MMCBGC Celebrates Youth of the Week

Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club celebrates its members and their accomplishments. During the Club’s summer programming youth have been recognized weekly for their accomplishments. For the final week of summer programming, MMCBGC is celebrating Jayden Robertson, Kiedarius Merritt and Stephen Warren for their positive behavior and good character.

Each Club member received an award certificate and a prize from the Club’s treasure box. 

MMCBGC member Stephen Warren shared that he was “excited to be named Club member of the week.”

“I had fun this summer playing all the games and going outside to cycle,” he added. “I love cycling the most because you get to ride bikes and we are like a whole team when we ride together. Mr. David is teaching us how to be safe on our bikes and I learned how to use hand signals this summer.”

For MMCBGC member Kiedarius Merrit being named Member of the Week makes her feel like her “hard work is being appreciated.”

“I feel really happy here and appreciated by every staff member,” she added. “The Club has been so much fun this summer even though we are social distancing. Water day was my favorite day!”

MMCBGC member Jayden Robertson added that he was really excited to be named a Club Member of the Week. 

“I always feel safe here and the Club continues to help me figure out what I’m passionate about,” he shared.

Karen Robertson, MMCBGC Senior Executive Director, shared that “it’s always incredibly rewarding to see the growth in our members and it is equally heartwarming to learn that their Boys & Girls Club played a vital role in offering them a safe and quality summer experience that I believe has contributed to their growth and good character.”

To learn more about Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club, visit https://www.bgcncg.com/mmcor call 706-342-1117.

MMCBGC Members Grow Lima Beans Through STEM

MMCBGC Members Grow Lima Beans Through STEM

 Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club members are growing their planting skills at the Club this summer. Club members recently participated in a lima bean germination STEM experiment where Club members used a plastic bag, soil, mulch, fertilizer, and water to grow their own lima bean plant. 

“On day one you could hear Club members asking, ‘how long will it take to grow,’ ‘when can we eat the lima beans,’ and ‘I can’t wait to watch it grow over time,’” Donna Brown, MMCBGC Program Coordinator, shared. “It’s just so exciting to watch them light up with curiosity and enter our Club each day ready to tend to their plants.”

Brown shared Club members have been “expanding their vocabulary learning all about the germination process of a plant,” as well as starting a desire in Club members to plant a bigger garden.

MMCBGC member Brianna Foster shared, “Every day I’m so excited to see how my lima bean plant has grown. I come home every day ready to tell my family just how much as well.”

Brown adds these STEM activities allow Club members to participate in science experiments in a new and refreshing way. 

“Our youth are learning hands on science through their planting experience and they’re coming back into our Clubs asking, ‘what next,’ which are my favorite two words to hear from them.”

To learn more about Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club, visit https://www.bgcncg.com/mmcor call 706-342-1117.

Duck Derby Race Set for June 27

Watch Duck Derby Live June 27 at 9 AM On Facebook Live at @BGCNCG

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Duck Derby will soon release 6,000 rubber ducks on the Yellow River in Porterdale for a $10,000 grand prize finish line. This year the organization’s event will be virtual and can be viewed live June 27 at 9 AM on BGCNCG’s Facebook page at @BGCNCG. 

“During these unprecedented times, supporting Duck Derby ensures that the youth who need us most continue to receive our support and care,” Bob Mackey, President and CEO shared. “Duck Derby supports not only our summer programming, but also our daily operations within our Clubs. With your community support we’re able to continue world class programming and implement new programming for the 2020-2021 calendar year.”

Josephine Kelly, Development Director for Porterdale shares her excitement for Duck Derby is all about the cause.

“Duck Derby is such a creative way of raising funds for an important cause, allowing the young people of the community to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The City of Porterdale is thrilled to be part of the third Duck Derby,”she said.

Kelly said Porterdale is eagerly awaiting watching the race live June 27.

If you’re searching for a lucky duck, you don’t have to look far. Supporters can purchase a duck for $20 at www.bgcncg.com/duckderby. 

“For every $20 duck an individual adopts, participants not only increase odds of winning our $10,000 grand prize, they also help BGCNCG continue to offer the youth who need us the most quality and life-changing programming,” Mackey added.

There are three other great prizes to be won at this year’s Duck Derby alongside the $10,000 grand prize.  Those prizes are a golf package for The Oaks Golf Course in Conyers, an Atlanta skyline helicopter ride and an ipad package. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves Morgan, Greene, Newton, Walton, and Lamar counties.  

If you’d like to learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Duck Derby, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

MMCBGC Surprises Seniors

Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club board members, community members, and Club staff collaborated recently to surprise their Club Seniors with balloons, personalized yard signs, and lots of cheering.

MMCBGC Seniors Sha’mirra LaGuins, Seth Robertson, and Ar’Mond Wright were all three shocked to see familiar faces show up at their homes to celebrate their recent graduation. 

“These youth have worked hard for this moment in their lives and we care deeply about acknowledging and celebrating their bright futures ahead,” Brian Alexander, MMCBGC Teen Director, shared. “Being able to see their faces light up as we brought their graduate sign was a highlight for me.”

Each youth shared the Club’s meaning during their socially distance surprise. 

Seth Robertson shared that the Club’s programs offered him “a foundation of professionalism and life skills from money management to networking.”

“I’ll always remember Passport to Manhood,” Seth shared. “It taught me a lot about what it means to be man. Mr. Bob Mackey taught us a lot during our passport to Passport to Manhood sessions. I learned how to carry myself as professional at a young age, and I still use those skills to this day. I learned how to tie a tie, about money management and many things about business etiquette. I learned skills I don’t think I would have been able to acquire anywhere else but the Club. The last ten years at MMCBGC have been so good for me.”

Alexander shared that Seth is a born leader within the Morgan County community.

“He loves to mentor young Club members and volunteers his time at the Club,” he shared. “His positive attitude is infectious within our Club environment and with fellow teens.”

Sha’mirra LaGuins, a MMCBGC member for 12 years, shared one of her favorite programs from the Club was Keystone. 

“Keystone gave me the opportunity to do Meals on Wheels and give back to those who needed food, as well as spend time with nursing home residents who just needed a friend,” she shared. “These opportunities taught me a lot about gratitude and how important giving toward our community truly is.”

Sha’mirra shared that overall the Club offered her the love and support she thought she was never going to receive in her life. “The Club has supported and loved me from kindergarten all the way to this moment as I prepare to go to college,” she shared “It means the world.”

Alexander shared that Sha’mirra has shown tremendous growth over the years.

“When I first met Sha’Mirria, she was shy person and she didn’t say much. As I watched her grow, she has blossomed into this amazing person that is outgoing and confident. She is a role model student that loves to help others.  She has also displayed great confidence and leadership qualities as a YEP Junior staff, she was a phenomenal staff at the Club. The younger members look up to her.”

Ar’mond Wright, a member for 10 years, shared the Club has taught him how to develop and maintain healthy relationships through being named Youth of the Year.

“The Youth of The Year Program is a phenomenal, and it helped me to work on my public speaking. I wasn’t confident about presenting in front of a group, but the training helped me to develop my confidence to a high level,” he shared. “I was able to develop creative thinking skills and what types of relationships to create for my future.”

Wright added the Club has served as a second home for him. “Once you step into the Club it’s like a different world. Your dreams matter here and you’re always learning something new.”

Alexander shared that Wright has the ability to make people feel special.

“Ar’mond is an awesome young man with a bright future ahead of him,” he shared. “He has a big heart and wants to see others around him be successful as well.”

Each MMCBGC Senior will be attending college this year. They were also recently inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni and Friends program as alumnus of MMCBGC. 

“Once a Club Kid, always a Club kid is a promise to our youth that we will always be a home for them,” Alexander shared. “We’re here to ensure their success for life.”

 To learn more about Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/mmcor call 706-342-1117.

BGCNCG Receives Generous COVID-19 Grant Funding

Youth are working on in-home science/stem projects during COVID 19.

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia recently received a grant from the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. Funding for the grant was provided in partnership between the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta. 

Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, said the grant will be utilized for BGCNCG’s general operating to support virtual programming like STEM, outdoor activities, reading and craft activities, as well as provide learning kits. 

“This partnership with the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund will allow us to continue serve the youth who need us most,” Mackey shared. “This funding will help provide the essential tools and resources we need to bring brighter futures to our youth. With community financial support such as this grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta we will indeed get through this together. We are grateful to have this funding and utilize it to help us continue to adapt during these unprecedented times to continue to serve the families and youth who need us now more than ever.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves Greene, Morgan, Walton, Lamar, and Newton Counties. 

To learn more about BGCNCG, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

Virtual Senior Celebration Honors Graduates

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia did not let the current state of our world stop the organization from celebrating their 2020 graduates. On a recent Zoom call, BGCNCG hosted its first ever virtual Senior Celebration.  Seniors dawned their Club royal blue caps and gowns as parents, Club board members and community members gathered virtually to celebrate their accomplishments. And for this graduating class their Club time is uniquely special. 

“The Boys & Girls Club has been very influential to me. It has been a support system, a community and an inspiration,” Ricquaria Griggs, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Senior, shared. “The Club is where I did my very first community project and inspired me for my future endeavors. When I first got accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford the tuition, but the Boys & Girls Club stepped in and introduced me to various scholarship opportunities. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Thank you to the PNBGC!”

For Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Senior Ar’mond Wright, the Club has been his home since it first opened.

“The Boys & Girls Club is one of the places I like to call home. The Club has helped me fulfill my hopes, promises and dreams,” Wright shared. “The Club has been with me my whole life since it opened in Madison. The Club has helped me pursue my passions and helped me discover the characteristics of myself that I thought I would never know and for that I am grateful.”

Each Senior shared a message of how the Club changed their life. 

“This is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I look at the Boys & Girls Club as a big happy family and a helping hand in the community. When I come into the Club, I feel safe and accepted and here I’ve learned the ins and outs of honesty and positivity,” DJ Wright shared. “The Club is a place where any kid can come and truly find themselves while being able to dream big with staff that are willing to help along the way. I’m so grateful for my Club.”

Angelica Bostwick, Walton County Boys & Girls Club 2020 Youth of the Year and a Club Senior, concluded the senior moment with this reflection, “the Boys & Girls Club helped me gain more courage than I had before and I don’t know what I would have done without the Club.”

Seniors then heard a special message from London Reeves the director of Alumni Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America before being inducted as BGCA Alumni & Friends Club members. 

Club youth participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni Oath.

“I heard from Seniors words like, “community, family, exploration, and encouragement,” Reeves shared. “Once a Club kid always a Club kid and as you make this transition to becoming Alumni you are joining a host of celebrities, CEO’s and your fellow Club staff as alumnus.”

Reeves shared an inspiring word around potential for each Senior’s future. 

“Your class is like no class before you. Always do your best and know your best will vary from day-to-day. It is my hope and belief that you can do anything. I invite each of you to own all of who you are, all of your greatness, to walk truly in your purpose and know you can always return home,” Reeves shared. “Once a Club kid, always a Club kid!”

To close the Senior Celebration, Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG shared these remarks, “We thank you for not giving up. We thank you for being a role model for those who came before you and will follow after. You have already inspired the next generation. Ten years from now you’ll regret most the things you didn’t do, and we want you to set out to do it all. We congratulate you and we want all of you to make a mark and make a difference.” 

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves the communities of Greene, Morgan, Walton, Newton and Lamar Counties. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

McCullar Given Lifetime Movement Award

Tony McCullar is dedicated to the youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. A crucial member in the organization’s creation, McCullar has spent the past 10 years ensuring Club youth have a safe place to become productive, caring and responsible citizens. Recently, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia highlighted and celebrated McCullar’s commitment by giving him the Lifetime Movement Award. 

When McCullar heard his named called at BGCNCG’s Donor, Volunteer, and Youth of the Year Awards he was at first surprised and then full of gratitude.

“I’m just so grateful to have this opportunity to help build the North Central Georgia organization from one Club to the five Clubs that serve our youth today,” he shared. “Throughout my years of service to Boys & Girls Clubs, I’ve seen this truth – we provide a safe place with structure and educational opportunities for youth. I’m blessed to have been a part of it.”

Currently, McCullar serves as treasure for BGCNCG’s corporate board and serves as the co-treasurer for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls.

For him what keeps him inspired to give his time and talents to the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia is every youth served. 

“Every time I walk into a Club and see the youth participating and learning alongside our talented and dedicated staff – I am inspired,” he shared. “I encourage those curious about the movement to visit a Club soon.”

McCullar looks forward to BGCNCG’s 2020 horizon, as the organization sets to open a new Club in Barnesville, Georgia. Above all else, McCullar keeps in his personal horizon just how much fun this work is and how important it is to future generations. 

“The last ten years have been full of fun,” McCullar shared adding the work the community does together makes lasting impacts and continues to change lives. 

BGCNCG's Lifetime Movement award is given to a board member who models the epitome of the Boys & Girls Club mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

“Tony McCullar has given immeasurable personal resources and talents to ensure BGCNCG continues to make lasting impacts for our youth,” Bob Mackey, CEO & President shared. “He is an example of the endless possibilities that become available to our youth when the community works together.”

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved, please contact 770-267-8034. 

Doors To Great Futures Awards Honor Community

Hues of Boys & Girls Club blue shinned across exposed brick while laughter, tears and heartfelt gratitude could be heard from the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Doors to great Futures Donor, Volunteer and Youth of the Year awards dinner. 

Guests in attendance gathered to celebrate and honor community members for their commitment to BGCNCG’s mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. An added experience for the evening for guests was witnessing the announcement of the 2019 Youth of the Year winner, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club member Destiny McClendon, who will now compete in the state level competition in March 2020. 

Guests were greeted by the 2020 Youth of the Year Candidates from each Club.

Hosts for the evening Bob Mackey, CEO & President of BGCNCG and Karen Robertson, Sr. Executive Director for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club kicked off the evening by introducing guest musician and speaker, Damien Horne. 

Horne, a Boys & Girls Club alumnus and national recording artist, shared his story and talents with guests throughout the night crediting the Boys & Girls Club as the reason “he’s here today” able to bring joy through his music. 

Throughout the evening, the 2019 Youth of the Year candidates shared their speeches in between awards.

Walton County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Angelica Bostwick, shared how the Club offered her experiences during College trips that showcased her future possibilities. 

“I was able to visit a historical black college for the first time during our college tours and it was an amazing feeling to see the potential ahead of me,” she shared. “The Club inspires me to dream big and remember my community in the process.”

Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Ashton Brannon shared his love for Club staff and programming that’s helping him learn what it takes to be successful.  

“Mrs. Karen has taught me to be successful I have to want to better myself,” Brannon shared. Through programs, field trips, and mentorship I feel like anything is possible for me.”

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Destiny McClendon, shared how the Club rallied around her during her mom’s breast cancer diagnosis. “This Club has taught me about leadership, perseverance, and resilience. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer the Club was there for me.”

Newton County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Miracle Gospel spoke about the Club’s positive impact on her life during difficult losses. “The Club’s Smart Girls program gave me a safe space to share what I was going through after the loss of my cousins. My Club director, Ms. Nakita, made sure to check in on me every day at the Club. I feel like I finally have a safe place to me.”

Throughout inspiring speeches and empowering music, community members were honored for their commitment to the movement. 

This year’s local award recipients from the organizations four Clubs are:

Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club Awards:

Business Partner of the Year – Paschal Orthodontics 

The Babs Johnston Award – David Burbach

 Volunteer of the Year – Karen Peters 

Karen Peters, far left, with her Volunteer of the Year award.

Board Member of the Year Local Award - Ashley Hunt

 Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Awards:

Business Partner of the Year – Novelis, Inc.

The Kara Latz Award - Lake Oconee Academy Tumbling Squad

Kara Latz, far right, and PNBGC chart, Mike O’Neal, second from right, award the Lake Oconee Academy Tumbling Squad the Kara Latz Award.

Volunteer of the Year – Lynda Maresca

Lynda Maresca, far right, accepts her Volunteer of the Year award.

Board Member of the Year for the local level – Kara Latz

 Walton County Boys & Girls Club:

Business Partner of the Year – (Not Pictured) Kimberly Locklin, Exceptional Community Services, LLC

Volunteer of the Year – Drew Petkoff

Board Member of the Year for the local level – Marsha Queen

Newton County Boys & Girls Club:

 Volunteer of the Year – Jeff Benson

Board Member of the Year for the local level – Sandy & Betsy Morehouse

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Corporate Awards: 

Board Member of the Year

Kara Latz serves as secretary of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club’s board and is involved in numerous activities that benefit Club members. 

“Kara negotiated a station at the Oconee Cellars for Duck Derby ticket sales and was persistent in selling tickets there on many weekends leading up to our big Duck Derby event,” Bob Mackey said. “She also has worked tirelessly to increase the Club’s volunteerism.”

Business Partner of the Year

“Dr. Paschal continues to be a beacon of support for our Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club,” Mackey shared. “We are so grateful for continued partnership with Paschal Orthodontics and for their vision to see that together are changing lives.”

Volunteer of the Year

“Drew brought lacrosse to our Walton County Boys & Girls Club and through this exciting sport, our Club boys have learned what perseverance is all about,” Mackey said. “This year their team is undefeated.”

Lifetime Movement Award

Tony McCullar serves as co-treasurer for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club and treasure for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. 

“The last ten years have been full of fun,” McCullar shared adding the work the community does together had and continues to change lives. 

During the awards, the Youth of the Year Candidates were invited to the stage to learn who won the 2020 Regional Youth of the Year for BGCNCG. 

As the winner’s banner was being raised, the room fell silent and then erupted with cheers as Destiny McClendon of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Clubs was named the regional winner. McClendon’s parents spoke on her behalf as she was competing in a basketball game that evening. Filled with tears, they both shared that “Destiny would have voiced you’re all winners and how grateful she is to have this Club be a part of her life.” 

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia provides club experiences in Madison, Greene, Lamar, and Newton Counties. BGCNCG looks to open its newest location, Barnesville-Lamar County January of 2020. 

BGCNCG’s vision is to provide a world-class experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors.

For more information or to donate, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved, please contact 770-267-8034. 

Dancing With The Madison Stars Is Almost Here: Nov. 7!

Madison Morgan County Boys & Girls Club’s staple event Dancing With the Madison Stars is back with bigger and better entertainment on deck. 

Dancing with the Madison Stars iconic event will highlight nine teams this year November 7 at 6 pm located at the Madison-Morgan Culture Center Hall. Tickets for this fundraiser to support Madison’s youth can be purchased online at www.bgcncg.com/dwms. You can also vote for your favorite dance team as another way to support the Club’s efforts. 

The festivities begin at 6 pm and will be full of entertainment, dancing, and fun. 

This years dancers are:

·     Dr. Josh and Jacquelyn Whetzel

·     Matti Griffin and Taylor Faust

·     Larry Massey and Brenda Peters

·     James Martin and Claire Nunn

·     Austin Beushausen and Ciara Pemberton

·     Jolonda Cosby and Shannon Crowe

·     Skip Basinger & Chris Lambert

·     Jim Irish & Conny Kullman

Nancy Vaughan, co-chair of Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club’s board, shares her reason for lending her support to Dancing With The Madison Stars.

“Since 2012 there has been another very important Thursday in November besides Thanksgiving which is our annual Dancing With Madison’s Stars that benefits the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club! I am always amazed and gratified as I watch our generous community come together to support an event which helps to provide funds for our after-school programs and summer day camp for so many young people in our community,” she shared. “ This generosity comes from so many in our community – dancers who practice long hours, judges who provide entertaining banter with the dancers, restaurants and individual cooks who provide their tastiest treats, volunteers who help with lighting and sound and a large committee which works long hours behind the scenes to make this night special for all!  As a local board member of Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club since 2008, it has been my privilege to be a part of this event because I see firsthand the positive Impact which the club has on our community!”

Vaughan adds her gratitude for the community who makes this event a success. 

“And then there are all of you who make it work because you purchase tables, buy individual tickets and vote for your favorite dance team!  Without you, our event would not have grown to become the other important Thursday in November – mark your calendars for November 7, 2019, our eighth annual Dancing With the Madison Stars!”

Your support allows MMCBGC to continue to grow and provide great futures for all of our youth. Your support impacts a child’s present and future. 

To purchase tickets or vote for your favorite dance team, visit www.bgcncg.com/dwms or call 706-342-1117.

MMCBGC October Member of the Month

Celebrating MMCBGC Members of the Month 

For Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club members being named Club Member of the Month is a big deal - it’s highlighting those Club members growth and leadership skills within the Club. 

Club member of the Month, Gabby Outram, who’s been a member for two years, said “the Club has helped me develop my math skills and shown me I actually really enjoy math.”

Outram’s favorite Club program is Power Hour where she gets structured time with Club members and staff to work on her homework.

Karen Robertson, MMBGC Senior Executive Club Director, shared how she’s watched Gabby be a light at the Club. 

“Gabby always arrives at the Club smiling, “she shared. “She greets everyone with a smile and is such a leader during Power Hour with other Club members. I have seen Gabby a shy second grader come out of her shell and make friends with other Club members.”

To learn more about Madison-Morgan County  Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/mmc or call 706-342-1117.

MMCBGC members attend UGA game

Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club members recently attended a University of Georgia football game. 

“Our Operations Director, Brad Parr, received a call from Derrick Floyd wanting to send our youth to the UGA verses Arkansas football game,” Donna Brown, MMCBGC Program Coordinator shared. “Our Club members were thrilled to learn of this opportunity to go to the UGA football game and, not only see a game, but see how they treat recruits when they come to a UGA football game.”

Club members were able to stand on the sidelines while watching their favorite football players play. 

Derrick Floyd, left.

“I have been to many UGA football games and even sat in the sky box many times, but I never had as much fun as I had at this game. It was awesome to see our Club kid’s faces as they watched the game,” Brown shared.  

Markalya Ingram, a MMCBGC member, shared she was nervous at first to go to the sidelines, but once there enjoyed chanting ‘Let’s go Georgia’ and spending time with fellow Club members.”

“We are so grateful to community member Derrick Floyd who made this trip possible for our youth,” Brown shared. “Our Club members enjoyed learning about the university as well as experiencing, for many, their first college football game.”

To learn more about Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/mmc or call 706-342-1117.

Damien Horne Inspires Madison

Damien Horne, a national recording artist and Boys & Girls Club alumnus, recently visited Madison to empower and inspire through song and story. Damien Horne Performs supported Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club’s Teen Club. 

Horne shared how his local Boys & Girls Club changed his life, allowing him to explore writing, poetry, and songwriting in a safe environment. 

“I grew up where everything was so volatile. It was an environment where death and destruction surrounded, but at the Boys & Girls Club I felt safe,” Horne shared. 

For Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Senior Director Karen Robertson, Horne’s performance and share was a connective reminder of why the work MMCBGC offers is vital for the youth of Morgan County. 

“Hearing Damien's journey and his story about the impact that the Boys & Girls Club had on his life was a beautiful reminder of why we do the work that we do,” she shared. “It made me even more proud and humbled to serve as the Director of the Boys & Girls Club, knowing that my work is making a difference in the life of a child who needs the club. I left from the luncheon increasingly thankful to be working in my purpose.”

Horne shared his popular song, “Somebody’s Hero,” which highlights how individuals can stand in the gap for one another’s needs.  

“As I listened to Damien's story in music and words about the beacon of hope that the Boys & Girls Club had been for him as he was growing up in North Carolina, it reminded me yet one more time how blessed all of us are to be a part of place of Hope and Promise for our young people in Morgan County,” Nancy Vaughan, MMCBGC board member, shared. “As Damien so sincerely said, “You can be someone's hero!”

MMBGC Teen Club Director, Brian Alexander was moved by Horne’s performance and story. 

“Damien is what the Boys & Girls Club is all about, turning hope into purpose and dreams into reality,” Alexander shared. “Damien was so inspirational and touched the hearts of many in the Madison community with his incredible story.”

Horne spent time with Madison High School students prior to his performance. 

“Damien joined us for a concert and presentation, and it was wonderful and very well received,” Miki Edwards, Morgan County High School Principal. “When Damien arrived our music technology class was in session, He was able to go and see our students, listen to some of their original work, and give some feedback. The guitarist that he had with him, Adam McPhail, made a great impression as well. Adam is a faculty member at Belmont University and gave his business card to one of our students who will be applying to attend there in the fall.”

Overall Madison community was enriched by Damien Horne’s visit and reminded the community to shine in giving their time toward Morgan County youth.

 “Damien expressed such a kind, passionate, ambitious spirit through his music and storytelling,” Lori Hume, MMCBGC board member, shared. “He reminded me why I choose to dedicate so much of my time to this awesome Boys & Girls Club. Staff and volunteers can definitely make a difference.”

To learn more about Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/mmc or call 706-342-1117.

Watch Damien Perform

BGC Teen Club coming to Madison

Club Director Named 

Brian Alexander dreams of a day where teenagers are fully supported in their effort to become successful adults. And one teen at a time, Brian is making that dream a reality. A Greene County native, Brian will bring his youth development talents to kick off a Teen Club initiative in Morgan County with Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club. 

In his position as Teen Club Director, Alexander will oversee programs, activities and services that prepare youth for success and create an outcome-driven Club experience that facilitates achievement of youth development outcomes. 

Previously Alexander served as the graduation coach at Greene County High School and Alcovy High School from 2015-2019, where he worked with the at-risk student population and prepared students for college acceptance. 

During his time in this position, Alexander maintained a graduation rate of 82% or above in both school districts and has helped more than 350 students get accepted into college and the military. He also assisted in accruing more than 30 million dollars in scholarships over the last four years between the two school districts. 

Alexander also served as an assistant football, basketball and track coach over the last four years.

For Alexander he’s looking forward to putting to work his vision for the teens of Morgan County. 

“The teens of Morgan County are our future and we have to put them in position to be successful so that we all can have future success. The torch must be passed but as the torch is passed there has to be lessons taught along the journey and that’s why this Teen Club is so important for this community. We will teach those life lessons that are needed for preparation, growth and success.”

Alexander hopes “the teens will develop inside the Teen Club skills and experiences to help them reach their maximum potential in life through great programs and in return utilize those skills in their paths of education, military or the workforce.

“Brian is a bright individual who has devoted his career to youth development and writing curriculum that is proven to help teens succeed,” Bob Mackey, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. “We are excited to have Brian become a part of our world class organization. And, we’re looking forward to partnering alongside Morgan County to impact the teens.”

To learn more about The Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/theclubmadisonor call 706-342-1117.

Evander Holyfield Partners with B&G Club

Four-time time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia to continue making a difference in children’s lives. 

Holyfield grew up worried about whether or not youth in his school would notice the holes in his clothes and was determined to make a difference in his life’s trajectory. In the wake of his determination is a long list of boxing victories, books about his life, his philanthropic organization the Holyfield Foundation and one icon title of the only man to win four consecutive heavyweight championships. 

Through the Holyfield Foundation, he is deeply committed to giving back to various causes that pull on his heartstrings. A cause that resonates with him is working in youth development, especially partnering alongside Boys & Girls Clubs who are making the lasting impact to change lives. 

Evander Holyfield will be hands on with his partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, as he will referee Walton County Boys & Girls Club Fight for Our Future boxing event. Holyfield will referee seven matches comprised of local Walton County celebrities. The main event for the evening will be a match between Bob Mackey, BGCNCG President & CEO, and Ross Bradly, owner of Your Pie and WCBGC Board Chair. 

“BGCNCG is committed to the youth of North Central Georgia and with that commitment we are continually striving to bridge new relationships for our youth,” Bob Mackey, shared. “This partnership with Evander Holyfield will give our youth an experience of a lifetime and an event you do not want to miss.”

The partnership was bridged by Ross Mason and the HINRI Foundation. To learn more about HINRI please visit http://www.hinri.org/.

To learn more about Fight for Our Future, visit www.bgcncg.com/boxing. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georiga, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.