Durham, NC – (May 9, 2024) Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties (BGCDOC) announces the triumph of its annual Great Futures Breakfast and extends a direct plea for ongoing community support.

((Access video and sound bites from the event by clicking this WeTransfer link.))

Held Thursday morning, May 9 at 7:30 am, at the prestigious Durham Club; the Great Futures Breakfast brought together a diverse array of community members, volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors in a unified celebration of BGCDOC’s mission. Attendees reveled in an inspiring morning filled with poignant stories, collective passion, and a steadfast commitment to shaping brighter futures for the children under the organization’s care.

Jerome Levisy, CEO of BGCDOC, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, sponsored, and volunteered, emphasizing their indispensable role in the event’s success.

“The Great Futures Breakfast stands as a poignant testament to the transformative power of community solidarity in uplifting the lives of our youth. We extend profound appreciation to each individual and organization for their invaluable contributions to today’s achievements,” said Levisy.

The event garnered tremendous turnout, with notable presence from local dignitaries including Mayor Leonardo Williams and several state leaders, underscoring the widespread community endorsement of BGCDOC’s vital initiatives.

As the curtain falls on this year’s Great Futures Breakfast, BGCDOC urges community members to continue their engagement beyond the event to help kids like graduating senior Taleah Fields who spoke about her experiences at the club during the event.

“The Boys & Girls Club means a home for me, it means a place where I can decompress and also find my voice, get leadership opportunities, tutoring and fun activities that are offered at the club,” said Taleah Fields, BGCDOC club member.

One parent eagerly celebrated its impact during Thursday’s event.

“My daughters future is bright because of this program here, it’s going to develop lifelong friendships that she’s going to have and also help her excel in school going forward through middle school and high school,” said Brandt Smith, club parent.

Levisy shared, “While the breakfast concludes, our unwavering commitment to our youth endures year-round. We invite one and all to join us in our ongoing endeavors to empower and uplift the children we serve. Whether through mentorship, tutoring, or event assistance, every act of involvement creates ripples of positive change.”

BGCDOC Impact:

• Among its teen-aged Club members, 99% expect to graduate from high school, and 80% expect to complete some kind of post-secondary education.

• Eighty-Seven percent of Club members ages nine and older report getting at least an hour of physical activity on five or more days per week.

• Smart Moves (comprehensive prevention program); Career Launch; Youth of the Year; Keystone.

• Ninety percent of Club teen members volunteer in their community at least once per year, while 50% volunteer in their community at least once per month.

Visit www.bgcdoc.com, X, IG and Facebook to learn more about how you can make a lasting impact today.

For inquires specifically directed to the BGCDOC club, please contact: Jerome Levisy CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties: (919) 687-4517 or  jlevisy@bgcdoc.org