Photo by Matt Pascarella

Eastman/Fairfield Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach will host a backpack giveaway on August 17, 2011. The giveaway is being sponsored by Fluor Corporation as a community service project. Fluor employees will be distributing backpacks to youth who attend the Clubs. 500 back packs are expected to be delivered and will be filled with school supplies that will give each youth a great start to the new school year.

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The Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach announced today a $120,000 grant given by the LeBron James Family Foundation to renovate their existing learning program and indoor sports facilities to expand programs and accommodate year-round activities.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach are honored to be chosen as a recipient of a LeBron James Family Foundation grant,” said Don Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. “We here at the Center have always seen the potential of each and every student that walks through our doors, but it is especially touching when a public figure like James not only sees it, but is willing to invest in them.” 

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The repair project is one of six taking place that day throughout Long Beach under the auspices of the local Rebuilding Together chapter, part of a national organization that focuses on volunteerism to provide affordable home ownership and community revitalization.

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Join Councilman Andrews and 6th District youth as they compete in this annual track meet. Last years event attracted over 200 youth, ages ranging from 6 to 13 years old. The youth will compete in four divisional meets.

“It is important to engage our youth in events that encourage them to test their strength in a positive way. Sports have always been a constructive outlet for me and I hope to carry on that tradition for our youth”, said Councilman Andrews.

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Each year hundreds of bicycles are stolen in Long Beach. Registering your bicycle with the Long Beach Fire Department can assist the police department in recovering your bicycle and perhaps uncover other stolen bikes as well.

“A lot of our residents are not knowledgeable about the importance of registering their bikes. It really helps us recover stolen bikes all across the City”, said Andrews, who will be giving away two new youth bicycles at the event in a special drawing for those registering bicycles.

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Jasmin was one of only two chosen to advance to the next level earning a trip to Sacramento to compete against other semi-finalists from all over the state.  The winner of the semi-finals will go on to represent the entire state of California in the Pacific Regional competition in July.

Garcia is a stand out senior at Lakewood High School with dreams of one day attending Yale Law School. She is enrolled in numerous advanced placement classes, is a member of the student council, the Merit Scholar Academy (an honors program at Lakewood) and ELLAS (a program designed to empower young Latina women).

All the while, she still finds the time to take a forty-five minute bus ride everyday after school to get to the Boys & Girls Club where she is actively involved.

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Don Rodriguez, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and Mickey Mouse.

EverythingLongBeach.com recently spoke with Don Rodriguez, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, via email. They talked about the inspirations and challenges of running a nonprofit organization in Long Beach.

How long has Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach been around? Did it start in Long Beach?

Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach is beginning it’s 71st year of service to the community.  It was started as the Boys Club in 1939 by Carlton Wallace, Judge Fred Smith, and Maurice Bugbee on Carlton Wallace’s home in the Bixby Knolls area.

Tell us a little about your nonprofit, your mission, the people you serve or your goals.

Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where youth from ages 6 to 18 are encouraged to become responsible adults.  We serve 5,800 youth with after school programs in disadvantaged areas of Long Beach.  Eleven Clubs provide programs in Education and Career Preparation, Arts and Culture, Health and Life Skills, Character and Leadership, and Athletics, Fitness, and Social Recreation.

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The event, which will be held at the John C. Wallace/Petrolane Club, is set to include an awards presentation at 4:30 p.m. followed by a toy give-away to local youth at 5:00 p.m.

Also in attendance will be Percy Daggs, Jr. (actor) and Samie Parker (NFL Wide Receiver) who will be honored with

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“Shop with a Cop was a fun and successful day of shopping while helping children of Long Beach children receive vital supplies to help them have a better future,” says Paige Fingerhut, president, Long Beach Junior Chamber. “Thanks to the support from our philanthropic donors, police officers and volunteers, we were able to truly make a difference for our community.”

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While many Americans recognize the link between spending meaningful time with their kids and the tough issues facing young people, they say they don’t have the time, skills or resources to do as much for their children as they feel they should.

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On Friday, May 1st, over 300 guests were treated to a night of fun and unexpected surprises around every corner. Guests were greeted by a live camel as they arrived. Ravishing Moroccan decor and volunteers dressed in costume welcomed guests at each of the 3 levels of the hotel. The foyer to the ballroom hosted an 8 foot Moroccan skyline ice sculpture martini bar and more animals that set the tone for a night of fun and adventure. The sounds of Citrus College’s Night Shift Band filled the air as guests mingled and bid on an abundant assortment of silent auction items.

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This year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach is proud to be honoring Alice Rouse for her years of dedicated service and support of the organization.

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