Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Pressroom
![Image (4)](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Image-4-scaled.jpeg)
BGCC, NAMI bringing counseling, resources to Chicago's youth
By: CBS 2 – Chicago
Date: May 31, 2024
BGCC President and CEO Michael Crowley and NAMI CEO Alexa James discuss mental health programs.
![Image](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Image-scaled.jpeg)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago announce
Youth of the Year
By: FOX-32
Date: March 11, 2024
2024 Youth of the Year Ebonnye and BGCC Chief Program Officer Marco DeLaRosa speak with FOX-32.
![IMG_3322](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3322.png)
Chicago Teen Wins Prestigious BGCC Youth
of the Year Award
By: WGN-TV
Date: March 8, 2024
Spotlight Chicago interviews our 2024 Youth of the Year Ebonnye and President and CEO Michael Crowley.
![BGCC Logo](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BGCC-Logo.png)
BGCC Members Participate in CFD 'Firefighter for a Day' event
By: FOX-32 Chicago
Date: February 9, 2024
60 BGCC Club members participated Chicago Fire Department's career event, "Firefighter for a Day."
![DSC_0225](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_0225-scaled.jpg)
Chicago White Sox visit BGCC Club before Spring Training starts
By: MLB.com
Date: January 30, 2024
In preparation of the 2024 baseball season, White Sox players and manager Pedro Grifol visit Club members.
![DSC_0178](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_0178-scaled.jpg)
White Sox 'give back to the kids' at Boys & Girls Club in Bridgeport
By: Chicago Sun-Times
Date: January 25, 2024
White Sox players participated in Club activities hosted by members to show them what it's like to be a Club kid.
![Jordan exterior](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jordan-exterior.png)
Chicago Bulls Donate the James R. Jordan Club building to BGCC
By: NBA.com
Date: October 12, 2023
Partners Chicago Bulls announce the donation of the James R. Jordan Club building to BGCC.
![IMG_0489](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0489-scaled.jpeg)
BGCC Dancers Featured on WGN's Spotlight Chicago, Dance In-Studio
By: WGN-TV
Date: September 25, 2023
Four of BGCC's dancers join partner Creative Netwerk for a feature on the dance program at our Clubs.
![BGCC-Logo-617x337](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/BGCC-Logo-617x337-2.png)
WGN's Spotlight Chicago Highlights BGCC's Journey Out West Trip
By: WGN-TV
Date: September 20, 2023
Staff member and Club alum visit WGN's Spotlight Chicago in-studio to discuss the Journey out West trip.
![default](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hero_DJI_0544_sized.jpg)
BEAR Construction Completes New Boys & Girls Club Location
By: ConnectCRE
Date: August 21, 2023
The construction company who built the new Rusu-McCartin Club, reports on their efforts for the project.
![EMC29041](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EMC29041-scaled.jpg)
New Youth Campus Opens on West Side, co-hosting police, fire training center
By: Austin Weekly News
Date: August 21, 2023
Local publication Austin Weekly covers the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with several interviews from attendees.
![default](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/play_DJI_0559_sized-1.jpg)
New Boys & Girls Club Is Good For Neighborhood, Local Leaders Say
By: Block Club Chicago
Date: August 21, 2023
Block Club Chicago reports on the opening of the new Rusu-McCartin Club on the city's West Side.
![EMC28937](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EMC28937-scaled.jpg)
New Boys & Girls Club Location Opens on Chicago's West Side
By: WBBM 780AM
Date: August 18, 2023
WBBM Newsradio covers the new Rusu-McCartin Club ribbon cutting event with interviews of Chicago's youth.
![EMC28422](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EMC28422-scaled.jpg)
BGCC Unveils First Newly-Built Club in a Generation on Chicago's West Side
By: Chicago Defender
Date: August 18, 2023
Chicago Defender gives an overview look at what the new Rusu-McCartin Club will provide Chicago's youth.
![EMC28607](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EMC28607-scaled.jpg)
New Boys & Girls Club opens on the West Side 'by our young people'
By: Chicago Sun-Times
Date: August 18, 2023
Chicago Sun-Times reports on the ribbon cutting event at the newly-built Rusu-McCartin Club.
![default](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gym_DJI_0563_sized.jpg)
New Boys & Girls Club Opens on Chicago's West Side
By: FOX-32 Chicago
Date: August 18, 2023
FOX-32 Chicago reports on the ribbon-cutting ceremony that happened at the new Rusu-McCartin Club.
![EMC28949](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EMC28949-scaled.jpg)
New Boys & Girls Clubs Facility Opens on the West Side
By: CBS 2 - Chicago
Date: August 18, 2023
CBS 2 - Chicago gives a behind-the-scenes look at the new Rusu-McCartin Club and its ribbon cutting ceremony.
![EMC29041](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EMC29041-scaled.jpg)
BGCC Unveils First Newly-Built Club in a Generation on City's West Side
By: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Date: August 18, 2023
BGCC unveils new Rusu-McCartin Club at a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Club is the first of its kind in over 25 years.
![268A3362](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/268A3362-scaled.jpg)
BGCC Announces Michael Crowley as new CEO and President, LeClair retires
By: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Date: June 7, 2023
BGCC announces the appointment of Michael Crowley as its new President and CEO as Mimi LeClair retires.
![DSC_0007](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0007-scaled.jpg)
BGCC Kids Surprised With Gifts, Candy from First Responders
By: FOX-32 Chicago
Date: April 18, 2023
FOX-32 Chicago was there to witness more than 150 gifts being given to True Value Boys & Girls Club kids.
![Logandale swimming at PMC pool](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Logandale-swimming-at-PMC-pool.jpeg)
Chicago Students Get Swimming Lessons and Chance to Learn Skills
By: Chalkbeat Chicago
Date: March 27, 2023
Chalkbeat Chicago visits the Dr. King Club to highlight the aquatics program and partnership with LEARN Charter.
![EMC26242](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/EMC26242-scaled.jpg)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Names 2023
Youth of the Year
By: FOX-32 Chicago
Date: March 3, 2023
FOX-32 Chicago interviews 2023 Youth of the Year Tyson live on-air with Club Director George Colone.
![DSC_0151](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0151-scaled.jpg)
Boys & Girls Dr. King Club Celebrates 70 years in East Garfield Park
By: WGN-9 Chicago
Date: January 27, 2023
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club member Trenton featured on Block Club Chicago's weekly podcast.
![IMG_6143](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_6143-scaled.jpg)
Boys & Girls Clubs hosting King Club Swim Meet, Basketball Camp
By: CBS 2 - Chicago
Date: January 20, 2023
Featured segment on the Dr. King Club 70th anniversary event featuring a swim meet and basketball tournament.
![DSC_0055](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0055-scaled.jpg)
Thanksgiving festivities in full swing in Chicago, people giving back
By: CBS 2 - Chicago
Date: November 23, 2022
CBS-2 Chicago features Boys & Girls Clubs in their roundup of Thanksgiving activities around the city.
![DSC_0021](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0021-scaled.jpg)
Valentine Club hands out 500 Thanksgiving meals to families
By: Chicago Sun-Times
Date: November 23, 2022
Story featuring the annual Valentine Boys & Girls Clubs Thanksgiving food and meal drive to the community.
![IMG_6739](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_6739-scaled.jpeg)
BGCC Keystone Club Celebrates Winning National Award
By: WGN-9 Chicago
Date: August 5, 2022
Four Club members are interviewed live on WGN-TV to discuss their National Keystone Award win.
![DSC_0327](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_0327-scaled.jpg)
Chicago teens do have places to go this summer
By: Mary Ellen Caron, Mimi LeClair, Mary Ann Mahon-Huels | Chicago Sun-Times
Date: May 26, 2022
Read the op-ed regarding places our teens can go this summer to stay productive and engaged.
![BGCC Logo](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BGCC-Logo.png)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago receives multi-million dollar donation
By: CBS 2 - Chicago
Date: March 18, 2022
CBS-2 Chicago covers the news of Mackenzie Scott's $8.3M donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.
![DSC_0977](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC_0977.jpg)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago receives $8.3M From Mackenzie Scott
By: Crain's Chicago Business
Date: March 18, 2021
In a multi-million dollar donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCC's Chief of Staff discusses Ms. Scott's gift.
![BGCC Logo](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BGCC-Logo.png)
$8.3M Gift From Mackenzie Scott One of BGCC's Largest Gifts in Organization History
By: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Date: March 17, 2022
Read the press release announcing Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago's donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott.
![IMG_7281](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_7281-e1646777101219.png)
BGCC's Youth of the Year winner Keyontae appears on WGN's Very Own
By: WGN-9 Chicago
Date: March 4, 2022
2022 Youth of the Year Keyontae and Dr. King Club Director Anita Douglas join WGN for an in-studio interview.
![6W0A1263](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6W0A1263-scaled.jpg)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago's 2022 Youth of the Year Announced
By: FOX-32 Chicago
Date: March 4, 2022
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club member Keyontae is joined by Club Director Anita Douglas for a live interview.
![DSC_0136](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/DSC_0136-scaled.jpg)
BGCC, CCROC Team Up For Second Annual Winter Smiles Event
By: WBBM-CBS Chicago
Date: February 10, 2022
The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board voices their support for the newly planned BGCC Club on the West Side.
![Mimi LeClair Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago CEO Mimi LeClair](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Mimi_LeClair.jpg)
Podcast: Featuring Three Boys & Girls Clubs CEOs from Illinois chapters
By: Greater Than Zero Percent Podcast
Date: December 2, 2021
The Chill Foundation skateboard program is featured by WTTW Chicago Tonight reporter Evan Garcia.
![DSC_0825](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/DSC_0825-scaled.jpg)
Bears' Akiem Hicks visits Boys & Girls Clubs for Thanksgiving event
By: FOX-32 Chicago
Date: November 16, 2021
BGCC CEO Mimi LeClair, joined by two surrounding area BGCC CEOs discuss youth development work in Illinois.
![DSC_0682](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0682-scaled.jpg)
Illinois Lottery Teams Up With the Boys & Girls Clubs in Illinois
By: Chicago Crusader
Date: October 22, 2021
The Chicago Defender attends an event between Boys & Girls Clubs and the Illinois Lottery at the Jordan Club.
![CA Technologies - Tech Girls Rock in Chicago](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/180418_458-scaled.jpg)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Works to Close Educational Gap
By: Chicago Defender
Date: August 17, 2021
BGCC Chief Program officer Vicki Lee sits down for a Q&A to discuss the educational goals for this fall.
![DSC_0501](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/DSC_0501-scaled.jpg)
Chill Foundation, BGCC Helps Youth Overcome Obstacles Through Sports
By: CNBC
Date: August 6, 2021
The Dr. King, Jr. Club, and its partner the Chill Foundation, are featured on The News with Shepard Smith.
![NBA block club](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NBA-block-club.png)
BGCC Wins $100K From NBA for New Tech Center, Virtual Visit from Chris Paul
By: Block Club Chicago
Date: July 29, 2021
A feature highlighting a recent donation from the NBA and virtual visit from Chris Paul at the Pedersen-McCormick Club.
![BGCC Logo](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BGCC-Logo.png)
Chicago Tonight Black Voices: Keeping Teens Engaged During Summer
By: WTTW - Chicago Tonight
Date: July 18, 2021
Club Director George Colone joins a panel to discuss how to keep kids safe and engaged during the summer.
![DSC_0894](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSC_0894-scaled.jpg)
Boys & Girls Club on Police Academy Campus Offers a Safe, Welcoming Space
By: Chicago Sun-Times
Date: July 13, 2021
Alderman Emma Mitts, 37th Ward, wrote a letter to the editor supporting the new Boys & Girls Club on the West Side.
![Sun times - editorial](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sun-times-editorial.png)
New Boys & Girls Club Near Police Academy Could Be Powerfully Good for Chicago
By: Chicago Sun-Times
Date: June 15, 2021
The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board voices their support for the newly planned BGCC Club on the West Side.
![DSC_1569](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC_1569-e1617678654917.jpg)
Young Skateboarders Gain Their Footing Through New Chicago Program
By: WTTW - Chicago Tonight
Date: June 3, 2021
The Chill Foundation skateboard program is featured by WTTW Chicago Tonight reporter Evan Garcia.
![Block Club Podcast](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Block-Club-Podcast.png)
‘It’s All Good’ Podcast Episode 4: The Skater and The Artist
By: Block Club Chicago
Date: May 13, 2021
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club member Trenton is featured on Block Club Chicago's weekly podcast.
![Coffee bag story](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coffee-bag-story.png)
West Side Teen Designs Coffee Bags For Uptown Cafe, Proceeds go to BGCC
By: Block Club Chicago
Date: April 22, 2021
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club member Trenton's coffee bags are featured by Block Club Chicago's Joe Ward.
![IMG_3170](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_3170-scaled.jpg)
Local 'Youth of the Year' recipient continues to overcome adversity
By: WGN-TV News
Date: March 26, 2021
WGN-TV features 2021 Youth of the Year winner Sammantha C. on their segment "Chicago's Very Own."
![DSC_0987](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSC_0987-scaled.jpg)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago names 'Youth of the Year' winner
By: FOX-32 Chicago
Date: March 5, 2021
Youth of the Year Sammantha C. is live with FOX-32, along with BGCC's Chief Operating Officer Dr. Vicki Lee.
![Screen Shot 2021-03-05 at 10.50.34 AM](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2021-03-05-at-10.50.34-AM.png)
BGCC 'Youth of the Year' award-winner hopes to inspire, help others
By: ABC-7 Chicago
Date: March 5, 2021
Youth of the Year Sammantha C. is live with ABC-7, along with BGCC's President and CEO Mimi LeClair.
![DSC_0725](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0725-scaled.jpg)
Chicago Bears' Akiem Hicks Gives Kids Shoes at Uptown Boys & Girls Club
By: Block Club Chicago
Date: September 22, 2020
Akiem Hicks visited Pedersen-McCormick Club to help distribute new sneakers to Club members.
![DSC_0724](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/DSC_0724-scaled.jpg)
Akiem Hicks Delivers New Shoes to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
By: WGN-TV News
Date: September 21, 2020
Akiem Hicks visited Pedersen-McCormick Club to help distribute new sneakers to Club members.
![6W0A7908-HiRes](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/6W0A7908-HiRes-scaled.jpg)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Honor 'Youth of the Year'
By: FOX-32 Chicago
Date: March 9, 2020
Youth of the Year Camilla S. is live in-studio with FOX-32, along with BGCC's President and CEO Mimi LeClair.
![89329118_10157512782509079_6777433563882061824_o](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/89329118_10157512782509079_6777433563882061824_o.jpg)
Youth of the Year award: 6 teenagers recognized through Boys & Girls Club
By: ABC-7 Chicago
Date: March 7, 2020
Camilla S., 2020 Youth of the Year winner joins Mark Rivera and ABC-7 for a live interview.
![virgil Abloh - Nikie](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/virgil-Abloh-Nikie.png)
Nike, BGCC and Virgil Abloh Unveil Redesigned Basketball Facilities
By: Nike News
Date: February 13, 2020
Nike highlights their partnership with BGCC and Virgil Abloh with upgraded gym at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Club.
![DSC_0523](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0523-scaled.jpg)
Chicago Bear Akiem Hicks Visits Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
By: Chicago Bear News
Date: November 12, 2019
Chicago Bear defensive tackle Akiem Hicks visited the Valentine Club where he spoke and served food to the kids.
![DSC_0910](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSC_0910-scaled.jpg)
New Tech Center Brings 3D Printers, Drones, Laptops to Garfield Park Kids
By: Block Club Chicago
Date: November 11, 2019
The first Tech Center of Excellence is revealed at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Club and Block Club was there to see it.
![BGCC Logo](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BGCC-Logo.png)
Here Are The Places that Have Stepped In As Chicago Teachers Go On Strike
By: CNN
Date: October 16, 2019
CNN compiles a list of places around Chicago that have stepped in to fill the gap of schools being closed.
![BGCC Logo](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BGCC-Logo.png)
Here's What Will Be Open For Kids During The Chicago Teachers Strike
By: Block Club Chicago
Date: October 16, 2019
Block Club Chicago puts together a list of resources for parents on where they can take their kids during the CTU strike.
![Mimi LeClair Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago CEO Mimi LeClair](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Mimi_LeClair.jpg)
Mimi LeClair Contributed to a Panel on Stemming Summer Violence
By: WTTW - PBS Chicago
Date: May 29, 2019
BGCC President and CEO Mimi LeClair joins a panel hosted by WTTW to discuss violence in Chicago.
![YoY - Better 2019](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/YoY-Better-2019.png)
Better Makes: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Crowns Youth of the Year
By: Better
Date: May 13, 2019
Better Chicago features BGCC's Youth of the Year competition, highlighting Joshua H.'s 2019 honor.
![DSC_0996](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0996-scaled.jpg)
Allen Robinson provides a 'Reading Room' for the Linda and Bill Gantz Club
By: ABC-7 Chicago
Date: May 6, 2019
Bears Wide Receiver Allen Robinson opens new Reading Room at a BGCC Club, ABC-7 was there to capture it.
![Preview_005](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Preview_005.jpg)
Joshua H. from the Valentine Boys & Girls Club wins Youth of the Year
By: ABC-7 Chicago
Date: March 24, 2019
Joshua H. joins ABC-7 and BGCC's Mimi LeClair in-studio for a live interview to discuss his Youth of the Year title.
![DSC_0427](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_0427-scaled.jpg)
Pedersen-McCormick Club Vs. CPD Community Basketball Game
By: ABC-7 Chicago
Date: March 21, 2019
ABC-7 Chicago takes spotlights a unity game between the Pedersen-McCormick Club and the CPD.
![Nike_BoysGirls_02122020_88](https://bgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Nike_BoysGirls_02122020_88-1-scaled.jpg)