Ricardo Ariza, Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Creighton University and BGCM board member, will be honored at the 2011 Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Dinner on June 2, 2011. Inclusive Communities is a human relations organization confronting prejudice, bigotry and discrimination through educational programs that raise awareness, foster leadership and encourage advocacy for a just and inclusive society.

Ricardo is this year‟s recipient of the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award. This award was named for one of the early founders of the organization and is given to an individual or organization whose life or chosen field of work exemplifies the mission of Inclusive Communities. Ricardo’s dedication and commitment to the Omaha community, education, and the pursuit of peace and justice for everyone makes him more than worthy of this award.

Ricardo was very humbled and honored upon receiving word that he would be the recipient of the 2011 Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award. He joins a prestigious list of people who have received this honor including Senator Brenda Council (1999), Councilman Ben gray (2001), and Creighton’s Father John P. Schlegel, S.J. (2003).

Please join us in congratulating Ricardo on this esteemed award – an extremely appropriate recognition of a man whose mantra is, “we are all one human family.”

On Wednesday April 20th, 18 Members and 2 staff of the South Unit were invited to Creighton University for an Easter Egg Hunt. The members were very excited to see all the eggs partially hidden in a garden area. After a countdown, the members rushed to fill their bags with the wonderful treasures hidden amongst them.

After all the eggs were located, the kids were invited to stay and participate in other activities, like coloring in Easter-themed books provided by Creighton, drawing on the sidewalks with chalk, and a very long and exciting game of tag. The members were also visited by the Easter Bunny, which made them very happy. Thank you to Creighton University and the students who participated for a wonderful afternoon!

Click here to see photos on the BGCM Facebook page

Guinness World Records defines the Star Jumps (Jumping Jacks) record as, “This record is for the most people Star Jumping (Jumping Jacks) simultaneously at multiple venues for two consecutive minutes.” Jumping Jacks are called Star Jumps in some countries because the arms, legs and head form a five-pointed star.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands will join Clubs from around the country during National Boys & Girls Club Week in an attempt to break this world record. At the event, each participant will begin the Star Jumps at the exact same time as everyone else in the country and jump for two minutes nonstop.

This attempt to break the world record will bring attention to the importance of young people living healthy, active lifestyles and how Boys & Girls Clubs help fill this need every day. Clubs do this through programs like Triple Play, BGCA’s proven health and wellness program that encourages kids to eat healthier, become more physically active and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships.

On Wednesday, March 9^th, DaSean Anderson was named Nebraska Youth of the Year before a group of Club dignitaries, state senators, friends and family at a ceremony in Lincoln. Cameron Crockrom, a member of the Offutt AFB Boys & Girls Club, received runner-up honors.

DaSean and Cameron gave their speeches in front of a panel of judges. While the judges deliberated, the two joined members of the Lincoln, Grand Island and Winnebago Clubs at the Nebraska State Capitol to be applauded by members of the Unicam.

Following their time observing Nebraska senators debate current issues, the candidates returned to the Cornhusker Marriott for a luncheon in their honor, where Chancellor Smith (pictured), the 2010 BGCM and NE Youth of the Year served as emcee. After DaSean and Cameron were given the opportunity to speak directly to the group in attendance, Chancellor stepped to the front of the room and announced DaSean the State’s winner.

click here for photos

DaSean’s next stop is the Regional Youth of the Year Competition in Chicago this July. There she will compete against other state winners from across the Midwest Region for a $10,000 college scholarship and a chance to compete  for the national honor in Washington, DC.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is excited to announce Omaha native and Boys & Girls Clubs alum, Ivan Gilreath, as President and CEO, effective February 1st, 2011. Ivan returned to Omaha from Minneapolis, after five years with insurance giant ING, most recently as the President of the company’s Employee Benefits Division. Before ING, Ivan spent 20 years with Mutual of Omaha.

“It feels really good to be back in Omaha, leading the organization that gave me so much,” says Gilreath. “I have spent my entire professional career in the corporate world, but never lost my passion for serving at-risk youth.”

Ivan grew up in a single-parent household with four siblings. While his mother worked hard to support the family, Ivan spent much of his time at the North Omaha Boys Club. He recalls certain staff members at the Club as being the positive male role models who set positive examples, and laid the foundation upon which he would achieve great things.

“I am a product of my club and my community,” Gilreath says with conviction. “I hope my story and my experiences will inspire the youth of our Clubs to dream bigger and expect more of themselves and their futures. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is a great organization and I look forward to continuing that tradition of greatness. Today more than ever our young men and women need the Boys & Girls Clubs. Our mission is to provide the programs and activities that will lead them towards becoming positive and productive members of society.”

“A committee of community and board members organized the national search for our new President,” says BGCM Board Chairman, Tim Holland. “We received hundreds of qualified resumes both nationally and locally. Through an exhaustive process we found the best candidate in Ivan. His leadership skills and passion for youth development will be a great asset for the children of Omaha.”

Ivan takes over the Club reins from retiring CEO, Fred Schott. Schott will play the role of senior advisor and will work closely with Ivan during the transition process, and beyond as needed.

Ivan’s management team will include two experienced Club professionals; Tom Kunkel, Chief Professional Officer, and Laura Schabloske, Chief Development Officer. Kunkel and Schabloske will continue to play key roles in Club operations and fundraising. Both are passionate believers in the Boys & Girls Club movement and the impact it has on the youth in Omaha, Carter Lake and Council Bluffs.

About Ivan
Ivan Gilreath joined the Boys & Girls Clubs after a 28-year career in the for-profit sector, most recently with ING as the President of the Employee Benefits Division. Prior to joining ING, he spent 20 years at Mutual of Omaha and four years with Xerox Corporation.

Gilreath serves on the board of counselors at University of Nebraska Medical Center and the national advisory board of the University of Nebraska-Omaha College of Business. He has a long history of community leadership having served as a volunteer for numerous nonprofit organizations, including the board of the Urban League of Nebraska, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the YMCA Black Achievers, the Urban League Black Executive Exchange Program and Omaha Chamber of Commerce 21st Century Steering Committee. He founded the Midwest Trailblazers mentoring and basketball organization, which provides opportunities for young men and women to develop leadership and social skills, while supporting athletic ability.

He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in marketing from the University of Nebraska in 1982, where he also played intercollegiate Division I basketball. In 1989, Gilreath earned a masters degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Gilreath was honored with the “Living the Dream” award from the City of Omaha, and in 2002, was given the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Distinguished Alumni award from the College of Business. In 2007, he was awarded the Whitney M. Young Leadership Award from the Urban League of Nebraska.