ConocoPhillips Scholarship Recipients: Carlos Oyervides and Russell Limas of Edinburg High School.

Edinburg (May 24, 2013) As club members are embarking on their next phase of life, after high school, a number are not considering college. When asked why, the most frequent response is the lack of money.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and ConocoPhillips has for the last 17 years addressed this obstacle for a number of their club members through the ConocoPhillips Scholarship Program.

We are proud to announce the recipient of this year’s ConocoPhillips Scholarship: Carlos Oyervides and  Russell Limas of Edinburg High School.  Both Carlos and  Russell are planning to attend the University of Texas A&M College Station majoring in civil engineering.  Each will be receiving a maximum of $3,000 per semester for a potential of up to $64,000.

The ConocoPhillips scholarship is a partnership between the Boys & Girls Club of America the ConocoPhillips Petroleum Company. In order to eligible for this scholarship the member must have been a senior with a “B” average and be a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV for at least 2 years.

Recipients must pursue a career in a field of study related to the petroleum industry engineering, geosciences, accounting, computer science and certain business degrees. Application process starts the first week of November of every year.

Through the partnership and others like it the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV has given out over $100,000 each year in scholarships for over 15 years.  To date this year $68,000.00 has been given out.

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to join our team of professionals, or about youth programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.  If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV launch its eighth annual Golf Classic Drawing. A limited number of $50 tickets will be sold, offering participants a chance of winning the grand prize a 2013 BMW A 128i Coupe.

This year’s Grand Prize, the 2013 BMW A 128i Coupe provided by Bert Ogden BMW-McAllen is a dynamic car available in a mix of sport and luxury.   Other prizes include a 32 inch LCD HD television, IPad, Flip Video, iPod Touch, Kindle, E readers, and a digital camera.

Golf Classic Drawing tickets will be available through May 11, 2013 – with the Grand Prize Drawing taking place on Saturday, May 11, at the Los Lagos Golf Course. Tickets can be purchased online at www.edinburgkids.com, using your smartphone at m.edinburgkids.com, by mail or in person at 702 Cullen St. (Rogers & 281 Hwy) Edinburg or in person at Guerra’s Tamales & Tacos 923 E. Schunior Edinburg or by calling 956.383.2582.
Proceeds from the Golf Classic Drawing fundraiser will directly benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV, with all funds supporting the organization’s programs, including its 13 sites across the Edinburg & surrounding area and the college scholarship fund.
“We are excited to launch the eighth year of the Golf Classic Drawing,” remarked Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. “Over the last six years, this exciting fundraiser has provided significant support to our organization and the more than 18,000 young people we serve in Edinburg and surrounding communities. We look forward to another year of offering our donors a chance to win some amazing prizes, while helping us provide life-changing resources to the youth we serve.”

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to join our team of professionals, or about our youth development programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.  If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg is a proud partner of the City of Edinburg and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

Club members receive a Proclamation from Mayor Richard Garcia & Edinburg City Council recognizing April 7-13 as Boys & Girls Club Week in Edinburg.

EDINBURG, TX (April 5, 2013) Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV along with thousands of Boys & Girls Clubs across the country and the US military installations around the world will be celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week (April 7-13). For more than 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have celebrated this week in a variety of ways to support the organization’s overarching goal of helping all children achieve a great future.

Daily activities have been planned to celebrate this exciting week and are open to Boys & Girls Club members age 5 – 18. On Friday, April 12, 2013  all club locations in Edinburg, San Carlos, and San Manuel/Linn (Brewster School) will conduct “Open the Door and Take the Tour” Open Houses and special events.  The Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen (Rogers & 281) will host guest speaker Dr. Teo Ozuna, Dean, College of Business Administration UTPA and will have a music performance by The Vangoes an Acoustic Hip Hop & Soul group.  Come learn how Clubs encourage youth to be great – all while having fun. Visitors will have a chance to participate in various activities with young people to promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. These three outcome areas support the organization’s mission of preparing the next generation for success.

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 young people. During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our scheduled activities call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.  If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

Artist Luis Sottil works with Boys & Girls Club members as they paint images of a heart that will be featured in the live auction. The hearts are inspired by the kid’s dreams and hopes for the future.

Edward s Abstract and Title Company presents The Hearts of Hope Art Auction benefiting The Boys and Girls Club RGV and The Luis Sottil Foundation.  The event will be held April 11, 2013, hosted at 3111 W Freddy Gonzalez Drive in Edinburg from 5:30 pm til 800 pm.  This event is open to collectors and art enthusiasts at all levels of interest.  The entrance fee is $120.00.   Attendees will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The evening will feature internationally renowned artist Luis Sottil and 20 of his latest paintings that will be available at a silent auction.  In addition, there will be five Hearts of Hope paintings created by Sottil and members of the Boys and Girls Club.  The hearts represent the hopes and dreams, painted inside of a heart, of what each child wants to be later on in life.  Our young artists will be in attendance to present their hearts during a live auction.

Luis Sottil is the creator of his own painting style he named Naturalismo. His purpose is to give voice to the emotions of nature’s beauty using natural pigments such as minerals, vegetable dyes, cochinilla and mother of pearl, among others, which are extracted from the environments where he studies his subject matters.  Simply stated, Sottil uses nature to paint nature.

Naturalismo is now recognized and studied in art institutes and universities throughout the United States.

Sottil’s captivating works of art are part of over 2000 corporate and private collections worldwide.  Among them are The Tupperware Collection and the late King Fahd collection, two of the world’s corporate and private most comprehensive art collections.

He is represented by 14 galleries internationally including three of his own located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, El Madrigal Resort in Cuernavaca, Mexico and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

Sottil enjoys a special relationship with nature that he likes to share with the world through his art.  He has devoted his professional life to capturing the emotions of his subjects on canvas with the use of the Naturalismo process.  His art is to be felt, not necessarily understood or explained.  More than anything, it enchants.

For more information on the Hopes for Heart Auction contact Sabrina Walker-Walker Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 383-2582 or swalker@edinburgkids.com.

Club parents and members pump it up for a healthy heart with Hidalgo Rocks Zumba!

EDINBURG, TX (February 25, 2013) Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV hosted Family Night in Observance of American Heart Month on Friday, February 22, 2013. Parents were invited to help raise awareness and show our members how to maintain a healthy heart by participating in a pumped up zumba session provided by Hidalgo Rocks Zumba! Parents and members alike had a lot of fun in the zumba session and were also invited to get information about dental hygiene from Agua Dental in observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month. In addition guest speakers from the American Red Cross spoke to parents and club members about Disaster Preparedness. Other activities at Family Night included raffles for gift cards to Subway and pictures with the Hidalgo Rocks Zumba team. “The zumba session was super fun…” said parent Ruth Delgado. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV has recently begun hosting Family Nights to engage Club parents with opportunities and activities to spend time with our Club members. We would like to thank all the parents who came out to support our event and look forward to seeing more parents at our next Family Night which will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 from 6 to 8 pm in observance of National Nutrition Month. If you have any questions or need any additional information about Family Nights please contact Araceli Valencia at 956.383.2582.

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 young people. During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our scheduled activities call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.  If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

Pictured L- R are mentees Jaime Hinojosa, Oscar Bazan, Joe Quintana, Mary Gonzalez, Ivan Cordoza, Ramon Vela Jr., Tomas Saenz and Araceli Valencia with their mentors during the Mentor Mingle.

(Edinburg) (February 6, 2013) January 2012 marked the 12th anniversary of National Mentoring Month.  As a highlight of National Mentoring Month 2013, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV hosted a Mentor Mingle to show appreciation to those adults who have taken the opportunity to mentor a child.

A total of nine mentors and 15 mentees participated in the mingle. At the celebration the mentees presented their mentors with Certificates of appreciation and words of gratitude.  The mentors signed a canvas with inspiring quotes for their mentees which will be posted in the Boys & Girls Club’s lobby. The mentors and mentees enjoyed spending quality time together conversing over cake and punch. At the end of the reunion mentees united their voices and in unison said “thank you mentors”.

Funding for the National Mentoring Month activities where made possible by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Office of Justice Programs.

About Mentoring

Mentors, backed by quality mentoring programs, play a powerful role in preventing substance abuse and youth violence, as well as boosting academic achievement and workforce readiness. Studies have shown a more than 250 percent return on a $1 investment in mentoring and a myriad of quality of life benefits to the mentor, too. Mentors help build young people’s character and confidence, expand their universe and help them navigate pathways to successful adulthood. Despite this proven impact, the gap between the number of mentors and the number of young people who need a mentor is still too large. While three million young people have a mentor, 15 million need a caring adult mentor in their lives.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg & surrounding community, providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to join our team of professionals, or about our youth development programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.  If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg is a proud partner of the City of Edinburg and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV is registering for their Spring Break Camp which begins Monday March 11 through Friday March 15, 2013. The camp held daily from 7:30am – 5:30 pm will be hosted at the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers & Expway 281). The camp cost is free to members and $20.00 for non-members and will include breakfast and lunch.   The $20 spring break camp fee will include access to the afterschool program daily for the remaining school year.

Many members of our FABULOUS summer staff will be there with bells on and campers will engage in arts and crafts, computer lab, games field trips and more while in a safe environment. Let us take some of the hassle out of this spring break. Register today.

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for over 40 years, providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people.  During the School Year the Club is open Monday-Friday, 3:00-8:00pm and during the summer the hours are 7:30am-5:00pm.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building The Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers & Expway 281).  The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation.  If you would like to learn more about joining the Club, or about how to join our team of professionals, or about youth programs call 956-383-2582 or visit our website at www.edinburgkids.com.  If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956-383-2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas agency.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV was awarded $3,500 by Staples Foundation as part of its 2 Million & Change philanthropic initiative. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV will use the funds to support academic programs.

Edinburg, Texas (February 6, 2013) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV has been awarded $3,500 by Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., under a new program that lets Staples associates direct donations.

“We are grateful to The Staples Foundation for the opportunity to create an environment that will encourage and allow our youth to enjoy and develop an affinity for learning at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV,” said Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer.

The grants are part of a new philanthropic initiative created by Staples Foundation which allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations that are focused on education or job skills. The program encourages local community engagement by awarding larger grants to organizations where associates are highly engaged in volunteering or fundraising – up to $25,000 per organization.

In 2012, U.S. associates directed more than $1.4 million of Staples Foundation grants to 434 local non-profit organizations. The new program, called 2 Million & Change, will award additional funds to organizations around the world, reaching more than $2 million in grants for the year.

“Staples Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where our associates live and work,” said Katy Dobbs, director of global community relations for Staples, Inc. “Through our new program, we are pleased to support our associates and the local non-profit organizations that matter to them most.”

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community, providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to join our team of professionals, or about our programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

About Staples Community and Giving

Staples contributes to educational and youth-oriented community efforts, from literacy and mentoring to career skills development, through in-kind and monetary donations and grants from Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. Through its community and giving efforts, Staples and Staples Foundation have helped more than 6,000 organizations in 2,000 communities across 27 countries. Community and Giving is also an integral component of Staples Soul, which recognizes the connection between long-term business success and the impact Staples has on associates, communities and the planet. For more information, visit www.staples.com/community.

Art pieces depicting important moments, heroes, and places in black history

EDINBURG, TX (February 8, 2013) Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV will be hosting a Black History Fine Arts Exhibit at the Dustin Sekula Library the week of February 18 through 22, 2013. Art pieces from all of our Clubs will be exhibited in the Children’s Department at the Library. Club members learned about influential African American’s and pivotal moments in Black history through the ages. They also had discussions to share their experiences and learn from each other about diversity and acceptance. “We learned about how black people were treated in restaurants and buses and in school” said Club member Audrey Jobe. Club members created art pieces for the exhibit that depicted moments, heroes, and important places in black history. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV would to invite everyone to view these masterpieces at the Dustin Sekula Library. If you have any questions or need any additional information please contact Youth Program Supervisor, Araceli Valencia at 956.383.2582.

About Black History Month

Black History Month had its beginnings in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week”. This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Woodson created the holiday with the hope that it eventually be eliminated when black history became fundamental to American history. Negro History Week was met with enthusiastic response; it prompted the creation of black history clubs, an increase in interest among teachers, and interest from progressive whites. Negro History Week grew in popularity throughout the following decades, with mayors across the United States endorsing it as a holiday.

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 young people. During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our scheduled activities call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.  If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

L-R front row are Youth of the Year candidates Janice Montemayor , Kayla Tamez, Claudia Arenas, Celina Solis, Adrianita Salas (2nd runner up) and Elizabeth Tamez. Back row standing L-R Youth of the Year Judges Carlos Guerra of La Muneca Cattle Co.; Dr. Pablo Tagle III of Chiropractic Wellness and Spa Center, Youth of the Year Alex Arredondo, Youth of the Year Judges Millie Smith of First National Bank, Yvonne Huerta of Lone Star National Bank, Sabrina Walker Hernandez-CPO for Boys & Girls Clubs, Beverly Land-CVO for Boys & Girls Clubs, Araceli Valencia - Program Supervisor for Boys & Girls Clubs, Youth of the Year Jorge Ozuna (3rd Runner up) and Youth of the Year Judge Todd Miller.

(Edinburg)(January 23, 2013)-  Alexander Arredondo was selected Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV at the Annual “Steak” In Your Community on January 12, 2013.  Along with the title, Arredondo will also receive a $1,000 scholarship, courtesy of the Tom & Jody Aderhold Endowed Youth of the Year Scholarship Program.

Arredondo is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 61 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

Arredondo has been involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV for the past three years. He is currently a senior in High School and an active volunteer with the Club, serving over 250 hours this year alone.

The top three finalists were third place Jorge Zuniga, second place Adrianita Salas, and the Youth of the Year Alexander Arredondo.  Each will receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00, $500.00 and $250.00 respectively. Other contenders were Celina Solis, Janice Montemayor, Claudia Arenas, Kayla Tamez and Elizabeth Tamez.

“I’m so excited that this year we had 8 outstanding recipients, that each had a very impactful presentation, that showed how much the club helps young people move closer to their future dreams and aspirations.  I commend Alex for so eloquently sharing his journey and I’m excited that he now, with the help of this scholarship will reach his educational destination,” said Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV.

Judges in the Youth of the Year Competition included Todd Miller – First National Bank, Millie Smith- First National Bank, Yvonne Huerta-Lone Star National Bank, Dr. Pablo Tagle – Chiropractic Wellness and Spa Center and Carlos Guerra-La Muneca Cattle Co.

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community, providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to join our team of professionals, or about our programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.