ALUMNI

Bill Cosby… Alex Rodriguez... Brad Pitt… Michael Jordan… President Clinton… Jackie Joyner-Kersee… Martin Sheen… Derek Jeter… Neil Diamond… Denzel Washington.

What do all of these people, and millions more throughout America, have in common? They are all alumni of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Rochester Alumni, Kevin McMahon, received a full football scholarship at the University of Maine where he is a junior majoring in accounting. He became a club member in 1991 at the age of eight.

Kevin states, "The club represented a place to go after school and provided me the opportunity to channel my energy constructively. I became actively involved with Keystone Club, where members develop character and leadership skills, explore careers and educational opportunities, and provide service to the Club and to the community.

The Club was also a venue for me to socialize, play sports, do some coaching, become a mentor to young members and build lifetime friendships. The Club's staff, activities, and environment gave me a great foundation for college."

While many Club alumni have achieved particular distinction in fields such as entertainment, business, politics and sports, the average alumnus is not famous. Most have achieved success by getting an education, raising a family, serving their country, pursuing a career or supporting the community.

Millions have benefited from belonging to a Boys & Girls Club since the first Club opened its doors in 1860. Based on research by Louis Harris & Associates, Club alumni have very strong feelings about their individual Club experiences:

• 80% said Club staff helped them learn right from wrong
• 95% indicated the Club was the best thing available in their community
• 52% said participating in the Club "saved my life"