Santa Monica Boys and Girls Clubs holiday mailer by Santa Monica Daily Press

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE

PAID EDDM Retail

1220 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, Ca., 90401

310-361-8500 www.smbgc.org

*******************ECRWSS****

Local Residential Postal Customer Proudly Sponsored by:

Estates Director Society of Excellence Previews Properties Specialist DRE # 01218699

310.395.1133

Serving L.A. Area Youth Since 1944

he Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica was established in 1944, and our mission is “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring responsible citizens.” Since our founding we have welcomed more than 150,000 members ages 6 to 18 from all across the greater Los Angeles region. We currently provide approximately 7,000 youth per year with a safe place to grow and learn. For our programs and services, we charge a low membership fee of only $20 per year (although actual costs are $1,000 per member), but no child is turned away because of an inability to pay. We currently operate through 7 locations, and will expand to 10 sites in 2013.

Our programs focus on five core areas: Character Development, Education & Career Development, Health and Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. We also offer a full service, case managed College Bound program at no additional cost. Key to the success of these programs is our staff of qualified youth development professionals who also serve as mentors and role models. Aside from our Main Branch in Santa Monica, we have also opened Clubs at two local schools, a

continuation high school, and three low-income housing communities. The goal of our programs at all our branches is to help students achieve their full potential through enrichment and leadership programs, which prepare them for future success. A 2012 Economic Impact Survey conducted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Los Angeles Alliance revealed that only 57% of 12th graders passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), while 93% of 12th graders who attend Boys & Girls Clubs passed the exam. Furthermore, nearly 85% of parents surveyed directly credited their child's increased academic performance with their attendance at the Club. It also bears mention that 100% of our 2012 graduating seniors completed high school on time, and continued on to post secondary education, through the help of our College Bound program.

you, who have given their time and resources to ensure our success. In this season of giving, we hope you can help us achieve great futures now and throughout 2013. For more information on how you can be involved or to schedule a tour, please give us a call at 310-361-8500 or visit us on the web at smbgc.org.

Wishing a happy holiday season from our family to yours, AARON YOUNG, PRESIDENT & CEO,

Here at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica we're committed to making the future of this community great through our work with the wonderful young people we serve. Over the years we've been incredibly appreciative of the support of people here in Santa Monica just like

Proudly Sponsored by Kate Bransfield –

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SANTA MONICA

Meet our Youth of the Year - DAVID RAMIREZ outh of the Year is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition program for Club members, promoting service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The program is most effective when used as a year-round tool for fostering young people’s character, personal growth and leadership qualities.

Local Clubs recognize members ages 14 to 18 as Youth of the Month winners and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competitions. State winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives up to an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States. Our 2012 Youth of the year is an incredible young man, David Ramirez. . David’s parents are a hard-working couple from Mexico whose lives revolve around ensuring a brighter future for their family. Early on in his life, David accepted his

parents’ challenge to dream big and succeed. He has overcome a number of challenges – obesity, low self-esteem, a lack of academic focus and more – in large part because of his self-awareness and burning need to make his family proud. David knew these challenges were unnecessary distractions and worked hard to fix them. Along the way, David’s mother became very ill and his parents were laid off from their jobs. David was not dissuaded and instead became a pillar of strength for his younger sister. By focusing on his intentions and not wavering from his responsibilities as a role model, caretaker, homework-helper, and emotional foundation for his younger sister, David became a source of great strength to his family. Assuming responsibility became a regular part of his life throughout the years and, in return, David’s family helped to strengthen his convictions. Despite all of his responsibilities at home, David was a youth leader at church and in the Keystone and Leaders in Training programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica during

his high school years. He participated in our College Bound program, graduated on time from high school this year, and is now attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, pursuing a degree in business, hoping to open his own Boys & Girls Club one day. Exhibiting a maturity far beyond his age, David sees his life experiences as an opportunity for his sister. “I want to lead her through the trail that no one cleared for me. I want her to have more opportunities than I did. That’s why I encourage her. That’s why I push myself,” he says.

Recently David presented a heartfelt address at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica's 37th Annual Auction & Dinner. i. My name is David Ramirez and you changed my life… and my family’s life forever. My Mom is the third of eight brothers and sisters, in the 5th grade, she dropped out of school to work with her parents and help pay the bills and education costs of her younger siblings. They are now Lawyers and Dentists. My Dad was raised by his grandparents, but his grandparents were old and needed help, so my dad decided to leave the 4th grade and work to afford books and other school supplies for his cousins. Now I’m attending San Luis Obispo getting my degree in business management and giving speeches about the Club on weekends… and finally eating something other than top ramen. If I ever had a chance to

meet the people that helped put on all these amazing programs, I wrote a list of things I wanted to thank you for: Thank you for giving me a home away from home, for all the personal homework help I received; For all the friends I have been able to make; For the trip to South Arica, that was awesome; The trip to New York for hooked on fishing, not drugs program; For helping me take care of my sister; For helping my best friend finish high school, even when he thought he wouldn’t; Thank you for making my dream a reality; And for my parents…I’ll never be able to thank you enough for making their dreams come true too.

We're very proud of David and all that he has accomplished. It's young people like him and the many Club members we serve that ensure a brighter future for us all.

Proudly Sponsored by Kate Bransfield –

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM What is Family Assistance?

What we need:

Founded in the holiday spirit of giving and kindness, Family Assistance is a fund drive that benefits the neediest families in our Club community. Through the program, families are carefully selected to receive special gifts such as new clothing and groceries for preparing holiday dinners. With enough funding, we can also provide support to families with dire needs. In past years we have purchased new appliances to replace old and broken ones or bunk beds for families with too few beds for their children. We have even helped homeless families find better living conditions. Through this campaign, each year we serve approximately 500 families who need our help the most.

Here are some ways you can help support deserving families in our community:

their arms the moment she walked into the doors and

• MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS: HELP US PAY FOR ESSENTIAL ITEMS SUCH AS CLOTHING, HOUSING AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES, FOOD AND OTHER NECESSITIES. CASH GIFTS ALSO COVER THE COSTS OF OUR HOLIDAY DINNERS. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE MATCHED UP TO $10,000.

accepted my daughter as part of their family by showing her love and respect. She is becoming a confident young girl who once was shy and scared. Being recently laid off and a single mom of three, it has been difficult to pay rent and shop for food. During this shopping program, my daughter has learned the true meaning of paying it forward. One

• IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS: EACH YEAR, GENEROUS

day she hopes to be able to give back by helping

INDIVIDUALS AND RETAILERS CONTRIBUTE BIGGER ITEMS

another family in need.”

INCLUDING BEDDING, FURNITURE, AND APPLIANCES.

• RETAIL DISCOUNTS: PARTNERING WITH RETAILERS HELPS US STRETCH CASH CONTRIBUTIONS FURTHER BY

The Family Assistance program also allows us to host annual Thanksgiving and Holiday dinners for our community. Every year, we welcome more than 350 Club members and their families to our Main Branch to celebrate with us and come together in thanks-giving. To show our appreciation, we also give each child gifts and educational items to brighten their holidays. More than a meal, our holiday dinner is an opportunity to share and spread joy to the people who make our Club a family.

“My daughter has grown tremendously inside and out over the last year. The Club and staff have opened

To support our Family Assistance program in any of these ways, contact Janis Morse at janis@smbgc.org or (310) 361-8523.

PROVIDING US WITH DISCOUNTS ON CLOTHING, FOOD AND MORE.

Here's what some of our past recipients have said about the program: “Without the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s help this holiday season, my children and I would have been without a warm meal and clothes. We are very thankful for the staff and friends of the club for making this holiday for my family a little warmer and brighter.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Youth of the Year winner is announced JANUARY 26, 2012 – Check smbgc.org for updates! Great Food for a Great Cause 2013 – Benefits teen service-learning trips in the US and abroad; 3-course prix fixe meals prepared by renowned chef, for a cost of only $40, includes dinner, dessert and wine. Great Food for a Great Cause

Great Food for a Great Cause

DINNER SERIES #1 OF 3

DINNER SERIES #2 OF 3

DINNER SERIES #3 OF 3

Main Branch Playground

FEBRUARY 9, 2013

APRIL 13, 2013

JUNE 8, 2013

Purchase tickets online at smbgc.org

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS: Open 7:00am to 7:00pm 12/17 through 12/21, 12/26 through 12/28, and 1/2 through 1/4. CLOSED: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

Proudly Sponsored by Kate Bransfield –