Duck Derby Huge Success for BGCNCG

“Do you think your rubber duck will be the winner” was a common question heard at Porterdale’s Yellow River Park Saturday, as folks enjoyed the second annual Duck Derby hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia.

Several attended the event to watch over 2,300-rubber ducks float along the Yellow River in a race for $10,000 at the finish line. 

BGCNCG’s summer fundraiser was in partnership with the City of Porterdale and raises funds for youth served in Newton, Greene, Morgan and Walton counties. 

Spectators gathered early to get a place in line to watch the ducks drop, as well as grab last minute lucky ducks for the big race. Youth from the newly opened Newton County Boys & Girls Club helped pep up the crowd as they greeted spectators with Howard the Duck. 

 As the duck launch approached, spectators made their way to the riverbank to watch the race. A large gasp and cheers could be heard as the ducks dropped into the Yellow River for the race of a lifetime. 

Once the finish line was crossed and the winning ducks were pulled, it was time for a grand prize winner announcement.

This year’s $10,000 grand prize winner is Jerry Schonhoft. On Sunday Jerry received his winning phone call and was in shock.

“I was shocked. I’ve never won anything in my life. I was with my grandson, as he was getting a tennis lesson when Bob Mackey gave me a call,” Schonhoft shared. “I remember buying the ticket from Jim Liebeck (Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club board member) and thinking the odds weren’t going to be in my favor, but here I am.”

Schonhoft shared his family is going to be in shock when he gets home with his grand prize check.

“I’m just thrilled,” he added. “I always thought that the Boys & Girls Club was a great place and I really think it’s a great place now.

For Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, watching the North Central Georgia join together to support its youth is inspiring for the future.

“During the event I watched as people met one another and shared their reason for being present. Overwhelmingly the response was ‘or the youth.’ Mackey shared. “It takes a village to ensure our youth become productive citizens while learning life skills they’ll need to be successful. We are so grateful to the community’s relentless support of our mission. The gift you provided our youth with your support will continue to ripple effect in these youth’s lives for years to come.”

Jerry Schonhoft wasn’t the only winner from Duck Derby!

Four other community members took home prizes from the event. Jim Borland won a golf adventure to The Oaks Golf Course, Robert Witchor won Your Pie for a year and Jerry Evans won an iPad mini.

Overall, the event was a success for BGCNCG.

“June (Tompkins’ wife) and I had a big time making new friends and laughing with old friends,” Michael Tompkins, BGCNCG Corporate Board Chair, shared. “The magical benefit was watching our kids, parents and supporters come together dancing and sharing in a fun event.”

Porterdale was happy to host the second annual Duck Derby event.

“The 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, couldn’t have been more pleased to support the 2ndDuck Derby,” Josephine Kelly, Downtown Development Director, said.“There was a happy enthusiastic crowd in attendance and with the dedicated effort of the Boys and Girls Club and the Porterdale Public Works Department, the event was a great success.”

Mackey added that without great sponsors, such as presenting sponsor Canon and the City of Porterdale for allowing the organization to partner with them – this event wouldn’t have been as successful. 

“The real winners of this event are our youth!”

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves over 1,500 youth in North Central Georgia. 

If you’d like to learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia or are interested in getting involved on a local level, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

BGCNCG CEO Named Top 10 Emerging Leaders by B&G of GA

One encounter with Bob Mackey, whether personally or professional, will leave you feeling like a more vibrant human being. He’s in the business of making positive impacts from his smile, candid posture, community involvement and dedication to the youth of Boys & Girls Club – it’s difficult to not become a fan of the work Boys & Girls Clubs does after meeting Bob Mackey. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia saw this potential and named Mackey one of its ten Emerging Leaders for the past year. The Emerging Leader program is a year-long program designed to develop leadership potential within individuals that are ready to take on executive leadership roles within Boys & Girls Clubs. Ten professionals were named out of nearly one hundred professionals to be an Emerging Leader. The competitive program brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a strong potential for leadership and commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs. 

“Bob Mackey is a great example of what this program is all about. Before Bob officially graduated from the program, he had taken on the role of CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia,” said Paula Mackelburg, Director of Organizational Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We are proud of the work that Bob has accomplished since taking on his new role! To know how the organization functioned before his leadership makes me even more trustworthy and dedicated to the high-functioning leadership skills Bob possesses. Bob is a robust leader; he builds strong relationships and is coalescing the organization to deepen the impact in the lives of so many young people.” 

For over 15 years, Bob Mackey has been busy at work creating togetherness of change for the North Central Region, Metro Atlanta and beyond. Colleagues and community members refer to him as the impetus of motivation and youth development. 

If you ask Bob, he’ll tell you that “you can’t do this type of work and not make internal changes.” Mackey has stood before new and existing organized initiatives, eager youth advocates, absent businesses and corporations, collegiate institutions and various nonprofit organizations who’ve all have developed a vested interest in making their communities a better place. Even during his tenure working for the Department of Juvenile Justice, Mackey took a strong interest in providing rehabilitation services for the youth and communities by leading local rehabilitation projects for troubled teens. 

Mackey has been with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia for over ten years. His career in the Movement of Boys & Girls Clubs began as a volunteer, which quickly turned into a part-time job and now he’s responsible for empowering and leading over 100 employees, while providing hope & promise to the youth served. 

For Mackey, surrounding yourself with strong leadership is key to growth and wise council. Mackey notes such leaders as David Roark, Michael Geoffroy, Connie Byrans, Michael Tompkins, Horace Johnson, Brenda Coleman, Tony McCullar, Claude Grizzard, Nancy Vaughn, the late Dick Hodgetts, Harris Warbington, Fred Perriman, Mike Conrads, Joe Edwards, Von Friesen, Babs Johnston, Tom Jones, and many others. 

Mackey’s accomplishments as an Emerging Leader and all-around Youth Advocate are vast. After reading a recent study about how youth who weren’t working or in school, Mackey identified $20,000 from government relations to provide funding to employee teens during the summer and after-school program. As a result, BGCNCG doubled its number of working teens at BGC.  In 2014, he received a nomination as a Champion of Change from The White House Initiative. On a National level, he serves on a committee for the screening of National programs, has twice chaired State-wide professional development conferences for over 1000 BGC Club professionals, and has created initiatives to combat summer learning loss for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Recently, he was recognized for completing the School of Executive Leadership from the BGCA Spillett Leadership University and Michigan Ross School of Business. 

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia is not your typical Boys & Girls Club. With the rapidly shifting environment and youth crime peaking daily, new initiatives and programs are vital,” Mackey said. “Pool tables and basketballs are no longer enough to keep kids engaged, safe and productive. The village and landscape look completely different from 20 years ago. The fight to give our youth a chance starts with an opportunity to learn, encouraged parent engagement, community partnerships, a safe & fun place, and a focus on teen development.” 

Mackey noted as an organization, BGCNCG has faced “many challenges.” Today, BGCNCG is in great hands according to BGCNCG Advisory Board Chairman Michael Tompkins.

“I must say that North Central Georgia is in great hands. Having a strong and competent leader makes a difference. For our 2018 financial audit, our organization received no financial findings. We’ve made several great improvements and adjustments to better serve the Clubs and youth in our region,” Tompkins shared. “Our board is vested in raising the dollars needed to ensure that the youth we serve have that fighting chance to grab hold of hope and enter into opportunity. The community support we’ve gained is stronger than ever. Our supporters can see and feel the difference. Our parents value the Boys & Girls Club. We’ve promised not to promise but to provide an opportunity to impact our youth. We mean what we say and say what we mean. Great Futures Start with Great Leaders and Great Futures Start at the Boys & Girls Club.” 

Since Mackey became CEO of BGCNCG, the organization has achieved the following results:

·      Provided 18,0000 of hours of after-school development for ages 6-18

·      40+ youth, ages 14-18 received their first job at the Boys & Girls Club during the summer months

·      Increased voluntarism for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia by 80% and now have over 250 volunteers

·      100% percent of teens who attend our program at least three times a week graduated on time

·      300 youth in our service area learned the game of golf through Boys & Girls Club 

·      Expanded our service area to include Newton County

·      Provided after school and summer program services to over 1300 youth in 2018

·      Increased individual giving by 70% amongst first-time supporters of the movement

·      0 teen pregnancies in 2018 

Currently, BGCNGC serves over 300 teens org-wide.

These results only are a snapshot of the difference that the Boys & Girls Club is making under the leadership of Bob Mackey. 

The late Dick Hodgetts wrote of Bob Mackey, “When Bob Mackey completes his journey, we all can take pride in what he has brought to us.” 

Mackey wants to leave an open invitation to the community to take part in a 10-hour challenge by volunteering at your local Boys & Girls Club. “Less than one hour per month can make a huge impact,” he said. “We need you! Our youth need you, so we can count on each other.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serve Greene, Morgan, Putnam, Walton and Newton Counties with world-class Youth Development Professionals creating an environment which fosters hope & opportunity for all youth. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034. 

BGCNCG hosts fall Safety Training for staff & volunteers

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia recently held an organization wide safety training session for staff and volunteers at its Walton County Club location. Staff and volunteers were provided with educational tools to determine the best course of action regarding safety measures for the youth who attend BGCNCG Clubs. 

A review of BGCNCG safety regulations, which is upheld and guided by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, was provided by Karen Robertson, Senior Executive Club Director for Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club. 

“The safety of our youth is our No. 1 priority in providing safe spaces for our youth to learn, grow and prosper into young adults,” Karen Robertson shared. “It was a delight to also be facilitating this training alongside a Boys & Girls Clubs of America representative, who’s purpose it to monitor, give feedback and provide resources for us to utilize at our Clubs.”

Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, closed out training by giving the staff and volunteers a talk about teamwork and commitment.

“I’m so proud of the team we have for BGCNCG. Changing a child’s life starts with these individuals who see our youth day in and out at our Clubs,” he shared. “We truly strive for excellence in our commitment to the youth, which is why training is such a vital way of being successful at impacting the youth of North Central Georgia.”

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

BGCA Awards $75K to BGCNCG

Boys & Girls Clubs of Americ recently donated $75,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, which serves Greene, Morgan, Walton and Putnam Counties. This gift will help further the organization’s mission of enabling “all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” The check was presented by Paula Mackelburg, BGCA Interim Director of Development for the Southeast Region & David Roark, past Director of Development for the Southeast Region.

Our job is to offer world-class opportunities for our youth, Bob Mackey, CEO & President of BGCNCG said.

“Not too long ago, our organization faced tough decisions. But we vowed not to give up, and we took the right way - the only way we believe in as we keep fighting for our youth,” he shared. “Our doors remained open, and our communities stayed committed. The support and National recognition from Boys & Girls Clubs of America makes a support statement of fulfillment. Our system is all about building a better tomorrow! Our youth are the future!”

Mackey says that BGCNCG is so grateful for the generous gift from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and that the organization is committed to providing the tools and mentorship to help shape the future generation.

“Great futures start here and together we are making a lasting impact.”

BGCNCG serves over 1,500 youth in North Central Georgia. Its 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, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved please contact 770-267-8034.

BGCNCG Hosts Winter 2018 Training

We're building a world-class environment for our youth & staff

In preparation for a New Year of youth development, the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia prepped its staff with its Winter 2018 staff-wide training, which focused on new Youth Development Tools, Safety Practices, First-Aid and Program structure. 

Staff first set goals for what they desired to learn from this Winters training, which was overviewed at the end to see if each member felt further equipped upon close of the training.

Some of those goals to have answered were questions like:

How do we instill self-esteem into the youth we serve?

How can we better connect with each youth?

After an overview of best safety practices, Bob Mackey, CEO & President of BGCNCG, immersed staff in the experience of Club youth during his Program Basics presentation.

Staff participated in challenging team-building exercises used inside Clubs as teaching methods for self-esteem, discipline, teamwork and how to have fun in positive environments.

Breakout sessions were offered to staff, which covered iCivics Training, provided by Kathy o’Neal of Georgia Family Connections Partnership, Annual Report training for data collection of how our Clubs perform year-to-year and Positive Discipline & Guidance training.

“To continue to service of providing world-class youth development to our communities, training is a must and a need,”Bob Mackey said. “We take pride in the services we provide and want to insure that our youth feel safe and positively equipped with tools that will impact them for the rest of their lives. Our organization and staff are committed to providing that experience for every child we serve. And, at the same time, we are committed to enriching our staff through Professional Development.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia provides club experiences for Walton,  Greene, Putnam and Morgan Counties. They serve over 1,500 youth in North Central Georgia.

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.

Message from CEO: 'Dear Supporters & Communities We Serve'

Letter from

BGCNCG 

CEO & President, 

Bob Mackey

DAY FOR KIDS 2017