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Press Room

Apr 24, 2009 | Big and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

Boys & Girls Club Celebrates Arbor Day Honoring Two Former Members

Chattahoochee, Fla. – The Boys & Girls Club of Chattahoochee planted a budding cherry tree this Arbor Day during a remembrance ceremony honoring two former members.

Shanesia Cox and Chris Grande passed away at young ages last year. The celebration brought the Chattahoochee community together to reflect and celebrate the lives of the two children. Performances by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend’s mime squad and spotlight dance team encouraged attendees to look forward to bright futures as Cox and Grande would have desired.

Samuel M. Streit, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, spoke about taking advantage of opportunities to help the thousands of at-risk kids that the Clubs serve.

“Now is the best time to show each child what a true role model is, before our time with them is up,” Streit said. “By enriching kids’ lives, we are planting the seeds of tomorrow. We appreciate the community’s support in helping us create an environment where kids feel safe, welcome and wanted.”

Latrecia Germany, Chattahoochee Club director, led the tree planting in front of the Boys & Girls Club campus along with selected Club members.

“The planting of this tree symbolizes an act of optimism and kindness, a labor of love and a commitment to service,” she said. “Every time our Club staff and members see this tree, it will be a reminder of new life and the opportunity we have to live every moment to its fullest.”

Other attendees included Cox and Grande’s families, Gadsden County Commissioner Eugene Lamb Jr., Chattahoochee Mayor James Atkins and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend’s board members, staff and Club members.

ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE BIG BEND

Established in 1992 to help curb local youth crime and delinquency, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend offers kids ages 5 to 18 a Positive Place to Go after school, where they can grow personally and academically in a safe and structured environment. Now operating 12 Clubs in Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson and Leon Counties and serving more than 7,000 members every year, the organization provides a compelling alternative to drugs, crime, gang activity and other negative influences affecting local youth today, and enables members to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. As an independent affiliate of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend relies heavily on the generosity of local benefactors and direct support from public and private entities. To learn more, visit www.ThePositivePlaceforKids.org.