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News

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco has a ton of newsworthy stories waiting to be told! With nine Clubhouses around San Francisco and a summer Camp in Mendocino County, there is always something going on. Whether you’re a print, TV, online or radio reporter, we hope our News Room will serve as a complete information resource page filled with story ideas. Check back often for updates.

For media inquiries, to arrange an interview with a staff member, and to learn more about our organization, contact:

Brittany Johnson
Marketing & PR Manager
415.445.5479
bjohnson@kidsclub.org

Denise Cante
Vice President of Marketing & PR
415-445-5410
dcante@kidsclub.org

Please note: all requests for media interviews must go through the Marketing & Public Relations Department. Thank you.

Ad Campaign

Be sure to browse our new ad campaign! Designed pro-bono by Charles Schwab & Co.’s Creative Services division, these ads are vital in raising awareness of the organization, driving members to our Clubs, and connecting us to potential supporters. Thanks to the many volunteers who made this campaign possible.

The Future Starts Here Biographical Print Ads
The Future Starts Here General Print Ads
The Future Starts Here Bus Ads
The Future Starts Here Posters

Print quality versions of this campaign are available to media. Please contact Brittany Johnson at bjohnson@kidsclub.org for assistance.

Recent News

Recent Press Releases

Boys Night Out/Girls Night Out - Coming Soon!

March 18 & 19, 2010

Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco matches 100 girls with 100 women and 100 boys with 100 men for two one-day “buddy” events filled with lighthearted competition, games, food and entertainment. It’s an opportunity for our Club Members to interact with a caring adult and for adults to learn all about the fun things we do inside our Clubhouses!

WHEN:
Girls Night Out: Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Click here to register.

Boys Night Out: Friday, March 19, 2010 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Click here to register.

WHERE:
BGCSF Columbia Park Clubhouse
450 Guerrero Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Sponsorships are available, click here for details. You may also contact Erica Pérez at (415) 445-5482, eperez@kidsclub.org for further assistance.

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco's 2010 Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon

February 1, 2010

On Monday, February 1, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) named Winnie Phan, a 12-year member of the Tenderloin Clubhouse, as its 2010 Citywide Charles Schwab Youth of the Year. Congratulations, Winnie!! The announcement was made during the organization’s second annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon held at the St. Francis Hotel. Winnie was selected from among seven Youth of the Year finalists each representing their respective Clubhouses. This year’s finalists included: Andrea Beasley, Camp Mendocino; De’Moniuque (Nikki) Carroll, Visitacion Valley Clubhouse; Lamisha Duree, Columbia Park Clubhouse; Jackie Fuller, Willie Mays Clubhouse; Adrena Ng, Ernest Ingold Clubhouse; Winnie Phan, Tenderloin Clubhouse; Margaret Reyes, Excelsior Clubhouse. Each of them were recognized for their accomplishments, leadership skills, motivation, moral character, and service to Clubhouse and community. Congratulations to all seven finalists!

The luncheon was attended by approximately 300 guests, (almost twice what we had last year) including the finalists and their families; BGCSF staff, board members, major donors; and community leaders. Special thanks to the following:

Event Chair: Heather Rodriguez

Sponsors: Charles Schwab, Dana & Bob Emery, First Republic Bank, Cathy & Sandy Dean, Lycia & Rocky Fried, RocketLawyer, Diana & Steve Strandberg, U.S. Bank, The Elfenworks Foundation, Jacqueline & Christian Erdman, Laura & John Fisher, Lynda & Bill Hutton, Stephanie & Bill Mellin, Heather & Robert Rodriguez, Sweet and Baker Insurance Brokers, and United Airlines.

Youth of the Year Judges: Brooke Bengier, Director, Sales Planning, Tribal Fusion; Pam David, Executive Director, Walter and Elise Haas Fund; Lauren Speeth, Founding CEO, The Elfenworks Foundation; John Stewart, Chairman, The John Stewart Company; Maria Su, Director, SF Department of Children, Youth and Their Families; Bill Tompkins, SVP, Total Rewards & HR Operations, Gap Inc.

Read the full press release.
Pictures coming soon!

Youth from Mission Clubhouse Spend the Afternoon at SFO

November 5, 2009

On November 5, youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s Mission Clubhouse enjoyed a special afternoon with five cabin crew onboard a Cathay Pacific 747 at the San Francisco International Airport. Flight attendants toured the kids through various areas of the aircraft that are generally not open to passengers, including the cock pit and the crew bunk area.

Thank you to Cathay Pacific to treating our kids to activities and special aircraft tours – they had a blast!

See pictures from the event.

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco Hosts Board Luncheon

November 5, 2009

On November 5, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco hosted its annual Board Luncheon at Farallon Restaurant in the Beluga Room, on the 4th Floor of 450 Post Street. Many great awards were given out for recognition and years of service, as well as to thank departing board members for their contributions. Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco sincerely thanks all our board members and volunteers for their continued support and dedication over the years.

See pictures from the event.

BGCSF Hosts 5th Annual Halloween Monster Bash

October 22, 2009

On Thursday, October 22, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s Columbia Park Clubhouse hosted its annual Monster Bash, a fun-filled evening of Halloween inspired activities. Members from all nine Clubs were led by adult volunteers from San Francisco Security Traders Association through 12 activities including: scary story writing, costume dress up, and a mad science corner. The event was also part of the Club’s Healthy Halloween – only nutritious snacks were provided (no candy) in an effort to promote healthy eating habits.

BGCSF greatly thanks San Francisco's Security Traders Association for supporting our city's youth.

See pictures from the event.

The Edible Schoolyard at Hunters Point Grand Opening

October 17, 2009

On Saturday, October 17, 2009 Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco hosted The Edible Schoolyard at Hunters Point Grand Opening at the Willie Mays Boys & Girls Club. The event featured Club and Garden tours, as well as a brief program that included speeches from Alice Waters, founder of The Edible Schoolyard program and Chez Panisse Foundation in Berkely; Dr. Burke, MD, MPH, FAAP, Medical Director of the CPMC Bayview Child Health Center; BGCSF President Rob Connolly; Willie Mays Boys & Girls Clubhouse Director James Holley, and two Willie Mays Boys & Girls Club members.

BGCSF raised over $60,000 that will go towards supporting The Edible Schoolyard and increasing healthy food access in Hunters Point.

Read the full press release.
See pictures from the event.
Check out the video

BGCSF is incredibly grateful to The Grand Opening Event supporters:

Master Gardner Sponsor
Ernst & Young, LLP

Cultivator Sponsors
Anonymous; Dana & Bob Emery; Lycia & Rocky Fried; Leigh & Bill Matthes; Marie & Bill McGlashan; Stephanie & Bill Mellin; Eva & Bill Price; TomKat Foundation

Grower Sponsor
Jill Cowan & Stephen Davis
U.S. Trust

Additional Support
Durell Vineyards; Frank Fennema Photography; Il Fornaio; moregreenmoms; Tartine; Three Sticks; Whole Foods Market

**Donor Bricks for the Edible Schoolyard at Hunters Point Are Still Available**

Purchase a Donor Brick Online

Donor bricks around the concrete planters in our garden will make a lasting statement of your commitment to helping our Club members learn to grow and cook healthy fruits and vegetables. Make a gift of $500 to have your message engraved on a 4-inch by 8-inch brick. Each brick can accommodate two lines of copy, with a maximum of fourteen characters per line. The bricks will be ordered in early 2010. For more information, please contact Julie Rickert at jrickert@kidsclub.org or (415) 445-5480.

BGCSF Hosts Second Annual Board Alumni Lunch

October 14, 2009

BGCSF hosted its second Annual Board Alumni Lunch on October 14, 2009 at Kuleto’s Italian Restaurant. This was an opportunity for Board Alumni, current Board members and BGCSF employees to chat with old friends, as well as hear a brief update on upcoming events and major projects. Attendees also honored Alumni who have had a great impact on our organization’s progress over the decades of their involvement: Les Andersen, Marty Bohlen and Leroy Sims.

If you would like to be a part of the 2010 Board Alumni Lunch next October, please contact Sheila Steinberg at ssteinberg@kidsclub.org or (415) 445-5418.

See pictures from the event.

Remembering Don Fisher and the Legacy he left with BGCSF

September 27, 2009

Mr. Fisher has been remembered in many, many ways, most often, for being the co-founder of the Gap and a major art collector. But at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, we prefer to remember Mr. Fisher as a man who despite being a giant in the philanthropic community, chose to serve for 46 years on the Board of a local organization working in the toughest communities of his native city - Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. I think this fact explains Mr. Fisher as well or better than any other. As he tells it, this was the first Board he ever joined and he decided to stick with it. As I’ve said often, Mr. Fisher donated money to solve issues not to feel good about himself. He saw our work as vital to the life of this city and he appreciated our results.

Mr. Fisher didn’t just put his name on the letterhead for BGCSF, he was actively involved. In the past year, because of failing health, he followed the Club through email correspondence and the President's Update. He was extremely proud of the three National Program Excellence Awards the Club won this year. He loved the fact that the organization opened a Boys & Girls Club in Hunters Point and was proud that his and Mrs. Fisher’s capital campaign contribution was helping the Hunters Point community. He was excited by our capital campaign and the strength of our Board, especially the “next generation” of philanthropic leaders as he saw it. He was hopeful that what he had helped to build in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s was in good hands.

We will miss Don Fisher tremendously.

Read about Don’s Philanthropic Legacy - SF Business Times.
Read about the "Gratitude Gap" - SF Chronicle.
See photos of Don Fisher and BGCSF.

BGCSF Accepts Grant for Summer Food Program

August 27, 2009

On Thursday, August 27, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco attended a press conference at the SF 49ers Facility in Santa Clara and accepted an $8,000 grant that provided healthy, freshly prepared nutritious lunches and snacks to over 400 of our San Francisco youth this summer. Thanks to 49ers cornerback and return specialist Allen Rossum, the Professional Athletes Council (PAC) and Revolution Foods to collectively bringing more healthy opportunities to our youth.

Along with the healthy meals all summer, as part of the donation and through the partnership with PAC and the 49ers, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco will have the funding to implement a program called “Instant Recess,” putting recess back into the daily schedule in the Fall.

See pictures from the event.

Kresge Foundation Sets $800,000 Challenge Grant for BGCSF

August 25, 2009

We are happy to announce that Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco received an $800,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation to help drive support for our new Mission Clubhouse. At this time, any gift made toward the Mission Clubhouse will be matched by the Kresge Foundation dollar for dollar through April 2010. Construction recently started on the Mission Clubhouse but funds must still be raised to complete the project. Please join us in meeting this challenge and double the impact of your gift. Donate Now!

The Kresge Foundation is a private foundation founded by Sebastian S. Kresge that supports communities across the country by building the capacity of nonprofit organizations in six fields: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services and community development. The Foundation’s primary grant making tool is its Challenge Grant Program, designed to assist nonprofit organizations as they work to strengthen leadership and financial support through challenge grants for capital projects. More at http://www.kresge.org/.

Read the full press release.

Morgan Stanley Gives Back to BGCSF

August 12, 2009

Our Willie Mays Boys & Girls Club at Hunters Point ended their quarter with a wonderful carnival of games run by Morgan Stanley volunteers. Morgan Stanley recently introduced our youth to healthy meal choices through a generous grant called Million Meal Summer. We are not only thankful for their generosity but also for their time and energy spent with our kids. Thank you for caring about the well-being of our city's youth and for making the end of summer memorable for our Willie Mays Clubhouse kids with fun and games.

See pictures from the event.

36th Annual BGCSF Golf Tournament

August 10, 2009

On August 10, 2009 BGCSF held its 36th Annual Golf Tournament at the prestigious Olympic Club. Participants had the opportunity to test their skills on either the Lake or Ocean courses while sharing time with friends and colleagues. The tournament featured a longest drive competition, a putting contest, cocktail reception, silent auction and awards dinner. With great appreciation, BGCSF raised $228,000 that will go to BGCSF programming and to providing a safe and positive place for the kids who need us most.

BGCSF is incredibly grateful to all the sponsors and participants who contribute year after year to the success of the tournament. A special thanks to this year's Presenting Sponsor, U.S. Bank.

To join next year’s Golf Committee and for information on sponsorship opportunities for 2010, please contact Sheila Steinberg at ssteinberg@kidsclub.org or 415-445-5418.

See pictures from the event.

Radio Shack Helps Bridge East and West Coast Together

August 6, 2009

Members from Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s Tenderloin Clubhouse and New York Boys & Girls connected through a live feed on a giant oversized laptop screen set up at Justin Herman Plaza. The “Netogether” event was hosted by Radio Shack as a way to show how technology can keep people together. Youth from both Boys & Girls Clubs helped celebrate the 118th anniversary of the San Francisco Chapter and the 125th anniversary of the New York Chapter. Kids sang happy birthday to one another and engaged in SF/NY trivia games!

BGCSF greatly thanks Radio Shack for supporting our city’s youth.

See pictures from the event.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers Engages with BGCSF

June 6, 2009

BGCSF welcomed three sizable volunteer groups from Pricewaterhouse Coopers this summer as part of their fourth annual “Summer of Community Service!” PwC employees engaged with our Club members through a variety of activities including: a “Summer Launch Carnival” to kick off the summer with excitement at our Columbia Park Clubhouse in the Mission District, a Science experiment known as “Float Your Boat” using both Arts & Crafts and teambuilding skills at our Ernest Ingold Clubhouse in the Upper Haight, and last but not least, an exciting fun-filled “Literacy Fair” encouraging kids to explore language learning through games and crafts at our Sunnydale Clubhouse. Check out photos of these great events!

See pictures from "Summer Launch Carnival" at Columbia Park Clubhouse.
See pictures from "Float Your Boat" at Ernest Ingold Clubhouse.
See pictures from "Literacy Fair" at Sunnydale Clubhouse.

Willie Mays Volunteer Planting Day

June 6, 2009

On Saturday, June 6, over 40 volunteers laid down the ground work for our Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s Willie Mays Edible Schoolyard Garden. The garden will help create and sustain an organic garden and landscape that is wholly integrated into the Clubhouse programs, including the daily snack and summer lunch program. Our Edible Schoolyard Garden involves Club members (ages six to 18) in all aspects of tending the garden along with preparing, serving and eating the food as a means of awakening their senses and encouraging awareness and appreciation of the transformative values of nourishment, community and stewardship of the land.

We thank everyone who came out to help us prepare our garden space so that our kids will have a safe and beautiful space to learn and grow all while cultivating new skills! The care and preparation you provided will inspire our kids as we launch the Edible Schoolyard Garden program this summer.

See pictures from the event.

City Attorney Dennis Herrera Urges Community to Support San Francisco Youth this Summer

June 6, 2009

Knowing that nonprofits have to cut back significantly, City Attorney Dennis Herrera is encouraging San Franciscans to step up and support children in need this summer. On Saturday, June 6th during the launch of his re-election campaign he’ll also kick off an effort to garner support for young people through small-dollar donations and low-cost supplies to local nonprofits like Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. The donation drive, which runs through July 15, will support programs at local sites serving school age youth. Gifts that come to Boys & Girls Clubs will support all nine city Clubhouses and at Camp Mendocino. Needed supplies include sporting equipment (such as basketballs, baseball mitts, and swim goggles), art supplies (watercolors, paint brushes, art pencils, etc), camp supplies (frisbees, sunscreen, toothpaste, etc), and educational materials (such as writing pads, binders, and notebooks). For a full list, click here.

Donations may be dropped off at your nearest Clubhouse. Click here to find out what Clubhouse is nearest you. If you’re interested in donating online, please click here. To donate by mail, please make your check payable to:

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco
55 Hawthorne Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94105

We’re excited that the City Attorney is encouraging the entire city to rally behind its children this summer.

See pictures from the event.

BGCSF Wins Three out of Seven National First-Place Program Excellence awards

May 15, 2009

On Friday, May 15, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco was awarded three out of seven first-place awards for Program Excellence -- the most prestigious awards in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) movement! Between 200 and 300 Clubs across the country apply in each of the seven categories, so we’re especially proud to have taken home three awards -- an achievement that we believe is unprecedented for a local Club! Awards were presented in front of nearly 3,000 Club board and staff leaders from around the country during the final dinner of the National BGCA Conference in Atlanta.

1st Place for “Education and Career Development”

Ernest Ingold Clubhouse, Girl Tech Program -- educates and empowers girls through the use of technology.
Congratulations to our staff lead, Marisa Aragona!

1st Place for "Character and Leadership Development"

Excelsior Clubhouse, 4Hs (Heart, Head, Hands, and Health) - teaches life skills and helps build character for 12-18 year old youth who are currently involved in the juvenile justice system.
Congratulations to our staff lead, Imelda Acosta!

1st Place for "Sports, Fitness and Recreation"

Willie Mays Clubhouse, Junior Giants -- a co-ed baseball program that instills strong values and character on and off the field.
Congratulations to our staff lead, Jake Babick!

Congratulations again to our winning Clubhouses and our program staff and thank you for building on our legacy of excellence.

Read the full press release.
See pictures from the event.

BGCSF Launches New Website

May 15, 2009

This May, BGCSF rolled out a newly-designed web site (http://www.kidsclub.org/) to give our entire community a more interactive, informative and user-friendly experience. The new site is also part of our overall branding campaign The future starts here to raise organizational awareness and support. Check out some of the following NEW features and please check back often!

Explore our new Alumni page and re-connect to BGCSF
Looking for detailed information on one of our nine Clubhouses? Click here to see a map and a full Clubhouse listing.
Get plugged in! Sign up to receive regular e-updates
Check out our improved and easy-to-use online giving form
Join us on Facebook and help us build viral support. Just click on the icon on the bottom right of our homepage.
Recently attended an event and want to see some pictures? Click here to check out our photo gallery.

Special thanks to our designers, Iron Creative, and our developers, Clock Four, Inc. They went above and beyond their scope of work, generously donating countless pro-bono hours to make this site a success!

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco's 2009 Annual Fundraiser

April 29, 2009 at Bimbo's 365 Club

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) hosted its Annual Fundraiser, themed “The Future Starts Here,” at Bimbo's 365 on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. The event was a huge success, raising more $555,000 and attracting 400 attendees. The event honored Board Member Bob Emery for his outstanding commitment to the city’s young people. Deeply involved with BGCSF for 12 years, Emery has served as Board Chair and currently serves as co-chair of the Brighter Futures Capital Campaign. Other stars of the evening included youth Club members, who emceed and shared stories of how the Club has impacted their lives.

Special thanks to our Event Chairs, Ann-Ferrell Millham and Carol Bonnie. And thanks to our corporate sponsors: Carmel Partners; Deloitte & Touche LLP; Dodge & Cox; Guittard Chocolate Company; LBA Realty; Legend Merchant Group; Nibbi Brothers General Contractors; Pircher, Nichols & Meeks; RMW Architecture & Interiors; San Francisco Giants; Swinerton, Inc.; The CAC Group; Tom Elliot Fisch; United Airlines.

See pictures from the event.

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco's Charles Schwab & Co. Youth of the Year Luncheon

January 29, 2009 at the Westin St. Francis, Union Square

On Thursday, January 29, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) named Diamond Davis, a member of the Excelsior Clubhouse, as its 2009 Charles Schwab & Co. Youth of the Year. The announcement was made during the organization’s first Charles Schwab & Co. Youth of the Year Luncheon held at the St. Francis Hotel. Davis was selected from among six Youth of the Year finalists each representing their respective Clubhouses. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements of all of the finalists -- each of whom were recognized for their accomplishments, leadership skills, motivation, moral character, and service to Clubhouse and community. The luncheon was a hit with our 200 guests, including the finalists and their families; BGCSF staff, board members, and donors; as well as other members of the business community. Special thanks to Event Chair Heather Rodriguez and to our sponsors: Charles Schwab & Co., The Elfenworks Foundation, Bob and Dana Emery, and Nibbi Brothers General Contractors!

Read the full press release.
See pictures from the event.

Press Room Archive