NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has always proclaimed that the children who participate in its programs are winners. On Sunday, March 3, 2013 the world was witness to just one of the organization’s success stories.
Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice was just 8-years-old when he played on youth tackle football leagues. He faced numerous challenges that could have easily derailed his dreams, but the support and nurturing he received from the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle was a key element of his ultimate success both on and off the football field.
“Ray is proof positive that the right attitude and support system can motivate a child to dream big and achieve high goals, says Quay Watkins, Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. Given his humble beginnings in public housing and the numerous temptations that youth fall prey to, the odds of Ray’s success were not favorable. But we at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle are committed to helping children beat the odds with mentoring, positive reinforcement and offering a safe place after school for any child that needs one. Ray is truly an inspiration to all of our children, employees and benefactors. Like all the children who enter our doors, Ray was mentored by the staff and given the encouragement to strive for excellence. As a result of the support he received here, Ray like so many of our distinguished alumni, took those initial steps towards his personal success story.”
In recognition of Rice’s reaching his dream to play in the Super Bowl, The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle partnered with Michael Highland, a childhood associate of Rice, to host a Kids Super Bowl Celebration at the Remington Clubhouse. “Ray spent so much time at Remington that it just made sense to hold a celebration here”, said Highland. This free event was open to all youth between the ages of 6 and 18. During the party, children played games, enjoyed donated food from local merchants and shared their own hopes for the future. One child expressed her desire to become a teacher. Another has plans to be a doctor. And yet another child proclaimed that he will someday be an attorney. “The sole purpose of our organization is to helps kids realize their full potential, said Mark McCabe, Board President for the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. My children were involved with the Club during their youth and I’m so honored to be able to contribute my time helping other kids set the course for their success!”
Whether it’s a partnership with the Junior League of Westchester to help SMART GIRLS make smart decisions, or the upcoming renovation of the Remington Clubhouse that will include a new Kids Café, where each child will enjoy a hot meal after school, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is committed to serving youth. The organization has been providing a safe, structured and positive environment for children, ages 6 to 18, since 1929. They provide not just a safe haven for children but are also charged with helping youth to develop the attitudes, skills, values and behaviors that enable them to succeed in life. With four locations throughout the city of New Rochelle, they impact almost 2,000 youth every year by offering a wide array of programs and services after school, during school holidays, and the entire summer.
To learn more about the mission and message of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle visit www.BGCNR.org or call 914-235-3736.