CHILDREN'S CHAMPION

" My parents always told me, 'Service is the rent we pay to be living,'" says Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), and through her influential children's advocacy organization, she has lived by that Motto. " I'm most proud of the fact that children's needs are more visible, " Edelman says. "But I thought I'd be out of business by now, that this country would do the right thing for children. It amazes me that the richest country in the world still has so much poverty."

70% of the estimated 2500 children the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County serve are living on or below the Poverty level. It is the responsibility of our community to "pay or rent for living" by supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs. Our clubs give children the opportunity to learn, grow and dream. More importantly, our clubs save lives and give the children the skills they need to become productive, caring and responsible citizens.

To pay your rent, go to www.bgcofmanatee.org.

Great Campaigns

GREAT CAMPAIGNS ARE NOT A DATE RANGE ON A CALENDAR - THEY ARE ABOUT AN AMAZING DESTINATION THAT YOU AND YOUR SUPPORTERS WANT TO REACH TOGETHER.

Banish "It's fundraising Season or It's that time again annual appeal..."

Start looking into donors' hearts and minds. We need to explain WHY GIVING NOW makes sense for them, Tell them what urgent, compelling, fascinating things they can achieve with their gifts. Express how their money will go further RIGHT THIS INSTANT. Spin them a story that engages them on their terms!

For example: We would like to raise $300,000 so we can send 100 children like this one boy through our outcome driving programs. If 300 people give $1,000 we can fill one of our clubs.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County Florida Mission:

"To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens."