Alumni

“You Needed Us Then. We Need You Now.”

The COME ON HOME alumni theme promotes the idea of giving back while appealing to the warm memories and deep appreciation expressed by many alumni about their Club experiences. As the Club begins the 50th Anniversary celebration nothing would be more appropriate than starting and getting involved in the first Boys & Girls Club of Garfield Alumni & Friends group.

Activities of this newly formed Group may include;

• Social Events to reconnect alumni with their Club and other Alumni.
• Raising funds for a specific project or event to benefit members from the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield.
• Providing volunteer leadership to the Club and at statewide events.
• Serving as spokespeople and ambassadors for the Boys & Girls Club and assist in spreading the word about the good works of the Club.

Recently, a new Harris Interactive survey of Boys & Girls Club alumni confirmed the positive impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on kids who pass through their doors. This survey revealed that:

• Some 57% of Club alumni said the Club saved their life.
• 90% of Alumni graduate from high school and 28 % of alumni report they would have dropped out of high school if not for the Club.
• 92% of Alumni say that helping others is a priority of theirs and 48% say they obtained this value at the Club.
• Of the alumni surveyed, 80% said that their Club experience made a positive impact on their attitude toward fitness and health.

We must help build more safety nets for America's youth – and we already have models that work. By supporting Boys & Girls Clubs and other community-based organizations that serve children, we can give more young people the tools – and the hope – they need to build a real future.

True Measure of Success

Bill Cosby... Alex Rodriguez... Brad Pitt… Michael Jordan... President Clinton... Jackie Joyner-Kersee... Martin Sheen... Derek Jeter... Neil Diamond... Denzel Washington...

What do all of these people, and millions more throughout America, have in common? They are all alumni of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

While many Club alumni have achieved particular distinction in fields such as entertainment, business, politics and sports, the average alumnus is not famous. Most have achieved success by getting an education, raising a family, serving their country, pursuing a career or supporting the community.

Saving Lives... And Building Futures

Millions have benefited from belonging to a Boys & Girls Club since the first Club opened its doors in 1860. Based on research by Louis Harris & Associates, Club alumni have very strong feelings about their individual Club experiences:

• 80% said Club staff helped them learn right from wrong
• 95% indicated the Club was the best thing available in their community
• 52% said participating in the Club "saved my life"

Want To Help Your Club?

For more information, please contact our Paul Casey or Irene Brown (973) 478-7662 or by email at ibrown@bgcgarfield.org or pcasey@bgcgarfield.org

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