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New study shows the positive effects Boys & Girls Clubs have children. Click below for full report.
Toy Room dedicated
in Memory of Marvic D. Almonte
Marvic D. Almonte
Through the efforts and generosity of our friend Ralph Navarro, we were able to renovate the Toy Room at the Hank Kline Unit and dedicate it in memory of our beloved Marvic Almonte, first Down Syndrome kid in our program.
Eddie Rodriguez, Unit Director of Hank Kline Unit said "this was home for Marvic, he was a kid that you would love having around you, always happy and smiling, kids loved him. Through his cheerfulness and love he made Boys & Girls Clubs his home". Marvic died from heart failure while visiting his grandparents in Colombia on May 18th, 1999.
After meeting with Mr. Navarro about the renovation, he didn't hesitate to say "Count with me". A few days later, a work crew arrived at the Hank Kline Unit to demolish and renovate the whole room. It was finished in one week. We greatly appreciate his good and generous gesture.
Thank you, Ralph!
In the Spotlight...
The Children's Trust Helping Boys & Girls Clubs Thrive
Thanks to $468,775.99 in grant funding from two separate grant cycles from The Children's Trust, all seven of our Boys & Girls Clubs are able to provide much more out-of-school and summer programming to over 1,000 youth this year. The Children's Trust provided $170,149 in funding for our summer programs at Northwest, West Grove and South Beach this year. This greatly helped us with transportation, programming expenses and staff salaries. This program will also provide a crucial reading component so that literacy skills are honed during the school break.
For our traditional out-of-school programs, The Children's Trust funded $263,790.99. This will allow larger enrollment, more educational resources and provision of afternoon snacks for all our members. Our Gwen Cherry Club received $34,836 as a partner with Community in Schools and Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation. These funds will provide an additional staff member and reading resources to the youth participating in our after-school athletic activities. The Children's Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.
August 16, 2004
Dear Mr. Rodriguez-Roig,
I am writing to express to you the fantastic experience my six-year-old daughter, Stephanie Font, had during her time spent in summer camp at the South Beach Boys & Girls Clubs unit. She enjoyed herself greatly and was cared for wonderfully.
As a parent, one worries about the care of one's children in the care of others. Mr. Hipolito Rodriguez, Unit Director and Stephanie's counselor Hilda, quickly eased my concerns. Their genuine and sincere love for children truly made a world of difference.
I hope you are aware of the super individual you have directing the South Beach unit and the equally fantastic support staff. I have enclosed some pictures of Stephanie, Hipolito, and Hilda:
Once again, my dearest thanks to Hipolito, Hilda, Magaly & Chris, for providing a magnificent summer camp and experience for my daughter Stephanie.
Sincerely,
Ms. Marlene D. Font
Facility Coordinator,
Miami Beach Convention Center,
Jackie Gleason Theater
Mr. Raul Marmol was born in Havana , Cuba and moved to Miami at the age of 6 with his family in 1961 after the Castro revolution. Since that time, Raul has made Miami his home and has established himself as a respected and valued member of the community.
Raul has spent his entire career in the distilled spirits industry in Miami , except for one year during which he worked as a buyer at Burdines. He went to work for W.A. Taylor, a subsidiary of Hiram Walker, Inc. in 1978. When W.A. Taylor decided to move its operation to Canada , rather than relocate, Raul joined Bacardi USA, Inc. in 1991. He currently serves as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
Raul married his University of Miami college sweetheart, Ana Andino Marmol whom he met in a management class in 1976. He is an avid University of Miami sports fan and enjoys reading, political history, snow skiing and tennis. It was Raul's love of tennis that brought him to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami some twenty years ago. While playing tennis with his uncle, Marcello Alvarez, he met another Boys & Girls Club board member, Jim Bernhardt. They became fast friends and, within a short time, Mr. Bernhardt convinced Raul to become involved with our organization.
During the past twenty years, Raul has served on the Board, including the executive committee. He and Ana, who also has a full-time career, volunteer their time each year at our annual Christmas Tree lot. In addition, Raul arranges for Bacardi to donate beverages for our fundraising events. Although he travels extensively in his position at Bacardi, Raul always has time for us. Vice President Jim Bernhardt says: "Raul is unique in that he gives so much and expects only a better Boys & GirlsClubs for the children of Miami in return. Raul, thanks for being our friend - see you at the Christmas Tree Lot!"
South Beach Boys & Girls Club celebrated Smile for life Day Wednesday, October 6, 2004, a national celebration of good oral health. This event is a major component of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Cavity-Free Zone program, aimed to improve the oral health of 1.1 million Boys & Girls Club members. On Smile for Life Day 100 Children were pre-tested to see what knowledge they possesed abouth brushing, flossing, etc. Each received a goodie bag with Spin-toothbrush, toothpaste, stickers and educational brochures. A Dentist and Dental Hygienist will visit the South Beach Club to provide a free oral hygiene check. A post-test will be conducted to measure the knowledge gained through this program.
In the Spotlight
The Children's Trust Helping Boys & Girls Clubs Thrive
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