The day started with a bit of rain and overcast skies, but spirits and the weather were soon elevated by the crowd of energetic, enthusiastic children. The Liberty County Boys and Girls Club (LCB& GC) is here, and the “Walk into Your Future” 5K and Membership drive, the first event, was a rousing success.
Community leaders from around the greater Hinesville and surrounding communities “showed up and showed out” in support of the children.
Mark Lindsey, Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club CEO, and Anne M. Cordeiro, assistant governor for Area 3, Rotary District 6920, both Cordeiro the event and completed the 5K walk. A 12-year-old young man challenged Anne to catch a football, and to finish the last two of 12 laps at his blazing pace. She graciously accepted the challenge, caught a pass, but ultimately succumbed to his speed on the track. She did, however, complete her 12.5 laps.
Nearly 100 elementary, middle and high school children participated. Button Gwinnett, Snelson Golden, and Liberty County High School each won in respective categories for having the most walkers present. Additionally, raffles were issued to all child entrants for drawings to win a Samsung tablet (elementary and middle school) and a Hewlett Packard computer in the high school category.
“This a great day for all the children, and it will take the entire community to come together to ensure the LCB& GC not only opens as scheduled, but also remains a thriving, vibrant outlet, equally accessible for the academic, athletic, emotional and social growth of Liberty County’s children,” said Col. (ret.) Charles E. Branson, LCB& GC executive unit director.
Shonda King, owner of Gifted Creations Salon and event coordinator, and Kassiah Moore, owner of Infinite Health Care Academy, both LCB& GC Advisory Council members, were critical to the planning and successful execution of the event. The event raised nearly $3,700 from local donors and sponsors and was enough to cover the $20 annual membership fee for at least 100 children.
“We’re here for the children, and want to provide them all a safe, secure environment in which to flourish,” King said.
The LCB& GC will open on or about January 4, 2023, immediately after the new year, at the former Jordye Bacon Elementary School site, 100 Deen Street in Hinesville. Hours are presently planned for Monday through Friday, 2:30-7 p.m. (elementary and middle school age) and 3-8 p.m. (teens and high schoolers). Academic tutoring, science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) modules, video games, gym/athletics and team sports, mentorship and social development are many of the exciting programs to be administered by Youth Development professionals.
For more information, contact the executive director at (912) 667-3765 or spikebee36@hotmail. com.