Youth of the Year at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) is a collective effort to support the character and leadership programs at our Clubs. And because of you, 2024 was another successful year!

With support of the Youth of the Year Leadership Fund, BGCC can continue to offer crucial youth development programs such as the Carol A. Walter Junior Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, Torch Club and Youth of the Month.

BGCC is fortunate to have supporters like you, leaders from our Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders who made this event happen – specifically, our event co-chairs, Bill Huffman and Stacy Janiak. Huffman has chaired this event for nine years, so what keeps him returning year after year?

“It means a lot to me because I enjoy the kids, and I want to see all our kids have an opportunity to grow. They all have such bright futures ahead of them,” Huffman said. “The Boys & Girls Clubs gives them that opportunity.”

As members of BGCC’s Board of Directors, Janiak was inspired by Bill’s leadership over the years and jumped at the opportunity to chair the event for the first time.

“Being part of BGCC has been an absolute privilege,” Janiak said. “It is such an honor to be able to help the amazing youth of our city.”

BGCC is so grateful for Huffman's and Janiak's contributions to the event and their commitment to all our youth.

Thank you to everyone who has helped support this event, but more importantly, thank you for providing the best possible experience for our Club members. As BGCC CEO and President Michael Crowley said during his speech at Youth of the Year, “It means something to these young people when adults step up and show them we have their back.”

Thank you for making this year another incredible Youth of the Year experience.

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