August 2020
We hope you enjoy this month's highlights of our impact and mission in action!
Dear friends,

From a pandemic to murder hornets to sharks at the beach, this has been a year of surprises... many of them unpleasant. But today, I’m excited to share with you a happy surprise.   

In late July, we learned that Grenville Baker’s Diverse Unity Keystone Club, our teen-led community service program, competed against applicants from across the country and won national recognition for exemplifying outstanding service and leadership efforts all during the year.  

In typical times, our teens would have travelled as a group to attend the Boys and Girls Club of America conference, where the winner of this contest would have been announced in front of hundreds of peers, staff, and volunteers. However, like other large gatherings, the national conference went virtual, and the kids missed the chance to travel and to experience the excitement of a live event. 

That said, the staff at GBBGC wasn’t going to let this occasion pass without the attention it deserved. In fact, we learned ahead of time that our Keystone Club was to receive an award, and wanted to make this moment as special as possible for our teens...so we planned a little fanfare of our own! 

On the day of the conference, we invited the teens to a socially-distanced, in-person gathering at the clubhouse to watch the livestream when the winners were revealed.  

What you are about to watch is their pure delight and pride at learning that they had won the top prize of “Keystone Club of the Year!”  
I hope you are smiling after watching that!  

I share this video with you not because we were surprised that our kids won this honor. (In fact, all of us at the Club are fortunate enough to witness the teens’ tireless and authentic philanthropy in real time and have always felt tremendously proud of their efforts). Rather, I share these unfiltered moments of jubilation as a refreshing reminder that there is still joy to be found in situations that might otherwise seem disappointing. 

As we come to the end of summer, we know what lies ahead remains as uncertain as the past six months. But with renewed compassion, optimism and resilience, GBBGC will continue to seek out joy whenever and wherever we can.
 
I hope you enjoy this issue of the Monthly Pilot. 
Ramon Reyes
Executive Director
An Alum's "Tern" to Teach
GBBGC Alum Gives Lessons in Science by the Shore

As an alum of GBBGC, Nassau County Supreme Court Judge David (Dave) Gugerty knows first-hand how Club activities can fuel curiosity in kids and expand their horizons. His own experiences as a Club kid sparked a passion for science and nature, and he's paying it forward with our summer campers -- taking them on interactive nature walks where they can learn about and explore Long Island's natural wonders.

Crayons, Backpacks and Masks
Our doors will be OPEN on September 14th, and we can't wait to welcome our kids back!

At GBBGC, we know that back to school this year brings with it new stressors with regard to hybrid and remote learning, as well as concerns about gaps in child care, after-school enrichment, and nutrition. To meet the needs of our local kids and families, our program staff is working with local school districts to coordinate efforts and remain resilient and responsive to changing needs.

Get into the Swing of Helping Kids
Join us for our Alumni & Friends Golf Outing on September 15th!

We hope you will join us on September 15th for a day of golf and tennis to benefit Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club. All proceeds from sponsorships and registrations help support our incredible programs and services for our kids.

Not a Golfer or Tennis Player but still want to support our kids? Check out our NEW "Spirit Booster" lawn signs!

Welcome our kids back to the Club this fall with messages of encouragement -- and know that every "Spirit Booster" you buy helps support Club programs that help kids learn, grow and thrive.

These colorful 12" x 18" lawn signs will be displayed at our Golf Outing and then will adorn the front lawn of the Club on Forest Ave through the end of September!
 
Be In The Know
& Mark Your Calendars
Schedule A Tour Of The Club
We are maximizing use of existing space to enhance and expand our ability to serve our children and their families. We'd love to share our vision for a stronger club and stronger community with you!

To Schedule A Tour Contact
Ray Reyes
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