Corporate Social Responsibility Press Release
provided by 
11.17.2008 - 10:00am ET
News from:
The Readers Digest Association, Inc./Reader’s Digest Foundation
The Reader's Digest Foundation Donates $100,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of America
(CSRwire) PLEASANTVILLE, NY. - November 17, 2008 - The Reader's Digest
Foundation announced today that it will donate $100,000 to Boys &
Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), based in Atlanta, Ga. The mission of this
national nonprofit organization is to enable all young people, especially
those in greatest need, to reach their full potential as productive,
caring, responsible citizens. The grant from the Foundation will be used
specifically for BGCA's drug and gang prevention programs.
This grant was inspired by the efforts of Delaware State Police detective
Robert Moody. During his 26 years of police work, much of it in anti-drug
and anti-gang programs, Robert saw the negative influences that were
present in the lives of many young people. He decided to share something
positive – his passion for fishing – in an attempt to counter the
negatives. Since 1991, Robert has invited small groups of kids to spend
summer mornings fishing with him on his days off. In 2002, Robert
formalized the trips by creating Reel Expectations, a foundation that
introduces kids ages 8 to 14 to the basics of fishing in five-day summer
camps. The children are recruited through local Boys & Girls Clubs and the
YMCA/YWCA.
"The Reader's Digest Foundation has a long history with Boys & Girls Clubs
of America, and we are thrilled to extend that support through this grant,"
said Susan Fraysse Russ, Executive Director, The Reader's Digest
Foundation. "By providing young people with encouragement, guidance and a
safe, positive place to go, BGCA is changing the world one child at a
time. We are proud to help them improve the lives of children across the
country."
"We know kids are safe when they are in our Clubs. A big concern is what
happens to them on their way to and from our facility," said Joe Mollner,
senior director, Delinquency Prevention, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
"This grant will give our drug and gang prevention programs the resources
necessary to help Club members avoid gangs and resolve disputes with words
instead of guns. Hopefully, they will become the examples, leading their
peers to do the same."
Reader's Digest magazine is featuring the story of Robert Moody in its
"Make it Matter" column in the December issue, which hits newsstands on
November 18. Previous "Make it Matter" stories, including many that never
appeared in the magazine, can be seen at http://www.readersdigest.com.
About The Reader's Digest Foundation:
The Reader's Digest Foundation, started in 1938, is dedicated to creating
opportunities and promoting efforts that encourage individuals to make a
positive difference in their communities, and to supporting programs
designed to help young people learn, grow and enrich their lives. RDF
makes grants to nonprofit organizations to support the good works of
individuals in their communities and to nonprofit partners focused on
youth development and education. The Foundation also partners with
nonprofits to create workplace opportunities for Reader's Digest
Association employees to volunteer their time and share their expertise.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of America:
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has been changing and saving
young lives, providing hope and opportunity for kids who need them most.
Today, some 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.8 million young people through Club
membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids,
Boys & Girls Clubs can be found all across the country and on U.S.
military bases throughout the world. Clubs provide young people 6-18
years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted
by trained, professional staff. In communities large and small, Clubs
positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential
as productive, caring citizens. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize
leadership development; education and career exploration; community
service; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports,
fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of
Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their life. National
headquarters are located in Atlanta.
For more information please contact:
Jennifer Pauly, Associate Director of PR
Reader's Digest
914-244-5862
K. Renee Overs
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
404-487-5894
News Categories:
Volunteerism and Philanthropy/Corporate Contributions
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