GBBGC Builds New Playground!

More than 200 volunteers turned out this summer to build a brand new 2000 square foot playground for the Club’s kids in just one day! Children at the Club now have a new place to climb, slide and play, courtesy of ING DIRECT Kids Foundation and KaBoom!, a national nonprofit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

The project began with planning committees made up of local residents who met weekly to plan the activities for Build Day. The design of the playground was based on drawings provided by the Club’s children at a Design Day event held at the beginning of summer. The children were encouraged to draw their “dream” playgrounds and share their ideas for the new playspace; the children’s drawings were used to create the final playground designs. Several beautification projects were also completed at the Club including painting the dugouts, refurbishing the bleachers and creating a colorful outdoor game space for the children.

Club Member Wins Major League Baseball S.T.A.R. Award

John J. Jimenez, age 10, a member of Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club, has won the 2007 Major League Baseball S.T.A.R. Award, presented to Boys & Girls Club members throughout the country who have demonstrated an allaround positive attitude in after-school sports, fitness and recreation programs. He was presented with a certificate of recognition at a Club ceremony recently, and now is eligible to advance to state competition. “We are so proud of John, he truly epitomizes what the S.T.A.R. award represents. He is a player who is always the first one to help when help is needed, the first one willing to chip and the first one to offer kind and inspiring words to his teammates,” said Brian Taylor, Athletic Coordinator. This award recognizes Club members who lead by example, demonstrating sportsmanship, team spirit, achievement and responsibility the playing field, at home and in school.

>> fall 2007