By Megan Bennett
Former NFL star Bennie Blades paid a visit to the Coffee County Boys and Girls club Thursday as a celebration of the club’s first full year of operation and also to kick off a new flag football program for the club. Blades played defensive back in the NFL for 10 years, playing for the Detroit Lions from 1988 to 1996, and for the Seattle Seahawks in 1997. He delivered a powerful message about helping the youth of today reach their full potential and providing guidance and wisdom for children whenever possible. He credited programs such as the Boys and Girls Club, among others, for being positive forces in the lives of children. In the past year, Coffee County’s Boys and Girls Club has grown and has enrolled over 300 children in their summer and after school programs.
This summer, at least 150 children have been participating in the summer programs offered at the Boys and Girls Club. Activities range from field trips to places like the Tillman Art Center in Savannah, the Jacksonville Zoo, and a Habitat for Humanity tour in Americus, to art projects, “Brain Games” to help retain information over the summer holiday, and even a youth leadership program at Wiregrass Technical College. On July 7-11 the Boys and Girls Club of America held a teen summit at Mercer University in Macon, and the Coffee County Boys and Girls Club was the second highest represented at the event with 18 middle and high school students competing.
On Friday, July 17, the club is throwing an End of Summer bash at the recreation department. There will be bounce houses provided by Just Jump for Kids and refreshments. Though summer is coming to an end, the activities that the Boys and Girls Club offer are not. A fundraiser at Hungry Howie’s Pizza is set for Aug. 17, and a Great Gatsby-themed golf tournament and silent auction is set for Sept. 26 at the Douglas Golf and Country Club. The wonderful programs available at the club are a reality because of the hard work from volunteers and tremendous support from the community. To learn how to support, volunteer for, or participate in the activities and programs available at the Boys and Girls Club of Coffee County, call 912-384-0222 or visit their Web site at www.bcgdouglas.com.