponsor and volunteer, please contact Arkay Evans at 510-444-8211 Ext. 11!