By supporting the Taco Bell Charity Golf Classic, you are providing safe, fun places for the kids of Northeast Ohio. At the Club, members receive a daily meal, homework help, and access to a variety of world-class programming. Clubs change lives for the better. We’d like to take a moment to introduce you to a few of the young people impacted by your support:
Breanna Breanna used to be shy.
Things started to change when, at age 7, she joined the LeBron James Club in Akron. The transformation did not happen overnight. In those first days, Breanna was still hesitant to talk to other Club kids. Slowly, she says, “I would add more and more people to my bubble. I would have never guessed it, but the people I met at the Club back then are still my friends today.”
Today, Breanna, 17, is a 10-year Club member who has blossomed as a leader. At her Club, she has been involved in SMART Girls -- a small-group health, fitness, education and self-esteem program – as well as Torch Club, a leadership group, and BGCNEO’s junior staff program.
“I always feel at home at the Club,” she says. “There is never a situation where I don’t feel safe or comfortable. No matter what, I will always love the Boys & Girls Club. I became attached to it. I am so happy my grandma signed me up to be a Club kid because it changed my life in so many ways.”
Breanna is now a senior at East Community Learning Center in Akron and is planning to go to college.
Wilfredo Wilfredo, 9, is in his element.
Wilfredo is thriving at the Club, where he has friends and is involved in virtually all the activities. That allows his mother, a dental student at Lorain County Community College, to attend class and study with the knowledge that Wilfredo is going to be in a safe, fun place after school and during the summer.
“I love coming to the Club,” he says. “We get to do so many fun things, like different activities and field trips. And we get to go outside and get fresh air.”
Eddie You might say Eddie was a reluctant Club member.
The 13-year-old Cleveland boy went to the William C. Bryant Club with his sister, Alexis, when she decided to join the summer camp there. Soon Alexis was urging Club Director Shirlann Lawson to convince Eddie to sign up, telling her that being around the kids and staff would be good for him.
What happened over the next five weeks was nothing short of remarkable. The quiet, withdrawn young man opened up. He made new friends. He seemed to gain confidence by the day. “I really, really like it here, and I’m glad I came to the Club,” Eddie says.
Even though he says he’s not particularly athletic, he enjoys playing sports at the Club. In addition, he likes hanging out with friends and taking part in activities. “I have fun here,” he says.
You make stories like these possible. Thank you for supporting the 2023 Taco Bell Charity Golf Classic and investing in Northeast Ohio’s young people.
Sincerely,
The Tournament Committee Tom Cook, Mike Gorlitz, Joe LaRoche, Rick Nader, Allen Smith, Will Starks
Our Mission: To inspire and enable young people who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio: Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio was formed by the 2019 merger of Clubs in Cleveland, Akron, Lorain County and Sandusky. BGCNEO provides safe, fun places for kids ages 6-18 at 48 sites in five counties. Core programs:
Academic success: Our staff aims to improve literacy, enforce homework completion, expand access to technology, engage youths in the arts and prepare teens for college and careers.
Healthy lifestyles: Our programs nurture members’ overall wellbeing by promoting healthy habits and reducing risky ones.
Character and citizenship: Our programs encourage service to the Club and community, promote respect for self and others and build leadership skills.
PRIVATE DONATIONS If you are unable to attend the event, please consider making a private donation.