Thirty young men new to the Atlanta Falcons organization loaded up in buses and made the short trek from the practice facility in Flowery Branch to Gainesville Friday for a visit to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier.
There, they were greeted by thirty excited Club members waiting to face them in a game of dodgeball.
After players such as first-round NFL draft picks Chris Lindstrom, and Kaleb McGary, and later draft picks like Kendall Sheffield, John Cominsky, Qadree Ollison, Jordan Miller, and Marcus Green made their introductions, players and Club members worked together on two dodge ball teams.
Afterward, players and Club members were treated to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream by the Atlanta Falcons Community Relations team. During that time, club members and players had a chance to talk about things like favorite school subjects and sports. BGCL Chief Development Officer says, “We are thrilled the Falcons approached us with this opportunity. Club members had a blast getting to know these young guys and you could tell the players enjoyed interacting with the kids as well.”
The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation continues to support BGCL’s Falcons Fitness Zone program, which provides school day and after-school physical activity to over 3,000 local youth. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation recently granted the organization $100,000 a year for the next four years to keep kids moving.
BGCL CEO Steven Mickens says, “Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier is incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Atlanta Falcons. Because of our partnership, kids in our community are learning to live healthy lifestyles.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier is a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. It is the place where great futures start every day. To ensure that youth leave the Clubs as well rounded individuals with a plan for the future, Clubs are focusing efforts on three key outcome areas: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.
The Clubs serve over 1,000 members, ages 6 to 18 every day. The Clubs membership is 52% male and 48% female, 39% African-American, 44% Hispanic, 10% Caucasian and 7% Multi-Racial. Over 200 full- and part-time staff, plus a volunteer force of over 350 community leaders and private citizens supports the work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier. The fee for membership is $40 per year.
For more information on the Club, please call Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier at 770-532-8102.
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