Ok, it may have taken me in to the 3rd page but I am indeed finally ready to talk about sports!!
But let's understand something. We're not talking about sports as a time killer. We're talking about sports as a means to continue many of the other wonderful teaching elements found in all BGC programs.
The full title here would be Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Sports, of course, offer one way of dealing with health issues such as obesity. They also offer a way of getting kids to put down the electronic stuff and actually talk to each other. But, they also offer the opportunity for children to learn math (using statistics), to develop character and leadership skills, to develop social skills (teamwork and cooperation), to develop verbal communication and much, much more.
Yes, sports are fun. I've played and enjoyed sports of all types for as long as I can remember. But I'm convinced that, after my parents, my sports coaches and instructors have taught me as much as all of the traditional scholastic teachers in my life. The BGC of Buffalo believes strongly in this education opportunity and works hard to take advantage of this time with its members.
In addition to the expected sports such as basketball (there, we FINALLY talked about hoops!), dodgeball, floor hockey, and others, the club also has activities with pro and college teams in WNY to give the members opportunities to take field trips. They also participate in picnics, summits, attend various amusement parks, Griffis Sculpture Park, Museums, Boys & Girls Clubs of America conferences, and the theatre.
~~~~~~~~
So, believe it or not, while I've been writing for 3 pages, I've barely scratched the surface of what the BGCs of Buffalo offer their members. If you have any questions about anything in this blog or anything about BGCs in general (maybe even a question about one in your area), please let me know. I am lucky to still have LOTS of friends in local clubs as well as in the national organization, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I'll gladly tell you what I know or find a better person to address your questions when I don't know the answers. You can reach me through my website by Clicking Here.
Thanks VERY much for reading about Boys and Girls Clubs.
I hope I've made my case that these clubs are indeed WAY more than just a basketball game (though we do really like basketball games!!).
If you would like to Support the BGC of Buffalo, please Click Here.
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Friday, July 26, 2013
A little more about BGCs - Part II
It seemed to me that I might be better served to break the club facts into sections so thanks for continuing with me....
You probably expect me to FINALLY get to the sports programs for Buffalo BGCs.
Sorry to disappoint, still more non-sports programing to tell you about.
Our next program grouping involves the arts. The programs include Young Audiences, Fine Arts Exhibit, National Photography Contest and Griffis Sculpture Park. Teaching the arts enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of visual and tactile arts and crafts, performing arts, and creative writing.
Many know that I make my living selling and servicing laser engraving and cutting equipment. I'm often surprised by the reactions I get from laser prospects who find out that they need to know how to create "artwork" before they can operate our equipment. We work with computer programs like CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, Solidworks and others. Every Single Time, people who have even modest background with anything artistic make better students for me and often prove to be more capable with our laser engravers and cutters. If you think that an "old fashioned arts-n-crafts room" has no practical use in the real world, I'm here to tell you that you're flat out wrong.
For my next example of club programming, I'm going to combine 2 groups. The BGC of Buffalo offers both Prevention and Suspension programs.
Of course, it's always best to try and be proactive and teach someone how to avoid trouble and that's what the Prevention programs do. Prevention Specialists assist the Clubhouse staff with dealing with behavioral issues within the Clubhouse, complete prevention and health & life skills programming, help youth with anger management skills, and work with families to find support services.
These programs might sound like they deal only with behavioral issues. While those are certainly important, other factors influence the attitudes of children. With this in mind, the Buffalo BGCs have projects that also help kids feel "normal". Those projects include 2 Pack a Backpack to help give kids who need them a great package of school supplies at the start of the year. Operation Santa helps to give families a nice Christmas by providing clothing, shoes, jackets, toys and more. There is a Sight for Students program that helps get needy children vision screening and eyeglasses.
Importantly, the Prevention Programs also involve parents. Twice a month the clubs offer Parent Social Nights to give parents an opportunity to meet each other as well as club staff so that they can talk about concerns or issues of the day. With parental involvement so important, these nights have the chance to change families in so many wonderful ways.
But too, sometimes trouble finds us regardless of our best intention so that's where the Out of School Suspension Program comes in to play. The program was designed to offer out of school activities to students who have been suspended from school. This program will address the individual strains the student is experiencing, the power of social forces that influence a student to negative behavior, and the need to provide effective services for success in their school setting and outside in their community. The overall goal of the program will be prepare the youth for their return to the classroom. In certain situations, home instruction is also available.
CLICK HERE to support the BGC of Buffalo!
.
You probably expect me to FINALLY get to the sports programs for Buffalo BGCs.
Sorry to disappoint, still more non-sports programing to tell you about.
Our next program grouping involves the arts. The programs include Young Audiences, Fine Arts Exhibit, National Photography Contest and Griffis Sculpture Park. Teaching the arts enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of visual and tactile arts and crafts, performing arts, and creative writing.
Many know that I make my living selling and servicing laser engraving and cutting equipment. I'm often surprised by the reactions I get from laser prospects who find out that they need to know how to create "artwork" before they can operate our equipment. We work with computer programs like CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, Solidworks and others. Every Single Time, people who have even modest background with anything artistic make better students for me and often prove to be more capable with our laser engravers and cutters. If you think that an "old fashioned arts-n-crafts room" has no practical use in the real world, I'm here to tell you that you're flat out wrong.
For my next example of club programming, I'm going to combine 2 groups. The BGC of Buffalo offers both Prevention and Suspension programs.
Of course, it's always best to try and be proactive and teach someone how to avoid trouble and that's what the Prevention programs do. Prevention Specialists assist the Clubhouse staff with dealing with behavioral issues within the Clubhouse, complete prevention and health & life skills programming, help youth with anger management skills, and work with families to find support services.
These programs might sound like they deal only with behavioral issues. While those are certainly important, other factors influence the attitudes of children. With this in mind, the Buffalo BGCs have projects that also help kids feel "normal". Those projects include 2 Pack a Backpack to help give kids who need them a great package of school supplies at the start of the year. Operation Santa helps to give families a nice Christmas by providing clothing, shoes, jackets, toys and more. There is a Sight for Students program that helps get needy children vision screening and eyeglasses.
Importantly, the Prevention Programs also involve parents. Twice a month the clubs offer Parent Social Nights to give parents an opportunity to meet each other as well as club staff so that they can talk about concerns or issues of the day. With parental involvement so important, these nights have the chance to change families in so many wonderful ways.
But too, sometimes trouble finds us regardless of our best intention so that's where the Out of School Suspension Program comes in to play. The program was designed to offer out of school activities to students who have been suspended from school. This program will address the individual strains the student is experiencing, the power of social forces that influence a student to negative behavior, and the need to provide effective services for success in their school setting and outside in their community. The overall goal of the program will be prepare the youth for their return to the classroom. In certain situations, home instruction is also available.
CLICK HERE to support the BGC of Buffalo!
.
Want to know a little more about BGC's?
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm a former volunteer at the Elma, Marilla and Wales Boys and Girls Clubs.
In that past life I had the great pleasure to learn a whole lot about BGCs locally and nationally. I'm going to share a few my favorite facts about the clubs in this post.
To start, let's talk about the age range of club members. Many think that teens are the only children served by BGCs. In Buffalo (and at many clubs around the country) you can become a club member at the tender age of 5 years. The clubs service children all through their high school years. In fact, even after children are no longer eligible to be members because of their age, many stay involved as volunteers or employees.
Moving on, let's look at the membership rules. Especially with inner city families, money is very tight. For many of the programs at BGCs, if a family is below specific income levels, membership fees may be waived. The clubs try very hard to not deny a needy child because of an inability to pay. Understand, those children cost the clubs the same amount as members who pay full freight but clubs try to fund these special cases through donations, scholarships and grants.
Now we'll move in to programming. As I have said a few times, BGCs are not just a big basketball game. If a member wants to do their homework, clubs have learning centers which include computers, books, tutors and more. There are several education specific programs to help members learn how to learn. Examples of these programs include Power Hour and Supplemental Education Services (SES).
It's important to repeat that the BGC's programs help members learn how to learn. Simply teaching a member to parrot an answer for a test is not an efficient approach.. Teaching a child how to study and learn not only prepares them for school, but it also better prepares them for life. I love this about the clubs!
Other critical life prep programs focus on Character and Leadership.
Before I get into the specifics of these programs, let me tell you a quick personal story. In a recent visit to the BGC's Babcock St club site, I had the opportunity to observe several groups of members. I was flat out stunned by the mannerisms of the members. All of the kids, regardless of age, were amazingly polite. Now, I didn't expect to walk in to a circus but I did know that it was a hot summer day and it would have been easy for the kids (or us adults!!) to be cranky or impatient with those around them. The members were patient, they said excuse me, they put away books when they were done with them, they held doors open for fellow members, they addressed staff as Mr. or Miss.... I was so proud of what BGCs were doing for these kids and others at other club sites.
Character and Leadership are so important for people and those traits need to be developed early. The Buffalo BGCs help teach those skills with programs such as Torch Club, Keystone Club, Youth for Unity, Youth of the Month/Year and more. Members work with staff to develop a sense of community and leadership by electing officers, planning service projects, and club activities. By contributing significant hours, teens and alumni can have the opportunity to finance for college, pay off student loans and learn new skills to help them enhance their employment marketability.
By the way, have you noticed that I am this far into my description of BGC programs and I've not yet mentioned sports? In truth, I'm really not close to sports yet. But let's keep moving.
Our next program grouping involves Health and Life Skills. This is the module that includes my selected program - The Food and Nutrition Program. In addition to my favorite program, the clubs also offer SMART Moves, Street SMART, SMART Girls, Passport to Manhood and Health 360.
All of these terrific programs develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their well-being, help them to set personal goals, and develop the competencies to live successfully as self-sufficient adult.
In short, they teach real world life skills. As I mentioned earlier, you must teach children how to learn. Teaching them to be parrots might prepare them to answer today's questions but it rarely prepares them for what ever is around tomorrow's corner.
CLICK HERE to support the BGC of Buffalo!
.
In that past life I had the great pleasure to learn a whole lot about BGCs locally and nationally. I'm going to share a few my favorite facts about the clubs in this post.
To start, let's talk about the age range of club members. Many think that teens are the only children served by BGCs. In Buffalo (and at many clubs around the country) you can become a club member at the tender age of 5 years. The clubs service children all through their high school years. In fact, even after children are no longer eligible to be members because of their age, many stay involved as volunteers or employees.
Moving on, let's look at the membership rules. Especially with inner city families, money is very tight. For many of the programs at BGCs, if a family is below specific income levels, membership fees may be waived. The clubs try very hard to not deny a needy child because of an inability to pay. Understand, those children cost the clubs the same amount as members who pay full freight but clubs try to fund these special cases through donations, scholarships and grants.
Now we'll move in to programming. As I have said a few times, BGCs are not just a big basketball game. If a member wants to do their homework, clubs have learning centers which include computers, books, tutors and more. There are several education specific programs to help members learn how to learn. Examples of these programs include Power Hour and Supplemental Education Services (SES).
It's important to repeat that the BGC's programs help members learn how to learn. Simply teaching a member to parrot an answer for a test is not an efficient approach.. Teaching a child how to study and learn not only prepares them for school, but it also better prepares them for life. I love this about the clubs!
Other critical life prep programs focus on Character and Leadership.
Before I get into the specifics of these programs, let me tell you a quick personal story. In a recent visit to the BGC's Babcock St club site, I had the opportunity to observe several groups of members. I was flat out stunned by the mannerisms of the members. All of the kids, regardless of age, were amazingly polite. Now, I didn't expect to walk in to a circus but I did know that it was a hot summer day and it would have been easy for the kids (or us adults!!) to be cranky or impatient with those around them. The members were patient, they said excuse me, they put away books when they were done with them, they held doors open for fellow members, they addressed staff as Mr. or Miss.... I was so proud of what BGCs were doing for these kids and others at other club sites.
Character and Leadership are so important for people and those traits need to be developed early. The Buffalo BGCs help teach those skills with programs such as Torch Club, Keystone Club, Youth for Unity, Youth of the Month/Year and more. Members work with staff to develop a sense of community and leadership by electing officers, planning service projects, and club activities. By contributing significant hours, teens and alumni can have the opportunity to finance for college, pay off student loans and learn new skills to help them enhance their employment marketability.
By the way, have you noticed that I am this far into my description of BGC programs and I've not yet mentioned sports? In truth, I'm really not close to sports yet. But let's keep moving.
Our next program grouping involves Health and Life Skills. This is the module that includes my selected program - The Food and Nutrition Program. In addition to my favorite program, the clubs also offer SMART Moves, Street SMART, SMART Girls, Passport to Manhood and Health 360.
All of these terrific programs develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their well-being, help them to set personal goals, and develop the competencies to live successfully as self-sufficient adult.
In short, they teach real world life skills. As I mentioned earlier, you must teach children how to learn. Teaching them to be parrots might prepare them to answer today's questions but it rarely prepares them for what ever is around tomorrow's corner.
CLICK HERE to support the BGC of Buffalo!
.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Why the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo Food and Nutrition Program?
When I first thought about trying to do something like 50 Years and 1 Project, it was tough to decide who to select as the beneficiary.
Truthfully, I originally thought about several groups. I quickly narrowed my list down to 2. After a couple of months of meetings, conversations and careful consideration I selected the BGC of Buffalo's Food and Nutrition Program.
Some of my reasons are as follow.
First, a practical reason. If I'm going to donate money and time and if I'm going to ask friends to do the same, I want the organization to be accountable to me personally.
I'm a former board member of the Boys and Girls Club in my hometown of Elma NY. When I was more actively working with that club I was fortunate enough to meet several of the people who are key players with the Buffalo clubs including current Chief Professional Officer Diane Rowe. It'd be wrong to say that I am close personal friends with Diane but I am confident that I know her well enough to be secure when she tells me that our donations will indeed go into a fund for the Food and Nutrition Program in Buffalo and no where else.
I know that all 501(c)3 organizations have rules for using designated donations but it's just different when someone you know and trust looks you in the eye and says that they'll use your money efficiently.
Additionally, as I mentioned in the initial post of this blog, I greatly appreciate the wide ranging success that the Food and Nutrition Program achieves. As a reminder, it feeds children healthy meals up to 3 times per day. It teaches parents and children how to create healthful meals at home. It teaches parents and children how to shop for and purchase healthful foods. It teaches the club members who facilitate the program many of the social and professional skills that so many young people lack today.
Also, to a slightly lesser degree, I selected the Food and Nutrition Program to help me illustrate an important point about Boys and Girls Clubs. There are many who still believe today that BGCs are nothing more than a big basketball game.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Boys and Girls Clubs have educational opportunities, social opportunities, arts and crafts, and much more. Yes, sports still play an important role in BGC itineraries but if a member needs a computer to do some homework or if they want to paint a picture or if they want to just talk quietly with a friend or a club staff member, those options (and many others) are available.
Now, how about a stat that might just blow your mind.
Buffalo public schools graduate somewhere around 47 percent of the students. Conversely, for students attending Buffalo Boys and Girls Clubs an average of 3 times per week or more, the graduation rate rises to 87 percent!
Yes, regular attendance at Buffalo BGCs can very nearly DOUBLE a student's likelihood to graduate on time from high school.
Still think it's only about basketball???
In summary, I selected the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo because of the outstanding benefits it offers its members and because of the fact that I'm confident that our money will be effectively spent.
CLICK HERE to support the BGC of Buffalo Food and Nutrition Program!
.
Truthfully, I originally thought about several groups. I quickly narrowed my list down to 2. After a couple of months of meetings, conversations and careful consideration I selected the BGC of Buffalo's Food and Nutrition Program.
Some of my reasons are as follow.
First, a practical reason. If I'm going to donate money and time and if I'm going to ask friends to do the same, I want the organization to be accountable to me personally.
I'm a former board member of the Boys and Girls Club in my hometown of Elma NY. When I was more actively working with that club I was fortunate enough to meet several of the people who are key players with the Buffalo clubs including current Chief Professional Officer Diane Rowe. It'd be wrong to say that I am close personal friends with Diane but I am confident that I know her well enough to be secure when she tells me that our donations will indeed go into a fund for the Food and Nutrition Program in Buffalo and no where else.
I know that all 501(c)3 organizations have rules for using designated donations but it's just different when someone you know and trust looks you in the eye and says that they'll use your money efficiently.
Additionally, as I mentioned in the initial post of this blog, I greatly appreciate the wide ranging success that the Food and Nutrition Program achieves. As a reminder, it feeds children healthy meals up to 3 times per day. It teaches parents and children how to create healthful meals at home. It teaches parents and children how to shop for and purchase healthful foods. It teaches the club members who facilitate the program many of the social and professional skills that so many young people lack today.
Also, to a slightly lesser degree, I selected the Food and Nutrition Program to help me illustrate an important point about Boys and Girls Clubs. There are many who still believe today that BGCs are nothing more than a big basketball game.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Boys and Girls Clubs have educational opportunities, social opportunities, arts and crafts, and much more. Yes, sports still play an important role in BGC itineraries but if a member needs a computer to do some homework or if they want to paint a picture or if they want to just talk quietly with a friend or a club staff member, those options (and many others) are available.
Now, how about a stat that might just blow your mind.
Buffalo public schools graduate somewhere around 47 percent of the students. Conversely, for students attending Buffalo Boys and Girls Clubs an average of 3 times per week or more, the graduation rate rises to 87 percent!
Yes, regular attendance at Buffalo BGCs can very nearly DOUBLE a student's likelihood to graduate on time from high school.
Still think it's only about basketball???
In summary, I selected the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo because of the outstanding benefits it offers its members and because of the fact that I'm confident that our money will be effectively spent.
CLICK HERE to support the BGC of Buffalo Food and Nutrition Program!
.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Why me and why now?
Hello friends!
Jeff Aichinger here....
As we come up on the end of Summer 2013, it means that in a few weeks I expect to be celebrating my 50th birthday.
I rarely do this, but this year I have a birthday wish.
My wish is that by my birthday I'm going to be able to make a difference for someone new in my life.
Please let me explain...
(btw, for those who know about my project and want to support us but want to skip the long story, you can get right to the donation options by Clicking Here. Others can continue reading...)
Fact is that, for me, birthdays truly are not a big deal. I enjoy having my wife make me a cherry nut cake. The cake reminds me of my parents and my grandparents. I think one of the special people in my life has made a cherry nut cake for every single one of my birthdays. And that's fine because that's truly all I want at birthday time - a nice day with my current family and nice memories of the family members who aren't with us today.
So, instead of throwing a 50th b-day party for myself where people give me well-meaning but frankly, unnecessary gifts, I'm going to take a different route. I'm going to follow the lead of cousin Michael Hutten. Last year Mike had a milestone birthday. Instead of a party he asked friends to support a literacy program that he admires. I flat out loved that idea and I'm going to follow Mike's example and do something similar.
Sue and I have given gift of $2500 (50 dollars for each of the 50 years I've been around) to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo to support their Food and Nutrition Program. I'm also going to pledge to donate 50 hours of volunteer time to the clubs. Finally, I'm going to attempt to get at least 50 family members, personal friends, business associates and even a few folks I haven't formally met yet to donate $50 (or more) to this program.
I know that this effort, especially with your support, will make an important difference for many of families who are members of the City of Buffalo NY's Boys and Girls Clubs.
Take note that I didn't just say that we'd make a difference for some of the children who attend the BGCs in Buffalo. The Food and Nutrition Program is an outstanding effort because of the power and versatility of its reach. It feeds children up to 3 times per day. It teaches the parents of club members how to create healthful meals at home and how to shop for healthful foods. While the program is run by a qualified food service professional, many BGC members help with the food prep so it teaches teenagers about responsibility, compassion, communication skills, and so much more. The program also teaches involved children about the important concept of a day's work for a day's pay as those *employees* are paid for their efforts in Club Bucks. In short, the Food and Nutrition Program makes a difference to all of those it touches. Will you help me, help them?
Oh, and to answer your questions of "Why Me?" and "Why Now?"...
I suppose the simple answers are "because I should" and "because I can".
I'm very lucky to be in a wonderful circle of influence. We have loving families. We have loyal friends. We have great business relationships. I'm not afraid to invite people (Like You!!) to get involved into something new.
I want to invite you to help the city of Buffalo Boys and Girls Clubs!!
Especially with your help, we can make a difference.
Our church (Zion Lutheran, Clarence Center NY) has a motto.
We're encouraged to Love God and Love Our Neighbors Because Nothing Else Matters.
Loving our neighbors, to me, means that we need to help anyone who needs support. Not just those next door or around the corner. I don't really have any personal or professional ties to Buffalo proper any longer but I know that there is great need in the core city of my home region. Recent US Census info shows that Buffalo is the 3rd poorest city in America. Living in an outer suburb of Buffalo could easily make me forget how much distress still exists in many homes within that city. I know the BGC of Buffalo works hard to lessen the strain on many city families so I want to help them in their effort.
So, personally, I've waited long enough, now is the time to extend my hand to help neighbors who need our support. I'm glad Michael nudged me to do this. I hope that many of you who are dozens or hundreds or thousands of miles away will agree to help our neighbors in Buffalo.
I'd like to invite you to join me.
Your support of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo Food and Nutrition Program would be the best birthday gift you could give this nearly 50 year old man.
More importantly, it'll make a difference for your neighbor...
Click Here to support the BGC of Buffalo!
.
Jeff Aichinger here....
As we come up on the end of Summer 2013, it means that in a few weeks I expect to be celebrating my 50th birthday.
I rarely do this, but this year I have a birthday wish.
My wish is that by my birthday I'm going to be able to make a difference for someone new in my life.
Please let me explain...
(btw, for those who know about my project and want to support us but want to skip the long story, you can get right to the donation options by Clicking Here. Others can continue reading...)
Fact is that, for me, birthdays truly are not a big deal. I enjoy having my wife make me a cherry nut cake. The cake reminds me of my parents and my grandparents. I think one of the special people in my life has made a cherry nut cake for every single one of my birthdays. And that's fine because that's truly all I want at birthday time - a nice day with my current family and nice memories of the family members who aren't with us today.
So, instead of throwing a 50th b-day party for myself where people give me well-meaning but frankly, unnecessary gifts, I'm going to take a different route. I'm going to follow the lead of cousin Michael Hutten. Last year Mike had a milestone birthday. Instead of a party he asked friends to support a literacy program that he admires. I flat out loved that idea and I'm going to follow Mike's example and do something similar.
Sue and I have given gift of $2500 (50 dollars for each of the 50 years I've been around) to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo to support their Food and Nutrition Program. I'm also going to pledge to donate 50 hours of volunteer time to the clubs. Finally, I'm going to attempt to get at least 50 family members, personal friends, business associates and even a few folks I haven't formally met yet to donate $50 (or more) to this program.
I know that this effort, especially with your support, will make an important difference for many of families who are members of the City of Buffalo NY's Boys and Girls Clubs.
Take note that I didn't just say that we'd make a difference for some of the children who attend the BGCs in Buffalo. The Food and Nutrition Program is an outstanding effort because of the power and versatility of its reach. It feeds children up to 3 times per day. It teaches the parents of club members how to create healthful meals at home and how to shop for healthful foods. While the program is run by a qualified food service professional, many BGC members help with the food prep so it teaches teenagers about responsibility, compassion, communication skills, and so much more. The program also teaches involved children about the important concept of a day's work for a day's pay as those *employees* are paid for their efforts in Club Bucks. In short, the Food and Nutrition Program makes a difference to all of those it touches. Will you help me, help them?
Oh, and to answer your questions of "Why Me?" and "Why Now?"...
I suppose the simple answers are "because I should" and "because I can".
I'm very lucky to be in a wonderful circle of influence. We have loving families. We have loyal friends. We have great business relationships. I'm not afraid to invite people (Like You!!) to get involved into something new.
I want to invite you to help the city of Buffalo Boys and Girls Clubs!!
Especially with your help, we can make a difference.
Our church (Zion Lutheran, Clarence Center NY) has a motto.
We're encouraged to Love God and Love Our Neighbors Because Nothing Else Matters.
Loving our neighbors, to me, means that we need to help anyone who needs support. Not just those next door or around the corner. I don't really have any personal or professional ties to Buffalo proper any longer but I know that there is great need in the core city of my home region. Recent US Census info shows that Buffalo is the 3rd poorest city in America. Living in an outer suburb of Buffalo could easily make me forget how much distress still exists in many homes within that city. I know the BGC of Buffalo works hard to lessen the strain on many city families so I want to help them in their effort.
So, personally, I've waited long enough, now is the time to extend my hand to help neighbors who need our support. I'm glad Michael nudged me to do this. I hope that many of you who are dozens or hundreds or thousands of miles away will agree to help our neighbors in Buffalo.
I'd like to invite you to join me.
Your support of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo Food and Nutrition Program would be the best birthday gift you could give this nearly 50 year old man.
More importantly, it'll make a difference for your neighbor...
Click Here to support the BGC of Buffalo!
.
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