Friday, April 14, 2006

Pro Bono Work - Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany "It Just Takes ONE" Campaign in Full Swing

Gramercy Communications is dedicated to giving back to the community, and that giving comes in various forms, including dedicating our public relations and marketing expertise. We have an interest in organizations that assist disadvantaged youth.

Below is an article that we helpded to secure for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany:

City's youth get a helping hand
Boys & Girls Club of Albany starts campaign to raise funds for program
By REBECCA WEIN, Special to the Times Union
First published: Wednesday, April 12, 2006

ALBANY -- Marc Frye used to play basketball at the Boys & Girls Club in Washington, D.C., and got his first job through the organization as a referee. Frye, now 27, is a successful business manager in the nation's capital.

Pat Fahy, a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Albany, used to tutor Frye in Washington and saw how the club helped him grow. The two have kept in touch over the years. Fahy, who is also a past president of the Albany Board of Education, said her experience with the Boys & Girls Club showed her the value of an organization that "reached kids by providing necessary attachments and a safe haven."

Serving close to 2,000 young people each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Albany celebrates its 115th year in 2006 and the 50th anniversary at its Delaware Avenue location. In conjunction with National Boys & Girls Club Week, the local organization is launching the national "It Just Takes One" campaign locally.
"You approach people one by one and you change lives one by one because it takes one person to make a difference," said Fahy, explaining the concept.

She said disasters like Hurricane Katrina have taken some of the focus off local nonprofits' efforts, and she hopes this campaign will restore interest in supporting the club's causes.

Penny Holmes, executive director of the Albany club, acknowledged that budget cuts have taken a toll, but she hopes the "One" campaign will restore funds and start an endowment.

In addition to its Delaware Avenue headquarters, the Boys & Girls Club operates out of three public housing sites: Ezra Prentice on South Pearl Street; Creighton Storey on Third Avenue; and Ida Yarborough on North Pearl Street. Pre-kindergarten classrooms, after-school activities, homework assistance, tutoring and classes in gang prevention and the Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood programs are offered at all sites.

The club also sponsors a dinner program, serving more than 1,000 meals per week.
"There are waiting lists for almost all of our programs," Holmes said. The money raised through the "One" fund drive will go to the general fund and pay for more boys and girls to participate for free at Camp Thacher this summer. Close to 500 children attended last year.

This is the second year the club has used the "One" campaign. In 2005, it raised $32,011. The 2006 goal is $50,000. "We are focusing on reaching individual donors because in the past we have been almost entirely dependent on grants," Holmes said. "We are a vital component to the community," she said. "We have been here since 1891 and hope to continue to be a source for local youth. But we need help."

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