Dallas, Texas– Darrius Shaw, a 12 year member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, was named 2010 Youth of the Year for the state of Texas by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).  Along with the prestigious title, Darrius also received a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation.  This summer, he will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA’s Southwest Region.  Shaw is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by BGCA for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

A senior at the School of Science & Engineering - Townview High School, Darrius has been an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers, the Texas Civil Air Patrol, serves as President and Team Captain of the Science and Engineering Bowl Team. He was one of 14 seniors selected at his school to participate in the Peer to Peer mentoring program, assisting freshmen students with the transition from middle to high school.  He also serves as a volunteer at his Club (Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club) where he is President of the Young Leaders Keystone Club, a member of Dallas Elevators powered by Coca-Cola and is active in the Collegiate STEPS program.  In addition, he participates in community volunteer projects including local recycling roundups for the City of Dallas.  Overall, Darrius has logged 225 volunteer hours in the past 12 months. 

“I owe a great deal of my development and my confidence to my Boys & Girls Club.  For this reason, I am honored to represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and will do so proudly.” Darrius’ journey began when he was named 2010 Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas in February of 2010 and received a $4,000 scholarship from Coca-Cola followed by winning the North Texas Youth of the Year competition where he received $1,000 from the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Texas Area Council. “Darrius represents thousands of successful young men and women who are members of the Boys & Girls Club. He is a true leader and an inspiration to anyone he has the opportunity to meet. We are very proud of him for the challenges he has overcome, the goals he has achieved and the future he will make great,” said Charles English, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.

Darrius will graduate in June of this year and plans to attend NYU where he will pursue a degree in Engineering.

Academy Sports + Outdoors outfits Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas with Longhorn gear for BCS Championship

WHO:              Academy Sports + Outdoors (Academy)    

                        Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

WHAT:            Gear up for game day. Academy will outfit 

                        the kids from Boys & Girls Clubs of 

                        Greater Dallas with their choice of

                        Longhorn gear.

WHEN:            Monday, Jan. 4, 2010

                        2 p.m.

WHERE:         3677 Emporium Circle

                      Mesquite, Texas 75150

HOW:              Academy Sports + Outdoors invites Boys 

                       & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas into the 

                       store to get some free UT apparel, caps

                       and gear as a way to give-back and to

                       support the Longhorns in their march for

                       the national title. 

WHY:              Academy Sports + Outdoors is the #1

                     destination for official championship gear.

                     Following a Longhorn win on January 7,select

                     Dallas Academy stores will re-open

                     immediately after the game, approximately

                    10 p.m. CST, to begin selling Official

                    Championship Locker Room hats and t-shirts.

                    Customers can visit academy.com to learn

                    more about how to be the first to get their

                    Texas Longhorns 2009 Official Championship

                    gear.  Academy Sports + Outdoors will

                    reserve parking for media satellite trucks

                    upon request.

Academy Sports + Outdoors is a premier sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer with a broad assortment of high quality hunting, fishing and camping equipment and gear along with sports and leisure products, footwear, apparel and much more. The Texas-based company operates 120 stores throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.  The Academy philosophy is to deliver an unparalleled shopping experience by providing convenience, offering a broad selection of quality products, delivering exceptional customer service and selling the right stuff at every day low prices. For more information about Academy Sports + Outdoors visit academy.com.

# # #

Dallas, TX – 12/16/2009 – Ross Stores, Inc., the nation’s second largest off-price retailer, is partnering with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas to sponsor its Power Hour program, an interactive after-school homework assistance program for members, ages six to 18.   

As part of this sponsorship, Ross Stores will underwrite the implementation of Power Hour at the Club including additional resources and staff training to make the program a more effective tool in helping members stay on top of their academic studies so they can continue to excel in school.  Additionally, the Club is working to identify opportunities for local Ross store employees to volunteer their time at the Club.

“Ross is committed to supporting the families in the neighborhoods we serve,” said Jane Marvin, senior vice president, Human Resources of Ross Stores. “Through the Power Hour program, youth can develop the study skills and homework habits they need to excel academically and graduate from high school.”

According to a recent study by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, nearly one third of all public high school students fail to graduate with their class, resulting in more than one million high school dropouts every year.  Today, youth are confronted with tremendous challenges, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. A key to breaking this cycle and bridging the “achievement gap” is early intervention through educational programs like Power Hour.

Through programs like Power Hour, Club staff encourage a positive attitude about learning, offer academic enrichment and opportunities to build skills needed to be successful in school and set high expectations for young people to achieve. The program also provides recognition, while emphasizing the importance of high school graduation.

“A program like Power Hour lays the foundation for closing the academic achievement gap,” said BGCA President Roxanne Spillett. “Without the necessary study skills and discipline provided by Power Hour, it’s very difficult for a young person to achieve academic success and more importantly, ensure future workforce preparedness. We would like to thank Ross Stores for sponsoring this essential program and for their dedication to youth in communities nationwide.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas offers programming in five core areas – Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. The programs offered provide strong moral guidance, positive role models and life-changing educational programs designed to save kids from lives of crime and failure. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is an organization that stands for traditional values, while providing progressive programs that address the problems faced by the youth of today, including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, gangs and violence. Today, thousands of boys and girls from low-income neighborhoods benefit from the building centered programs and services at fourteen local Clubs.

About Ross Stores

Ross Stores, Inc., a Fortune 500 and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) company headquartered in Pleasanton, California, is the nation’s second largest off-price retailer with more than 1,000 locations across the United States. Ross Dress for Less^® offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at everyday savings of 20 to 60 percent off department and specialty store regular prices.  dd’s DISCOUNTS^® features a more moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at everyday savings of 20 to 70 percent off moderate department and discount store regular prices. Additional information is available at www.rossstores.com.

# # #

This Holiday Season

Pawnbrokers in Dallas Play Santa Claus

The National Pawnbrokers Association sponsors its first ever Musical Instrument Gift Day on December 6

On December 6, the National Pawnbrokers Association will celebrate St. Nicholas Day and National Pawnbrokers Day by sponsoring the first ever Musical Instrument Gift Day.   Local pawn store owners, Patrick Wade - P & J Pawn, Kevin Prochaska – Insta-Cash Pawn, Dave Springett – Frisco Jewelry & Loan/Legacy Pawn, Charles Valdez – American Pawn and Joy Vosburg – Southeast Jewelry & Loan  are joining in the effort by donating musical instruments including flutes, guitars, keyboards, clarinets and trombones to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.  As part of Musical Instrument Gift Day, pawn shops across the country will donate desperately needed musical instruments to local schools and charities who, due to drastic budget cuts in state education funds, can’t supply enough instruments to form a small band.  The donations will take place either on December 6 or the week leading up to it.  For more information on this effort, visit www.GiftDay.org.

Pawnbroking is as old as Santa Claus.  Actually, it’s much older.  St. Nicholas of Myra lived in the 4th century A.D.  Pawn shops can be traced even further back in ancient history.  In fact, the three bags of gold St. Nicholas gave to save a family from a life of slavery became the universal symbol for pawnbroking, three golden coins, and Ole Saint Nick is now the Patron Saint of Pawnbrokers. 

Pawn shops traditionally have a history of donating musical instruments and awarding scholarships to support the young members of their communities. Members of California’s Collateral Loan and Second Hand Dealers Association recently sponsored a musical instrument donation drive. Just this year, they were able to supply enough instruments to furnish an entire band at Lincoln High School in San Jose whose instruments were stolen.

Studies show the importance of music education in the development of a child’s mind.  According to the College Entrance Examination Board, students in music appreciation score 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math when they take the SAT.  David Crume, President of the National Pawnbrokers Association stresses the importance of reaching out to the community to support education.  “It’s feels great to know that even in difficult times, we can still make a difference.”

The NPA is experiencing an enthusiastic reception from members in Dallas and across the country.  Pawn store owners from as far as Canada are stepping forward to support this cause.  Says Crume, “This is going to change a lot of lives for the better.”

100 Percent of Donations from Recent “Round-Up” Program Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, the JCPenney Store’s Afterschool Fund Partner

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and JCPenney celebrate

Lights On Afterschool

Dallas, Texas (October 27, 2009) – Thanks to funds raised through a recent “Round-Up” program at the JCPenney at Town East Mall, local children in need will continue to have access to afterschool programming at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, the store’s JCPenney Afterschool Fund partner. From April - August, JCPenney customers were invited to “round-up” their JCPenney purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to local afterschool programs that provide at-risk children access to life-enriching activities that inspire children to be smart, strong and socially responsible.

“With the $1,995.28 raised from JCPenney at Town East Mall’s, recent ‘Round-Up’ program, even more children can benefit from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas’ afterschool programs, said director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.  “We appreciate JCPenney’s support as we work towards our goal of providing high-quality afterschool programs that provides academic, physical and social development for children in Greater Dallas.”

JCPenney’s Round-Up program was held in conjunction with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas’ event to celebrate Lights On Afterschool, the largest national Afterschool awareness day with more than 7,500 local events taking place throughout the nation. Marking the 10th anniversary of the rally, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas in Mesquite, Texas organized a community outreach event to inform neighborhood families and businesses of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas’ afterschool programs and activities that center around Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, The Arts, Health & Life Skills, and Sports, Fitness, & Recreation.   Other Lights On Afterschool events across the country included student performances, open houses, art and essay contests, art displays, tree lightings, carnivals, and much more.     

As part of Lights On Afterschool this year, JCPenney and the Afterschool Alliance released results from America After 3 PM: A Household Survey on Afterschool in America, the most in-depth study ever done to explore how America’s children spend their afternoons.  Sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a public charity that inspires children to be smart, strong and socially responsible, the study measures progress and includes updated information on afterschool participation nationally and in all 50 states.

“Lights On Afterschool is an exciting event that honors the importance of afterschool programs for America''s children, families and communities,” said Scott Oesterreicher, Store Manager. “Based on results from the America After 3PM survey, 15% of children in Texas access afterschool programs – a higher figure than ever before. However, we know we need to do more to keep up with the rising demand of afterschool programs locally. We look forward to continuing our strong, long term commitment to this issue and appreciate our customers for their support of this worthy cause.” 

The full America After 3 PM report with state summaries are available online at www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.

For further information contact:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

Kari Riley, 214-821-2950, kriley@bgcdallas.org

JCPenney

Quinton Crenshaw, 972-431-3400, jcpcorpcomm@jcpenney.com

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas offers programming in five core areas – Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. The programs offered provide strong moral guidance, positive role models and life-changing educational programs designed to save kids from lives of crime and failure. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is an organization that stands for traditional values, while providing progressive programs that address the problems faced by the youth of today, including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, gangs and violence. Today, thousands of boys and girls from low-income neighborhoods benefit from the building centered programs and services at fourteen local Clubs.

About The JCPenney Afterschool Fund

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a charitable organization committed to providing children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that inspire children to be smart, strong and socially responsible.  To date, JCPenney and the JCPenney Afterschool Fund have contributed more than $80 million to local afterschool programs in every JCPenney community through partnerships with the YMCA of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National 4-H and United Way of America. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org for more information.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      

Monday, August 17, 2009                                                                                                      

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

TEXAS RANGERS PLAYERS TO PARTICIPATE

IN RELIANT ENERGY COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

Event to take place on Wednesday morning at Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club

Arlington, Texas—The Texas Rangers will join with Rebuilding Together Greater Dallas (RTGB) in participating in the Reliant Energy Community Service Day on Wednesday, August 19 at the Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club in Dallas.

Rangers pitchers Frank Francisco, Matt Harrison, Doug Mathis, and Dustin Nippert will take part in the event, which will include making energy efficient improvements to the Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club building as well as conducting a baseball clinic for the youngsters at the Club.

Francisco and Mathis will be participating from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with Harrison and Nippert taking part from 11:00 a.m. until 12 noon.

All media outlets are welcome to cover the event.

The event is part of the Reliant Energy Summer Efficiency Project to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. The project is funded through the Reliant Energy Power Blast Program, which results in a donation from Reliant to Rebuilding Together Greater Dallas of $100.00 for every Rangers home run hit at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Since its inception, this program has resulted in over $54,000.00 being donated to RTGB through 2008.

Energy efficient improvements to be made on Wednesday will include:

--installing weather stripping and door sweeps to exterior doors

--changing incandescent light bulbs to more efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL)

--replacing two refrigerators and freezers

--replacing all EXIT signs to new efficient LED signage

The Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club is located at 2907 Linfield Road in Dallas (75216). The baseball clinic will take place at Bushman Park, which is located adjacent to the club building.

For More Information, please contact

Reliant Energy: Chevalier Mayes…713-497-2660

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas: Kari Riley…214-642-9422

Texas Rangers: Communications Department…817-273-5203 

 -RANGERS-

“DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL” Train Tour rolls into Dallas August 18-19, offering visitors an exclusive 3D sneak peek from the movie as well as a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the making of the movie—with artifacts and character designs housed in real train cars.  The fun family event is totally free.  During an opening ceremony for the tour, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas will help launch this free event for the City of Dallas alongside the Mayor of Dallas, Tom Leppert, and a Disney representative.  The Boys & Girls Club’s Vice President of Education, Juany Gaytan, along with 100 members will be given an exclusive look at the train exhibit at Union Station in Downtown Dallas. 

Sponsored by HP and driven by Amtrak, the Train Tour will travel more than 16,000 miles and pass through 36 states.  Amidst a winter wonderland with holiday décor and Christmas carolers, visitors will see footage from “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” inside a state-of-the-art Digital 3D theatre which will be erected in each city.  Visitors can also check out the cutting-edge technology behind the film, as well as artifacts from the Charles Dickens Museum and interactive games where guests can explore Dickens’ London and morph their face into characters from the movie using HP TouchSmart PCs. HP powers the interactive components of the Train Tour and its technology is used in the production of the movie.  Radio Disney will invite kids to enter for a chance to become a Movie Surfer representing their hometown. Each Hometown Movie Surfer will get a chance to appear on Disney Channel by filming their very own Movie Surfer’s segment! Guests will also have a chance to win an HP TouchSmart PC and HP Photosmart wireless printer in every market.  This family event is for guests of all ages and is free to the public.  The train tour is traveling cross-country with stops in 40 cities, culminating in November at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. The latest details about tour stops and scheduled events are available at www.christmascaroltraintour.com.

“Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award^®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3D motion picture event.  Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (GARY OLDMAN) and his cheery nephew (COLIN FIRTH).  But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late.  The movie opens nationwide November 6, 2009, in theatres, Disney Digital 3D™, and IMAX^® 3D.  

Disney is working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America organization to provide an early Christmas experience to kids across the country.  Disney presented the organization with a donation in the amount of $100,000 at the May 21^st launch in Los Angeles to further the organization’s efforts of helping kids grow up to be great and invited Boys & Girls Club kids to be part of the tour when it comes to Dallas.  Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the nation are impacting the lives of 4.8 million young people each year with after-school programs that emphasize education, career exploration, community service, technology skills, financial literacy, the arts and more to help them reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, but UPS and its highly skilled employee volunteers are going to make an effort with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to change that.

The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS, recently rolled out a national program in collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to teach the company’s industry-leading safe driving techniques to teens. Based in large part on the same safety training used with UPS’s own drivers, the program – UPS Road Code – will help teens learn the code for safe driving.

Thanks to a three-year, $1.5 million grant from The UPS Foundation, UPS Road Code will be taught to an estimated 1,200 teens this year in 10 U.S. cities including Dallas, Texas.

UPS Transportation Manager Claude Rigsby is coordinating the UPS Road Code training at several BGCA locations in East Dallas and Oak Cliff. Claude, who’s a former Dallas Police officer, UPS Feeder driver and UPS Health & Safety Manager, is uniquely qualified to coordinate the program. 

“As a police officer I saw, first hand, the tragic effects of poor teenage driving habits,” Claude explained. “The need for Road Code training is certainly there. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one in every three teenage deaths occurs on the road. UPS drivers are among the safest in the industry.  The Road Code program gives us the opportunity to use our safe driving expertise to help save lives. ”

A group of seasoned UPSers are assisting Claude in facilitating the Road Code training.  Transportation Services Division Manager Mark Lopes, Transportation Services Manager Ben Muzechenko, Transportation Services Supervisor Beth Anderson, H.R. Training Supervisor Matt Schnitzius, Fort Worth Business Manager Etta Gray, P.E. Project Manager Crystal Lassiter and Bachman Center Business Manager Victor Hubbard have all served as ‘skilled volunteers.’

The four week-long UPS Road Code training provides teens with eight hours of classroom instruction and time ‘behind the wheel’ of a computerized driving simulator.  “Three computer screens serve as a ‘windshield’,” Claude explained.  “The teens use a steering wheel and gas and brake pedals to navigate a virtual roadway. The simulators tabulate scores based on safe driving, providing a friendly competitive aspect to UPS Road Code.”

“The teenage students have been very receptive to the Road Code training,” said Transportation Services Division Manager Mark Lopes.  “It’s been personally very gratifying to share the Road Code information with them because we know it will have a tremendous impact on their lives.  It’s really a great program.”

The Grand Prairie Boys & Girls Club hosted volunteers from CarMax that spent time with BGCC members at the Club.  As part of the Day of Caring Volunteer Project, CarMax volunteers served grilled hotdogs and helped with special needs of the Club.  CarMax concluded their Day of Caring with a $4,000 cash donation to the Grand Prairie Branch.

High school juniors and seniors participating in the inaugural Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program are going all the way to the top. More than 60 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas worked throughout the year to elevate themselves in the classroom, at home, and in the community. On Thursday, students enrolled in the program were recognized high atop the city of Dallas at Reunion Tower at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Program results, compiled by Heart of a Champion, a non-profit character development organization based in Colleyville, indicate significant improvement in measurable areas of attitude and behavior, including:

ü      92% of students now consider their performance at school to be above average to very good

ü      22% increase in the student’s ability to communicate with their parents

ü      16% increase in students who consider themselves to be good examples

ü      18% increase in the student’s motivation to succeed

ü      12% increase in belief that they can now reach their goals

During the ceremony at Reunion Tower, Ben Lawson, Director of Independents - South Region with Coca-Cola of North America, said the results of the program were very encouraging.

“This program is one of the most exciting projects in our community,” said Lawson. “Coca-Cola wanted to be involved in an endeavor which would dramatically influence the lives of students and ultimately have a profound impact on our community. Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola has demonstrated that students are receptive to elevating their lives if given the right tools and access to business leaders and role models.”

Dallas Elevators members have been earning points throughout the year for participating in program activities. As the top point-earner, Bianca Williams was awarded a $5,000 college scholarship from Coca-Cola. Williams is a high school senior and a member of the East Dallas Boys & Girls Club. She plans to study art at Howard University this fall.

Inspired by the progress of program participants, Coca-Cola is funding five paid internships for Dallas Elevator students at local Boys & Girls Clubs this summer.

After submitting an application and completing an interview, the following students involved in Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola were selected:

Uriel Carrasco, Senior & East Dallas Member

Alishia Givens, Senior & Grand Prairie Member

Marcus Greer, Junior & Oak Cliff Member

Stephanie Hayes, Junior & Mesquite Member

Marquinta Miller, Senior & Oak Cliff Member

Maple Lawn will be hosting a HUGE Garage Sale!!

When: Saturday May, 2, 2009

8:00a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Where: 5004 Columbia Ave.

Dallas, TX 75235

Why: Fundraiser for Summer programs!

If you have any items to donate, they would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your support and we hope to see you at our garage sale!!!

Donated Items may be dropped off at the Administration building with Pat Ramsey located at 4816 Worth Street, Dallas, TX 75246.

Matt Carroll and Ryan Hollins were on hand to help dedicate the newly refurbished indoor basketball court at the Mesquite Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas on Friday. Carroll and Hollins were joined by representatives from the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Mavericks Foundation, FOX Sports Southwest, Coca-Cola, NexCourt and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. Following the dedication ceremony, Carroll and Hollins, with help from the Mavs Hoop Camp staff, conducted a 30 minute basketball clinic for more than 100 kids from the Mesquite Club.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is thankful for our partnerships with the Dallas

Mavericks, FOX Sports Southwest, Coca-Cola and NexCourt, which has provided a high-quality, safe basketball court for our Mesquite Club,” said Charles English, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. “Because Sports, Fitness & Recreation is an integral component of BGCD, the newly redesigned basketball court will benefit our members, now and for years to come.”

This is the 15th basketball court the Mavs and Mavs Foundation have refurbished since 1998. The new court, worth an estimated $55,000, will allow the Mesquite Club to expand programming so that more than 500 at-risk youth and teens ages 6 to 18 throughout Mesquite and East Dallas will have a safe place to play. In addition, the court will give the Club the ability to offer programs that enhance youth interaction and development, allowing them to make healthy choices and avoid a wide-range of high-risk behaviors.

Work completed by NexCourt of Arlington includes installing 5,400 square feet of maple Sport Court tiles and new wall pads, repairing 6 different goal units, painting basketball and volleyball lines and putting in 5 full-color logos. The cost of the project and incidentals were taken care of by FOX Sports Southwest, Coca-Cola and the Dallas Mavericks Foundation.

About the Dallas Mavericks Foundation:
The mission of the Dallas Mavericks Foundation is to assist young people through programs stressing education, good health and skills necessary for their future success. Established in October of 1996, the Mavs Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and motivating youth to take their education seriously, strive for healthy bodies and minds, become involved in community service activities, set personal goals, visualize their dreams and take responsibility for their own lives and neighborhoods. The Mavs Foundation supports programs and organizations that address the community''s most pressing problems involving youth, specifically education, good health and community service activity. Visit www.mavsfoundation.com for a complete listing of previous award recipients and programs.

About FOX Sports Southwest:
FOX Sports Southwest is the cable and satellite television home of the Dallas Mavericks and reaches over 9 million homes in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and parts of New Mexico. Annually, the regional sports network produces more than 700 event telecasts and nearly 3,000 hours of local original sports programming, including season-long coverage of the Mavericks, Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs and Big 12 Conference sports.

About Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas:
Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas started in 1902 in Dallas with only three employees and one horse-drawn wagon to make deliveries. Today, it has more than 2,738 employees and a fleet of 1,730 vehicles serving customers throughout North Texas. The company bottles more than 65 million cases annually at its 14 North Texas sales centers. Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas is proud of its century-long commitment to the community and to producing and distributing quality beverages throughout North Texas. Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas is part of Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE), headquartered in Atlanta, that produces, markets and distributes the world’s favorite beverages in thousands of communities across many parts of the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. As the largest Coca-Cola bottler of liquid non-alcoholic refreshments, their 74,000 employees operate more than 400 facilities serving retail customers neighborhood by neighborhood. Coca-Cola Enterprises distributes approximately 80 percent of The Coca-Cola Company’s North American bottle and can volume and is its sole licensed bottler in Belgium, France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco and the Netherlands.

About NexCourt:
NexCourt, A Division of North Texas Courts & Floors located in Euless, provides high-quality indoor and outdoor sports surfaces as well as residential sports equipment. NexCourt is the only authorized dealer and certified installer of Sport Court products in the North Texas area. Sport Court indoor surfaces are used at NBA, NCAA, USA Volleyball, US Badminton Association, and FUTSAL events. NexCourt works with schools, churches and other facilities that need a safe, durable, multi-use gymnasium floor. The outdoor surfaces and residential backyard game courts are designed with the family in mind, and currently there are over 50 current and former NBA players and coaches that have a Sport Court game court in their backyard. NexCourt also provides indoor/outdoor putting greens. NexCourt has been conducting business in the North Texas area for nearly 20 years. For more information about NexCourt, call 1-800-235-1767 or visit www.nexcourt.com.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas:
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas offers programming in five core areas – Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. The programs offered provide strong moral guidance, positive role models and life-changing educational programs designed to save kids from lives of crime and failure. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is an organization that stands for traditional values, while providing progressive programs that address the problems faced by the youth of today, including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, gangs and violence. Today, thousands of boys and girls from low-income neighborhoods benefit from the building centered programs and services at fourteen local Clubs.