Boys and Girls Clubs of East Central Alabama to celebrate ‘infinite possibilities’ for community youth

ANNISTON, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The Boys and Girls Clubs of East Central Alabama are getting ready this week for the biggest fundraiser of the year. The nonprofit helps youth build better futures through mentors who help to empower them to do well in and out of the classroom.

There are seven clubs that are connected and serve about 400 children each year in Anniston, Jacksonville, Talladega, Lincoln and Roanoke.

Johnny Byrd is the president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Central Alabama. He joined CBS 42 Morning News on Sunday to talk about it.

Byrd said the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Central Alabama is a safe space for children to live out their dreams plus opportunities and learn leadership skills. It serves children ages 6-18. Children who take part get connected with a mentor who will help them to reach their purpose.

“So many of our kids come from a variety of places and spaces, but it just connects you with somebody who’s been able to just believe in you and to help you believe in yourself,” Byrd said. “I think we all need mentors. We just don’t know when. We all even have the potential to be a mentor.”

Tuesday’s fundraiser will be a little different than usual and will be outdoors at Zinn Park in Anniston.

“It enables us to get out and share with the community and demonstrate to the community the impact that their investment is having with our youth,” Byrd said. “It is our largest fundraiser of the year, but it’s also a time for us to really appreciate and let our community know the impact and difference that they’re making in the lives of our young people.”

The theme is “Infinite Possibilities Underneath the Stars.” Byrd said that’s because it is the potential they want these kids to know they have.

“We don’t want anything between our children and the stars,” Byrd said. “We want them to have a good time and celebrate our community for its investment in us.”

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and runs until 8 p.m.

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