BOYS & GIRLS CLUB KIDS LEARN THE VALUE AND REWARD OF WORKING FOR GOALS

Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley members left to right Jose Ambriz, Humberto Andrade, Salvador Manriquez, and Angel Lizarrage enjoy their new video game.

Santa Paula, CA (November 10, 2009) It took only 8 months for the youth, under the direction and guidance of the Site Director Maricela Juarez, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley's Las Piedras Clubhouse to decide on a project and work toward its completion, and reap the rewards of their planning and hard work. October, 2009, as a part of a recycling program within the Club, the members decided among themselves that they would like the video game Rock Band 2 for use at their Club. From their recycling project they raised $180.00 by recycling aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles. With these earnings they purchased the video game Rock Band 2.
The inspiration behind the recycling program and the goal to buy Rock Band came from a drawing that one of our Club members made. The kids held a drawing contest at our Las Piedras clubhouse titled "Our Fantasy world" and in Salvador Manriquez' (Club member 13 yrs old) fantasy world he lived in a mall where everything was free for him and all his friends and they played Rock Band. When the Club first purchased the game they had about 10 kids playing on it and they even held a battle of the bands. Club member (Sergio Manriquez 9 yrs old) is really good at playing the drums and his ability to play well has inspired him to become a drummer when he grows up.
Relying on their own resources and strengths this group of young people is a shining example of how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley brings value to our community. Everything about this project embodies the values and training of the Boys & Girls Clubs, goal setting, collaboration, goal setting and sharing the rewards when they arrive. A lesson from which we could all learn, helping each other and working together toward a common goal.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley is starting its annual fundraising drive "It Just Takes One" campaign. In the next few weeks board members of the Club will be calling on friends and acquaintances with an invitation to experience the joy of being a part of this inspiring organization. When you get the call for an appointment, please say "yes', you'll be glad you did.
Your tax deductible investment in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley is always rewarding and appreciated and can be made by calling Doug Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer, at 805-525-7910, or by mailing your check to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley, PO Box 152, Santa Paula, CA 93061 or P.O. Box 18, Fillmore, CA 93016. Who knows, the next great band may come from our own backyard, and you'll have helped make it happen!