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Boys & Girls Clubs wins the JCPenney Cares Afterschool contest and giveaway!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Boys & Girls Clubs of America wins $250,000
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Boys & Girls Clubs of America Receives Top Vote in JCPenney Facebook Campaign Winning $250,000 California teen earns $30,000 college scholarship and $30,000 to support local Boys & Girls Club. ATLANTA – Oct. 21, 2010 – With nearly 25,000 online votes, JCPenney Facebook fans voted Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) th...eir favorite youth charity for providing afterschool programs that inspire children to “Be Great.” As a result, BGCA was awarded a $250,000 grant by JCPenney’s signature charity, JCPenney Afterschool. BGCA was one of four national afterschool organizations competing for a portion of a $1 million giveaway organized by JCPenney in celebration of the company’s $100 million milestone of afterschool support nationwide. The company launched a JCPcares Facebook campaign last month inviting fans to decide who and which organizations will receive the next million dollars in scholarships and grants. Through two online voting initiatives, the campaign also sought to recognize youth volunteers across the country by allocating $500,000 in scholarships and grants. California teen Taylor P., a seven-year member at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, was among the top three finalists competing for a scholarship and a matching grant for her favorite charity. Penny was selected as the second place finisher earning a $30,000 college scholarship and a matching grant of $30,000 for her favorite charity, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. A dedicated Club volunteer since age 11, Taylor has found ways to continuously give back to her community – including serving as a mentor and math tutor for an eight-year-old autistic child. From creating a cheerleading camp for girls ages 6-12 to becoming president of her Club’s community service group, Taylor volunteers more than 500 hours per year and has recently received the Presidential Service Award from her Boys & Girls Club. In her winning essay, Taylor affirms, “It’s important to me to find ways to give back to my community because of all that has been given to my family and me in our time of need.” The announcement of Taylor’s honor will coincide with local Boys & Girls Clubs Lights On Afterschool events, a nationally recognized day that generates awareness for the importance of afterschool programs in every community. “Our $100 million milestone is significant because it represents the afterschool opportunities we made possible in every JCPenney community over the past decade,” said Mike Theilmann, group executive vice president for JCPenney and chairman of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. “It is only fitting that we use this occasion to celebrate and recognize our community champions, including our afterschool partners whose programs inspire kids to be smart, strong and socially responsible.” Since 1999, JCPenney has continued a long-standing relationship with BGCA in working to provide young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, with access to safe, positive afterschool environments and proven programs. JCPenney has donated some $30 million to help bring high quality afterschool programs to those youth who need it most. Together, JCPenney and BGCA are having a significant and positive impact on young people and families across the nation. While much work remains to be done to address the growing needs of America’s youth who have no place to go after school, this long-term partnership is a powerful model for ensuring that great futures begin at Boys & Girls Club.See More 
Date: October 20, 2010
Time: 5:00 PM Location: P.O. Box 532, Gainesville, Florida 32602 Phone: (352)-372-5342 |