Edinburg Kids

Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV Wins National Marketing Award

sabrina — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:26:00 +0000

Receiving the prestigious Marketing and Communications Award for Special Event and Initiatives at BGCA’s 106th National Conference in San Diego, Ca are Cindy Garza, Community Relations Supervisor and Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV.

(Edinburg) (May 14, 2012) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV have won Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) prestigious Marketing and Communications Award for Special Event and Initiatives marketing. The honor, presented to Clubs that exemplify excellence in marketing strategy and practice was presented at BGCA’s 106th National Conference in San Diego, Ca. Outside professional with leadership positions in the fields of marketing, advertising, public relations, technology, publications, and promotions served as judges for the competition.

“We are delighted to receive this honor, especially when considering we were competing with some 4,000 Clubs throughout the country,” said Beverly Land, Chief Volunteer Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. “Our board realizes the importance of getting the Club’s identity and mission known and understood, because we depend on the support of the community to fulfill our commitment of service to the children of Edinburg.”

This marks the organization’s sixth (6^th) Marketing and Communications Award from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for over 41 years, providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 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-5:30pm. 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.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV or to make a contribution, call 956.383-2582, ask for Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer or Fawn Foudray-Golich, Director of Resource Development & Marketing. You can also visit our website at www.edinburgkids.com. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas agency.

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV Celebrates Academic Success

sabrina — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:02:46 +0000

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV Celebrates Academic Success and recognizes club members from the Legacy Center and Brewster Longhorn Unit who were on the A-B honor roll for the previous six weeks.

(Edinburg, Texas April 30, 2012) The Boys & Girls Clubs Edinburg RGV held an academic success celebration in recognition of club members who achieved school A-B honor roll for the previous six weeks of school. This celebration is designed to recognize students for their exemplary academic efforts and to highlight the organization’s goal of on time grade progression.

“This is a great way to celebrate the importance of doing well in school,” said Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer. “We let our kids know that success in school will lead to future success in life”

Hochheim Praier Insurance Supports Character & Leadership Development

sabrina — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:40:29 +0000

Youth of the Year finalist from Edinburg Loren Haskin, Janice Montemeyor and Edwin Padilla pictured with State Representative Mark Strama at the Texas State Youth of Year Competition in Austin.

EDINBURG (April 26, 2012) The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV is happy to announce that thanks to a grant from Hochheim Praier Insurance on Monday, April 16-17, 2012, three members from our TeenSupreme Program were able to attend the 2012 Boys & Girls Clubs of America Texas Alliance and Youth the Year Competition in Austin, Texas.

The three teens attending were State Competitor Youth of Year Edwin Padilla, Janice Montemayor and Loren Haskin, who were named Youth of the Year for their local Edinburg Units, Sam Risica and The Legacy Center, respectively.

During their visit the club members participated in a walking tour of the University of Texas Austin, toured the capital and attended the Youth of the Year Luncheon where Edwin Padilla was presented with a Resolution from Senator Chuy Hinojosa’s Office.

“This is a wonderful learning experience for our teens”, says Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer, of the Edinburg Clubs, “It opens their mind to attending a college away from home and helps them understand how their state government works.

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program which promotes and celebrates Club members’ service to Club, community and family; academic performance; spiritual values; life goals and poise and public speaking ability. The Youth of the Year program is most effective when used as a year-round tool for fostering young people’s personal growth and leadership qualities.

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF EDINBURG RGV TO PARTICIPATE IN IMAGEMAKERS NATIONAL PHOTOGERAPHY PROGRAM Annual Search for Top Photographers

sabrina — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:28:05 +0000

Eliza Montemayor’s photo in the Digital Category, Mid Night Stroll, will advance to Regional competition being held in San Antonio Texas.

(EDINBURG, TX) April 19, 2012 –Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV is one of more than 4,000 Clubs across the country joining in a search to identify talented young photographers. The competition is part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) ImageMakers National Photography program.

BGCA’s ImageMakers National Photography program is a comprehensive initiative promoting young people’s creativity and encouraging artistic skills and cultural enrichment.

As a participant in the ImageMakers National Photography program, the Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg RGV may submit members’ photograph’s in four age divisions and five categories, including color, black and white, digital, alternative process and photo essay. Selected photographs will be screened at the regional level and a limited number will be sent to BGCA’s Atlanta headquarters for judging at the national level. Twenty national winners will be named and their images displayed at special events throughout the year.

Winning photographers will also receive a certificate and letter of congratulations from BGCA President Jim Clark.

This year there was 55 Club members entering into the competition, with over 80 photographs submitted. The 2012 Image Makers Exhibit was held at The Legacy Center on March 27-March 30. Community leaders from UTPA and First National Bank were among some of the judges this year. 12 photographs were chosen and will be submitted to the regional competition being held in San Antonio, Texas. Club members photographs that will advance are: Amy Casillas, Pathway in the Fall; Aby Casillas, Long Way Down; Carmen Gomez, Swish; Danny Lopez, My future as a pilot; Irene Martinez, Brother; Dazzare Lopez, My futre in agriculture; Sharon Luna, Phone Lines; Eliza Montemayor, Mid Night Stroll; Alexander Arredondo, Sunless Flowers; Daniela Lopez, Insect View; Alex Castillo, Drops; Avery Chavez, Electric. Congratulations and good luck to all photographs advancing to regional competition.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for over 41 years, providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 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-5:30pm. The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building The Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers & Expwy 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.

Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department, Lions Club & Kiwanis Club Serve Club members At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV

sabrina — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:25:11 +0000

Community Leaders volunteer during Boys & Girls Clubs Week.

EDINBURG (April 20, 2012) In celebration of Boys & Girls Clubs Week members of the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Lions & Kiwanis Clubs of Edinburg volunteered as food servers during the Kids Café Program.

Boys & Girls Clubs Week celebrates what the Club’s offer and the positive influence caring adults has on the lives of youth every day.

“We wanted to provide a positive environment where the kids, firemen and civic leaders could interact. The kids were really impressed that they all took the time from their schedules to serve them,” said Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV

The ‘servers’ not only assisted in food preparation but they also served over 230

meals and drinks to the Club kids. In the course of their interaction with the kids, the community leaders asked the kids questions and the kids learned about their organizations.

Ramon Vela, a member of Edinburg Kiwanis Club, reveals his fondness for the club kids when he says “This has been an awarding experience for me and I truly enjoyed serving the kids.”

Great Futures Start Here: Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV Now registering Summer Camp at the Legacy Center.

sabrina — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:28:06 +0000

Come join us for our FABULOUS Sunshine Summer Camp. It’s like a party everyday with arts and crafts, computer lab, games, field trips and other fun activities and programs while in a safe environment. Parents, let us take some of the hassle out of this summer. Register today!

(Edinburg, April 10, 2012) The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is accepting registration for the Summer 2012 program which will begin Monday, June 4, 2012 and end August 10, 2012. Register your children Monday -Friday from 8:30 AM – 6 PM at the Legacy Center, located on 702 Cullen Street (Rogers & 281). The Summer Sunshine Youth Camp for youth ages 6-12 starts at 7:30 am and ends at 5:30 pm and includes breakfast and lunch. The Teen Supreme Camp for those selected as Jr. Staff members will also be available from 7:30am-5:30pm. Slots are limited. The registration cost is $100 per participant. Camp Kits are $15 each and includes t-shirt, concession card and lanyard. There are 75 registration fee scholarships available for qualifying families on a first come first serve basis.

This summer those in the Sunshine and Teen Supreme Camps will experience many fun and interesting activities planned such as, field trips, arts & crafts, cultural arts, reading program, computer lab, games room activities and indoor recreation, as well as outdoor recreation. In addition, Club members will explore far-away destinations, discover new adventures, examine the world around us, and learn new sports and leisure skills, participate in Music/Dance/Art and Drama, and gain new knowledge in technology as they participate in activities centered around a given “Theme of the Week.” This year we are introducing a new module in the rotation that will surely delight parents. Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV daily will provide summer learning enrichment experiences that will continue the educational success of your passing or gifted student and at the same time provide supporting and enhancing activities for the challenged student by featuring ‘The Summer Academy.” The Summer Academy will conduct National BGCA Programs that provide members with learning opportunities while having fun. Sessions with topics such as, diversity, prevention and educational assistance will definitely impact your child’s summer experience and more importantly help in retaining their educational skills learned during the school year. In addition, we will conduct the BGCA Junior Staff Program designed for youth 13-19. This program gives teens vital hands-on work experience that will prepare them for future employment through service-learning opportunities.

We invite all children from Edinburg and the surrounding areas to come and spend the summer with us. If you are interested in having your child participate in a fun and comprehensive summer program, you are encouraged to give the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV a call at 383-CLUB (2582) or visit us at the Legacy Center 702 Cullen Street(Rogers & 281) or www.edinburgkids.com.

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

Mentors credit Edinburg teen’s ‘resilient’ nature for his success

sabrina — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:58:47 +0000

This story was published in the front page of The Monitor earlier this month.

EDINBURG — Edwin Padilla could have gone a lot of different ways.

There was never any guarantee the 18-year-old would stand at the front of a room and tell his inspiring life story: how he grew up fatherless, lacked basic necessities like food or clothing, and was sheltered by a mother struggling with her own problems. Just a few years ago, Edwin was on the brink of turning down a path he didn’t want: drugs, alcohol and other sometimes irreversible missteps.

A chance encounter changed Padilla’s course. When a juvenile judge ordered his close friend to volunteer at the Edinburg Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg, Padilla tagged along to help as a class instructor.

“I gave it a try, volunteered, and everyone made me feel like I belonged,” Padilla recalled in an interview this month at the club he credits with helping him find the right direction. “It was a sense of security.”

Padilla, a senior at Economedes High School, will tell his story again next month in a competition to determine who represents Texas in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s Youth of the Year competition. Established in 1947, the award recognizes service to the club, strong moral character, life goals and public speaking ability.

Padilla, who already was recognized as the Youth of the Year for South Texas, will be eligible for up to $50,000 in scholarships if he makes it to the competition’s next level. While the speech Padilla will deliver at the competition is about where he’s going — a first-generation college student with dreams of becoming a pediatrician — it’s also about how he managed to stand in front of the audience despite the odds.

Or, as he said in the speech he delivered locally, how the club “helped me overcome my struggles of being nobody to becoming somebody.”

“For him to be able to stand up there in front of strangers and do that, it says a lot to his character,” said Yvette Gonzalez, who has mentored Padilla through the Upward Bound program that prepares low-income students for college. “He’s resilient.”

Padilla’s mother, Maria Del Consuelo Olivarez, doesn’t mince words.

“Our life wasn’t easy,” she says now.

Olivarez left her son’s abusive father when Padilla was just a baby. With no steady source of income, Olivarez and her four children stayed where they could. When they did settle in places, it was always in the worst neighborhoods, where her children hung out with the wrong crowd.

Padilla’s oldest brother and sister are in jail on burglary charges. And Padilla himself was headed down that path, getting into drugs and alcohol at an early age.

But in spite of her family’s daily challenges, Olivarez always noticed her youngest son’s initiative. He kept his room clean and his clothes folded. He mows the lawn and completes other chores with no complaint. And when he received a $1,000 check for winning the local club’s competition, he asked to open an investment account.

“I really believe he’s going to go a long way despite the lifestyle we had,” she said. “I haven’t seen that in other kids. It’s kind of rare.”

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, the chief professional officer of the Edinburg Boys & Girls Club, said Padilla is a role model whom other wayward youth can emulate. When he arrived at the club, she said, Padilla was shy and reserved. He acknowledges he lacked self-esteem.

But he was soon teaching large dance classes at the club, and he’s become more outspoken and well-rounded. He’s delivered his competition speech and accompanying song in front of local judges, Edinburg council members and Hidalgo County commissioners.

“It shows regardless of when you get there, you can get there, and you can build upon that,” Walker-Hernandez said. “It didn’t click how important education and putting his time into school was until maybe his sophomore year, but he got there.”

Where he goes next is up to him.

Through the support of Upward Bound, he’s on track to graduate high school a semester early in December (he’s taking extra classes through May so he can stay in the Upward Bound program). He’s on track for college — he’s applying for a full-tuition scholarship to Milwaukee-based Marquette University through the Boys & Girls Club — with plans to major in biological sciences for medical school.

Padilla credits a variety of sources for making it to this point: Upward Bound, his church, the Boys & Girls Club. The people who he knows, however, say he deserves the credit.

“I was self-motivated,” he said of preparing for the competition. “I said, ‘I can do this, I’m 18 and this is what I’m supposed to do. This is my time.’”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV host Southwest Regional Fine Art Exhibit

sabrina — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:51:14 +0000

Club members Hector Rios (10) and Megan Mora (11) point out one of their favorite artworks. Both Hector and and Megan says the exhibit has inspired them to work on their creative sides and submit pieces for next’s years competition.

Club visitors look at the more than 400 pieces of artwork displayed for the Southwest Regional Competition.

(Edinburg) (March 12, 2012) — The artistic efforts of hundreds of young, Southwestern artists were on display in Edinburg this week as a part at the Southwest Regional Fine Art Exhibit hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV.

During the week, the Legacy Center at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV was full of art fans during the club’s Southwest Regional Fine Art Exhibit. “It’s really a great way for kids to grow and experience something new, that maybe they don’t have at home, or in school,” said Cindy Garza, Community Relation Supervisor for the Club in Edinburg.

The exhibit featured hundreds of pieces created by club members, ages six through 18, representing 40 clubs in 12 states. “It feels good because you get to see other people’s artwork that they work hard on,” student-artist Megan Mora said.

Among those viewing the art work was Edinburg Library Director and El Jardin Del Arte organizer Letty Leija. “It’s amazing what the kids are doing, and how the Boys & Girls Club is encouraging the kids to bring this creativity out and express it,” Leija said.

More than three dozen of the pieces will advance to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Fine Arts Exhibit, with some on display during the Boys and Girls Club of America’s National Conference in San Diego, California.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for over 41 years, providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 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.

Spring Break Camp, Register Now!

sabrina — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:33:34 +0000

Come join in the Spring Camp fun at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV.

Spring Break is almost here. School is out, the kids are wild, and you have to work! What’s a busy mom or dad to do? Send your kids to camp!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV is registering for their Spring Break Camp which begins Monday March 12 through Friday March 16, 2012. The camp held daily from 7:30am – 5:30 pm will be hosted at the Legacy Center located at 702 Culllen Street (Rogers & Expway 281). The camp cost is $20.00 and will include breakfast and lunch.

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.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for over 41 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.

Boys & Girls Clubs Of Edinburg RGV Launches 2012 Golf Classic Drawing A limited number of $50 tickets will be sold, offering participants a chance of winning the grand prize of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250

sabrina — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:43:21 +0000

Pictured is Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV and Janet Cavazos, Customer Care Center Manager of Mercedes-Benz of San Juan with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. Earn you chance of winning this grand prize with a $50 donation.

(Edinburg) (February 27, 2012) Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV launch its seventh annual Golf Classic Drawing. A limited number of $50 tickets will be sold, offering participants a chance of winning the grand prize a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250.

This year’s Grand Prize, the Mercedes-Benz C250 provided Mercedes-Benz of San Juan has a sports body styling, alumni trim, power tilt/slide sun roof among many other features.

Other prices include a 32 inch LCD HD television, Netbook, Wii, Xbox 369, iPod Touch, Kindle, Nintendo DS lite, navigation system and a digital camera.

Golf Classic Drawing tickets will be available through May 12, 2012 – with the Grand Prize Drawing taking place on Saturday, May 12, 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 seventh 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 16,000 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.”

The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for 41 years, 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.