BGCA National Spokesman Denzel Washington and Director Ron Howard Issue a Call to Action to America on Behalf of Millions of Youth Most in Need.

Over 500 people “hit the beach” at On the Road benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (BGCM) on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Stinson Park at Aksarben Village. The event was sponsored by Battle Sports Science.

Honorary chairs, Howard Kooper and Tom Fellman along with chairs, Kirk and Sue Swartzbaugh commented, “the energy surrounding the event really shows the support the community has for the youth served by the Boys & Girls Clubs.”

BGCM President and event emcee, Ivan Gilreath, dedicated the event to long-time Club supporter Phil Schrager. Terri, Rick and Harley Schrager joined Ivan on stage to accept a memorial plaque and to say a few words about Phil’s legacy and the impact he had on underprivileged youth in Omaha.

Chancellor Smith, the 2010 Nebraska Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year and a beneficiary of a Phillip and Terri Schrager Foundation Scholarship, spoke at the event. “Chancellor showed us all why the Clubs are so important. He shared his story and got the crowd excited about the work the Clubs do every day,” said Kirk Swartzbaugh.

The event itself brought in $240,000 to support the Club’s five core program areas:  character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation.

A very special thanks to all of the sponsors, supporters, volunteers and staff that made On the Road possible.

For event photos go to http://www.bgcomaha.org/gallery/?album=1&gallery=45

This week we had a couple of special guests arrive at the Westside Club from Omaha’s UFL football team, the Omaha Nighthawks. Christian Hopkins (TE) and Wendell Bryant (DT) used one of their bye-week vacation days to speak to a group of teens about their personal stories of struggle and success, and the roles hard work, mental toughness and dedication play in achieving one’s goals. The guys had a great time interacting with our kids, and the teens took full advantage of the opportunity – asking questions and sharing their own stories as well.

A big thank you goes out to Chris, Wendell and the Nighthawks for making this afternoon possible. Please come back anytime!

The Teens at the Westside Unit

For more photos from the Nighthawks’ visit, click here