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Local Boys and Girls Club to celebrate 75th Anniversary with year’s biggest event

When motivational speaker, author, and former Atlanta Falcons’ Coach Mike Smith steps to the microphone at this year’s local Boys and Girls Club’s biggest fundraiser, Steak n’ Burger, he will no doubt be thinking about a little boy named Caleb and the many other children like him that have benefitted from the Boys and Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County.

Caleb’s journey with the club began when he was five years old. He was starting kindergarten and the club was being used as a remote learning site for the children of essential workers during the pandemic.

As a kindergartner, Caleb was behind in his schoolwork. He struggled and felt overwhelmed by homework assignments. His parents requested he participate in “Power Hour” in the Learning Center at the club, so every day after school Caleb met with the Education Coordinator who guided him and helped him with academics. Caleb’s mother praises the extra attention he receives with his homework. “His grades have improved, and this allows him more time for family fun.”

Now, in the second grade, Caleb still goes to “Power Hour” every day after school. Caleb enjoys writing and reading. His favorite children’s book is, The Box Car Kids. He recently read a book on Jackie Robinson, and loves reading about American history.

Kids like Caleb will be celebrated at this year’s annual Steak n’ Burger dinner, with Smith providing the keynote address. The event will be held May 17 at the club’s location at 104 Hudson Drive in Elizabethton and will be hosted by Josh Smith. It is the club’s most important fundraiser to support operations and quality programming. Every club kid who enters the club’s doors benefits from this event. Attendees enjoy a juicy burger alongside club kids who enjoy a delicious steak dinner.

This is an especially important year for the local club which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. The Boys & Girls Club has been a constant in the community serving young people like Caleb, providing a safe, fun place with high-impact youth development programs that promote academic success, good character and leadership, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

The Boys & Girls Club is a non-profit that depends on foundations, corporations, grants, and the generosity of individual donors to continue serving Elizabethton and Carter County.

Please join us for an evening of fun and inspiration and support a club that is always there for the kids who need us most. For tickets: Call 423-543-2946 or www.bgcecc.org

(If you’re a club alumnus and have a photo from your time in the club, please email Charlene at cray@bgcecc.org. We would love to display your photo as part of our 75th Anniversary.)