One hundred years flies when you're having fun. That's how long young people have benefited from the services of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas.
The agency celebrated its centennial anniversary Tuesday with a reception on the second floor of Cache Restaurant in Little Rock's River Market District. Supporters, community leaders and alumni gathered for heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine, a silent auction and music by Kevin Blake Goodwin, Tyler Sellers and John Neal Rock and Roll. Brief remarks were made by Tom Kane, board president.
Tables bore donor cards and fact sheets with statistics bearing testament to the club's impact and success ... 8,917 young people being served, 80 percent of them 12 or younger. Ninety-six percent of teen club members expecting to graduate from high school (according to other club data, 90 percent of club members do so). Sixty-three percent of club members 9 or older getting at least an hour of exercise, five or more days per week.
The Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas provides a safe after-school environment -- complete with recreational activities, healthful meals and snacks, adult mentors and development programs -- to ensure positive futures for children and youths. The club has six locations: Wetherington and Hamilton in North Little Rock and Billy Mitchell, Penick, Thrasher and Whetstone in Little Rock.
Notable alumni include Jerry Jones, Darren McFadden and Bobby Portis. The evening's proceeds were more than $50,000, according to Sarah Riffle, director of development.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 07/17/2016