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Rotary Boys & Girls Club

REAP Program 20 Year Anniversary Party on May 27

Help us celebrate! The Rotary Boys & Girls Club REAP (Rotary Educational Assistance Program) was founded twenty years ago. In 1989, Oprah Winfrey snipped the ceremonial ribbon at the dedication for the REAP Center, and our very own Executive Director Patrick Carter attended the event as a guest. Since then, the REAP program has become a cornerstone of the success of the Rotary Boys & Girls Club.

REAP is designed to decrease dropout rates, promote academic achievement, develop social and life skills, and increase community attachment. In partnership with 21 local schools, our kids benefit from the Math Mentoring Program, Lollipop Reading Club, daily after-school tutoring, and designated learning spaces with computer labs and broadband Internet connectivity. Teens build essential life skills through programs such as Money Matters, a financial management course, and Leaders and Achievers, which connects teens with local career professionals in their fields of interest. REAP runs year round with successful summer program called SMART Camp (Science - Math - Art - Reading - Technology) named after Phil Smart Sr. To celebrate this anniversary, there will be a party at the Club on Wednesday May 27, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. All Rotary Boys & Girls Club members, parents, alumni and supporters are encouraged to attend. If you have been through the REAP program, and/or have success stories or fond memories to share, please contact our RBGC Education Director Sheely Mauck at smauck@positiveplace.org or 206.436.1885.

We look forward to seeing you!.

Okoye Berry, Daniel Geer and Peyton Siva

make RBGC Proud!

With the increased gang activity and area shootings over the past year, Central District teens are often viewed in a negative light. However, the bad choices of some cannot outshine the positive achievements many teens make each day. This year’s Rotary Youth of the Quarter recipients are perfect examples of how good choices reap reward.

At an event at the Space Needle, Okoye Berry (summer qtr.), Daniel Greer (fall qtr.) and Peyton Siva (winter qtr.) were honored for outstanding achievements at RBGC, school and home. These young men became eligible to compete in the county, state and national Youth of the Year honors. On February 10, Okoye was also named RBGC Youth of the Year. Competing with 11 fellow recipients, Okoye eloquently spoke to 500 guests at Benaroya Hall about what the Club has meant to him. He made it clear that he intends to give back as well. When asked how this experience has influenced his life, Okoye said, “RBGC has instilled qualities I couldn’t have learned elsewhere, the Club has provided supportive influences in my life beyond family that have helped lead me in a positive direction.”

Okoye Berry:

A club member for eight years, Okoye has made the most of his time at RBGC. He is involved with the Learning Center Program, Club Service, and many other activities. Okoye earned the Youth of the Quarter award with exceptional participation in the Leadership Keystone Program, Jackson Street Music Program, and RBGC Summer Camp where his help on field trips and with the Chess Program was exemplary. Okoye is currently a junior at Garfield High School where he maintains a high GPA and is in student government. He plans to attend UCLA, USC or Howard University to study business and eventually law.

Daniel Greer:

Last fall, Daniel stepped out of his normally quiet, laid back shell and took the initiative to be a leader and role model to our younger members. When our staff needs help with anything from setting up activities and serving snacks to cleaning up program spaces, it’s Daniel who is usually first to step in. And often without being asked! Active in the RBGC Basketball League, AAU Program, and REAP program, Daniel has been a club member since elementary school. He is currently a freshman at Garfield High School and recently made their freshmen basketball team.

Peyton Siva:

At Franklin High School, Peyton shines on the basketball court and in the classroom where he maintains a 4.0 GPA. Peyton began playing for Rotary Style in elementary school and his influence has been huge on the court and around the Club ever since. This spring Peyton is mentoring a third grade boy who will no doubt benefit from his positive energy and experiences at the Club. Peyton has accepted a basketball scholarship to Louisville and will start in the fall. He was also selected as one of McDonald’s All-American best high school basketball players and participated in the national competition recently held in Miami.

We Need You

RBGC has been serving Seattle’s Central Area youth since 1954. Over 90% of our members are of ethnic minority. More than 50% live in single parent homes, extended family situations, or foster care. With a current membership of over 450 youth ages 6-18, we provide quality programs that positively impact their lives.

It’s not new news that today’s world is tough on the youth in our community. And the current economic climate certainly does not help matters. Therefore your support is needed now more than ever.

So how can you help? Your involvement in one (or more) of the following areas will make a BIG difference as we continue to offer youth a safe, rewarding place to call “their club.”

Contribute financially - A monetary donation of $25, $100, $250 or $500 – (or whatever you can give) helps sustain operating costs and keep quality programs.

Help plan special events - Organize and socialize for a wonderful cause!

Attend fundraisers - such as our annual spring King County Boys & Girls Club Kids Breakfast or the fall Auction.

Join the Honorary Board - by donating $1,000 per year with a minimum commitment of three years.

Volunteer your time - Assist with one of our programs.

To learn more, please contact RBGC Executive Director Patrick Carter. Email pcarter@positive place.org or call 206-436-1881. Thank you!

$50 donation provides 10 nutritious snacks for one week for a member.

$100 donation subsidizes membership scholarships for struggling families.

$500 donation underwrites a full year of specialized programming for a member.

Digital Arts Festival a Big Success!

On Saturday February 28, the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County hosted the Pacific Region Digital Arts Festival at the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club and Rainier Valley Teen Center. Over 100 club kids from around the region had the opportunity to watch their own nature documentaries, view their digital arts photos, and listen to their nature themed ringtones. Additional activities included face painting, botanical art projects, experiencing the Gladiator Gym, and a graphic design workshop. Eight Rotary members were also in attendance and our Keystone Program group volunteered for the day!

Did You Know? A RBGC Club Membership is a Great Deal.

For only $20 a year, a club membership provides a youth (ages 6-18) access to what RBGC has to offer. This includes many exciting programs and activities such as music lessons, computer classes, athletics, and personal development. Perhaps the best value is automatic inclusion in our Drop-In Program where a member can “drop-in” after school, on summer afternoons, and other school breaks.

The Drop-In Program gives members limitless opportunities to explore new games, strengthen social skills, develop leadership skills, and make new friends. On average attendance totals 150 kids per day with an additional 50+ youths who participate in our athletic programs.

To learn more, please contact RBGC Operations Director Derek Smith. Email dsmith@positiveplace.org or call (206) 436-1887.

National Boys & Girls Club Celebrates “Helping Kids Be Great”

During National Boys & Girls Club Week, March 22-28, clubs around the country showcased the vital services they provide the community in celebration of helping kids be great! Every day Boys & Girls Club staff open new doors for youth – through five core programs that focus on the arts, character and leadership, education and career exploration, fitness and social recreation, and health and life skills. Through fun and exciting programs, kids can become more wellrounded and reach their full potential.

Math Mentoring Program Earns Excellence Award

Rotary’s M2 – Math Mentoring Program received an Honor Award for Program Excellence in Education from the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. Additionally the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is considering our M2 program for the National Honor Award. Honor awards recognize comprehensive, creative, and high quality programs that foster the Five Key Elements for Positive Youth Development (i.e. fun, supportive relationships, a safe environment, opportunities, and recognition).

Rotary’s M2 – Math Mentoring Program is an extensive pilot program funded through Washington State’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Its purpose is to help middle school students master the state’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) for mathematics. The program also aims to improve proficiency in math, develop a greater self-confidence and increase overall academic success. Since its inception in Spring 2008, the program has had 42 members complete at least one of the quarterly sessions.

FIRST PLACE Partnership Well Underway

Last September, RBGC launched a partnership with our neighbor, First Place, the nonprofit that provides education, housing, and support services for families struggling with the risk and reality of homelessness. To date, our collaboration has included the use of our gym for First Place’s K-6 graders’ physical education classes. Thirty-five First Place students participated in our holiday gift-making event and plans are underway for First Place sixth graders to take part in our Math Mentoring program this spring.

Summer Registration Open Now

Registration is now open for our summer programs (June 22 – August 28). RBGC offers a safe, positive environment for kids during the summer months with continuing education programs, SMART Teen (6–8 grade) programs, health information, sports, arts, special events, day trips and much more!

To learn more or sign up, please contact RBGC Operations Director Derek Smith. Email dmith@positiveplace.org or call (206) 436-1887.

WG Clark Court Dedication & Birthday Party

On January 10, Chris Clark, long-time friend and RBGC Board Member, was honored with a surprise 60th birthday party – planned by his wife Linda for over a year. Over 100 friends and family members were on hand to enjoy our newly christened WG Clark Court, which had been transformed into a dinner and dance venue for the night! In lieu of gifts, friends and family members made donations on Chris’ behalf to the Club.

Thank you, Chris and Linda!