Congratulations Nate!

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii is very proud of our Hale Pono Branch Board Member-Nate Rhodes for being the first recipient of the Disney Magic Makers Award!

Click here to read the story… 

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII AWARDED 25 ROUNDTRIP AIRLINE TICKETS FROM SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

AIRLINE TICKETS WILL SUPPORT YOUTH EXPLORING COLLEGE CAMPUSES

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – June 23, 2021 –Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) received twenty-five round trip airline tickets, donated by Southwest Airlines® to support BGCH teen members as they explore postsecondary education opportunities on the continent. In addition to serving youth between the ages of seven and seventeen through out of school programming, BGCH also provides resources to teen members through the “What’s Next Initiative”, a cohort based case management and mentoring program which focuses on on-time graduation from high school, workforce development, job readiness, college education, self-efficacy and good citizenship. The partnership with Southwest Airlines will allow participants in the “What’s Next Initiative” to further prepare for college by underwriting the expense of airfare so they can tour prospective college campuses, and for some, travel out of the State of Hawai’i for the first time. “Southwest’s longtime focus on education-related initiatives aims to empower communities by championing the attainment of education,” said Kelly Knox, Southwest Airlines Community Outreach Lead for Hawaiʻi. “We’re honored to partner with Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii to provide travel to explore college campuses and connect students with important moments in their education.” “We are grateful for the generosity of Southwest Airlines in supporting our teens,” said Paddy Kauhane, President and C.E.O of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “Caring deeply about “what’s next” for youth after high school is a passion we both share especially in the communities we serve. Now more than ever, BGCH is committed to doing whatever it takes to support our youth.”

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii President & CEO, Paddy Kauhane, Interviewed as part of a panel for Insights on PBS for a story called “From Prison to Homelessness, Steering Youth in the Right Direction- Programs available to keep them safe and steer them in the right direction”

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII ANNOUNCES LIZ MAKARRA TO THE 2021 CORPORATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board has renewed focus on safely serving more Hawaii youth during COVID-19 and beyond

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – May 12, 2021 –Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH), a mission driven nonprofit organization serving youth ages 7 to 17 on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Makarra to the 2021 Board of Directors. Makarra joins a list of impressive business leaders who are focused on safely serving more Hawaii youth COVID-19 and beyond. “I am passionate about empowering others with the resources they need to make good choices for great futures – especially young people,” said Liz Makarra, director of Emergency Operations and Community Wellness at Waikiki Health. “After volunteering with the BGCH Alliance Board since 2010 and contributing to the Clubhouses, program development, events, and mentoring some of the incredible young individuals in the Youth of the Year Program – I am honored to now serve as a member of the Corporate Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii.” Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii board will serve for a three-year term. The board’s mission is to advocate for and support the youth and families BGCH serve; to build resources which sustain and advance the mission of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii and provide oversight and governance.

Full board list here.

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii President & CEO, Paddy Kauhane, Interviewed on “Inspire You & Me” TV Show

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii President & CEO, Paddy Kauhane, was interviewed on “Inspire You & Me” TV Show to highlight what the Clubs do in the community and for youth on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.

“Inspire You & Me” is a weekly 30-minute TV Show where they highlight people who are making a difference in their community and the world.

The show airs three times a week on the Family Broadcasting Corporation TV station KWHE-14 reaching viewers in the Hawaiian Islands.

“Inspire You & Me” TV Show- https://inspireyouandme.tv/

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HT Hayashi Foundation Awards $ 195,000 to Keiki, Arts and Community Health Organizations

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HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – April 24, 2021 – “Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Kauaʻi Clubhouses was awarded $50,000 for their out-of-school and after-school programming, which began to address the loss of in-person learning during the pandemic. The three Clubhouses on Kauaʻi shifted from after-school programming to an all-day model, providing a safe and socially distanced space for students to do their online learning. Students have access to reliable wifi and computers, and staff are available to assist with virtual classes. In-person and virtual after-school programs provide keiki on Kauaʻi opportunities to participate in job readiness programs, volunteer activities, and sports leagues. Through its enriching programs, students can build relationships, develop leadership skills, and connect in a safe and positive space. The foundation is grateful for the opportunity to support Kauaʻi nonprofits, as Herbert Takami “H.T.” Hayashi was born on and spent much of his childhood on Kauaʻi.” Read More

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII CELEBRATE 2021 STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Winner from Waianae Clubhouse

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – March 31, 2021 –Siosifa T., a senior at Kahuku High School and member of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s Waianae Clubhouse has just been named State of Hawaii Youth of the Year in a virtual event hosted by Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) and Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) with candidates from Oʻahu and Maui.

“We are so proud of Siosifa from our Waianae Clubhouse and all of this year’s young men and women who represent their Clubs and communities with courage and leadership”, said Paddy Kauhane, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “Having a dedicated program to celebrate teens whose Club experience has empowered them to find their voice and achieve success is what Youth of the Year is all about. That our teens have overcome a difficult year and persevered despite the many challenges 2020 brought, speaks to their character and the dedication of our Club and YOY Alliance mentors.”

Siosifa, who has been a member of the BGCH Waianae Clubhouse for ten years, has played Varsity Basketball at Waianae High School and is an honor roll student, will go on to represent Hawaii at the upcoming virtual Pacific Youth of the Year Celebration in May.

As Club teens expand their leadership skills through the Youth of the Year program and look to life beyond the Clubhouse, the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Alumni & Friends Scholarship Fund provides participants scholarships to help them further their education and pursue their passions in life.

Every year, approximately 94 participants from across the country and military bases worldwide are awarded scholarships as state, regional and National Youth of the Year finalists.

Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. Six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, advance to Washington, D.C., for the National Youth of the Year Gala & Celebration Dinner, where one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson. The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for the nearly 4 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America’s young people.

CELEBRITIES HELP BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII CELEBRATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR FINALISTS & WINNER

Winner Announced at a Virtual Zoom Event on March 6, 2021

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – March 15, 2021 –Selected from several outstanding Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) youth on Oʻahu, Siosifa T., a senior at Kahuku High & Intermediate School and member of the Waianae Clubhouse has been named the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii 2021 Youth of the Year at a virtual celebration on March 6, 2021.

Hundreds of guests attended the special event via Zoom and had the opportunity to hear the finalists’ inspiring stories and the winner announcement. During the Celebration, celebrities like 2-time Olympic gold medalist and 2-Time FIFA World Cup Champion Mia Hamm, Emmy & Grammy Award Winner Paula Abdul, Jason Pierre-Paul Outside Line Backer for the 2021 Super Bowl Champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 3-time Grammy Award Winner Singer Songwriter Ne-Yo, Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winner ‘Ukulele Master artist and composer, BGCH Club Alum, Jake Shimabukuro and more surprised the three BGCH YOY finalists with personalized “shout outs” of congratulations. All five YOY 2021 candidates were also surprised with an “achievement swag bag” which consisted of a brand new laptop, gift cards, and more. The swag bags were generously underwritten by YOY 2021 Presenting sponsor Jack in the Box Hawaii and Gold Sponsors, SERVCO Pacific and the LRY Foundation. Each finalist also receives a scholarship from BGCH which will help to pay for college tuition, books, and other necessary items needed to graduate and pursue their dreams.

“Congratulations to Siosifa from our Waianae Clubhouse! We are so proud of him and the young men and women who represent their Clubs and communities with courage and leadership”, said Paddy Kauhane, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “Having a dedicated program to celebrate teens whose Club experience has empowered them to find their voice and achieve success is so important to Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH). We are so grateful to our communities, staff, and donors who support BGCH for this program and throughout the year.”

The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Siosifa will go on to contend for the State of Hawaii Youth of the Year title from Boys & Girls Clubs of America on March 30th. If Siosifa is named the Hawaii State Youth of the Year, he will contend for the title of Pacific Regional Youth of the Year. Six finalists will advance to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year.

The BGCH 2021 Youth of the Year is presented by Jack in the Box Hawaii. This year’s celebration is also sponsored by SERVCO Pacific, Inc., the LRY Foundation, First Hawaiian Bank, Aulani-Disney Resort & Spa, American Savings Bank, PASHA Hawaii, U.H.A. Health Insurance, Locations Foundation, Boys Bunch Honolulu, The Cades Foundation, and Southwest Airlines. Their continued support of Club youth allows for the sponsorship of the next great success story.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII ANNOUNCES NEW 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICER SLATE

Board has renewed focus on safely serving more Hawaii youth during COVID-19 and beyond

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – JANUARY 12, 2021 – Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH), a mission driven nonprofit organization serving youth ages 7 to 17 on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, is pleased to announce the appointment of the 2021 Board of Directors officer slate.

Board Chair: Christina Hause, Kaiser Permanente

Vice Chair: Peter Hirano, Servco Pacific

Secretary: Robert Kurisu, WKF Inc.

Treasurer: Jeff Pauker, Alexander & Baldwin

“On behalf of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, I am honored to welcome our new slate of Corporate Board officers, led by Christina Hause as Chair. The officers are seasoned board members of BGCH and bring a wealth of experience, education, partnerships and resources to further our mission and ensure we continue to serve thousands of youth and their families on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi,” said Paddy Kauhane, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “We are truly grateful for the commitment and passion they bring to our organization.”

“The mission of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii is embedded in the core of who I am; helping others to achieve and aspire to be their personal best every day. BGCH has helped to put so many of Hawaiʻi’s youth on the path to a great future,” said Christina Hause, Board Chair of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “We do this by providing a safe place, caring adult mentors, high impact-life enhancing programs during critical after-school hours. I have always been so impressed with how BGCH focuses on academic success, good character, and healthy lifestyles. I truly believe they are helping to develop the leaders of our future. In 2021, the board will focus on how we can safely serve more of Hawaiʻi’s youth during the pandemic and beyond.”

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII AWARDED $40, 390 TO HELP MORE OʻAHU & KAUAʻI YOUNG PEOPLE FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – DECEMBER 8, 2020 –Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) received a $40,390 grant provided by the Taco Bell Foundation which will go to support teen programming at the BGCH Clubhouses on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. In addition to serving youth between the ages of seven and seventeen, BGCH also provides support to members ages 17-24, through the “What’s Next Initiative”, providing young adults with job readiness, college support, and mentorship. Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii also provides programs that invest in Hawaiʻi’s youth to help them succeed in their journey through post-secondary education and channel their passions to achieve their career goals and aspirations.

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s grant award is one of more than 400 youth-serving organizations across the country that received a portion of the eight million in grants being presented by the Taco Bell Foundation this year. The grant to BGCH is part of a partnership between the Taco Bell® Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support more young people through high school graduation and beyond.

“Local grants are our ’boots on the ground’ effort to support nonprofit organizations who are working directly with young adults in local communities,” said Tina Nguyen, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “We hope to prepare them for success in their post-secondary education journey and empower them to pursue their passions so they can achieve their career goals, especially at a time when access to educational resources is critical.”

“We are thrilled to play a part in the Taco Bell Foundation’s investment in Hawaiʻi’s young adults,” said Nadia Assaf, EVP, Chief Advancement Officer of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “This is the second year where BGCH has received a generous donation from the Taco Bell Foundation. Caring deeply about “what’s next” for youth after high-school is a passion we both share especially in the communities we serve. Now more than ever, BGCH believes in doing whatever it takes to support our nations’ future leaders.”

MOTIV8 FOUNDATION TEAMS UP TO GIVE BACKPACKS, SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND MEALS TO YOUTH IN NEED

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – OCTOBER 30, 2020 – Marcus Mariota’s Motiv8 Foundation is teaming up with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH), Tito’s, and Ruby Tuesday Hawaii to provide backpacks with school supplies and meals to selected youth at five locations across Oahu. The backpacks, school supplies and meals will be distributed at Waianae, Nanakuli, Ewa Beach, Windward, and Spalding Honolulu BGCH Clubhouses on November 5-6, 2020. Participants will be picking up items at Clubhouses at a “drive through” COVID safe event. Fifty (50) participants have been selected at each location to receive the backpacks along with 4 meals for their family. Participants were selected by the Boys and Girls Club staff to be recipients. “We are tremendously grateful to Marcus Mariota, Motiv8 Foundation, Tito’s and Ruby Tuesday Hawaii for this incredible gift for our children and teens!”, said Paddy Kauhane, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “These organizations are bringing joy at a time when it is so badly needed. They are our heroes!” The Motiv8 Foundation was founded in 2016 by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota to create and support economic, educational, and athletic programs to provide alternative outlet for youth in neighborhood and families of need. Each year, the Motiv8 Foundation supports numerous organizations, provides for support for programs and gives thousands of kids unique experiences through its game program. “We are so fortunate to partner with Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii and Ruby Tuesday Hawaii. They have been great partners now and, in the past,” said Ed Nishioka, Director Motiv8 Foundation, “We would like to thank Tito’s for their support of this program. They are truly a community minded company and their support allows us to help these underserved communities.”

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Receives Generous Donation of New Clothing from Old Navy Clubhouses Distributed to Hawai’i Families in Need and Other Non-Profit Organizations

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – JULY 7, 2020 – Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) received a generous donation of 50,000 pieces of new clothing from Old Navy that was distributed amongst their five Clubhouses on Oʻahu to families in need with the help of volunteers. BGCH also shared the donation with local non-profit organizations such as Women in Need, Salvation Army, Queens Medical Center, Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, Domestic Violence Action Center, and Waikiki Health, all of which received new seasonal clothing ranging from kids to adult sizes for their members. Old Navy has been clothing American families since 1994 and recognizes that the need to serve families has never been greater with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In May, Old Navy donated over $30 million of clothing to American families in need across the continental U.S., including clothing donations to Boys & Girls Clubs in Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaiʻi. To learn more about Old Navy’s nationwide donation and response efforts, see here. “Gap Inc. brands have supported Boys & Girls Clubs for more than 15 years. We are extremely grateful to Old Navy for this generous donation of clothing for our communities in need.”, said Paddy Kauhane, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “Since March, Clubhouses across Oʻahu and Kauaʻi have collaborated with community partners to utilize our Clubhouses as distribution centers, providing food and much-needed supplies to families within the community”.

Links to broadcast TV stories.

KITV4:

https://www.kitv.com/story/42342896/boys-and-girls-club-of-hawaii-receives-clothing-donation-from-old-navy

KHON2:

https://www.khon2.com/local-news/boys-girls-club-of-hawaii-receives-generous-donation-from-old-navy/

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Support Youth and Communities Through COVID-19 Clubs Provide Food, Supplies, and Free Memberships, for Hawai’i’s Youth and Families

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – MAY 4, 2020 – Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) announced today that they will be offering free memberships to keiki and teens in support of relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, adhering to the social distancing guidance from the Hawaii Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), BGCH made the difficult decision to close all Club locations on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Within a matter of one week of the Statewide quarantine, all nine BGCH Clubhouses across Oʻahu and Kauaʻi mobilized and reached out to their members and families to see how they could help. BGCH collaborated with community partners to utilize Clubhouses as distribution centers, giving out food and much-needed supplies to families within the community. That same week, Clubs started virtual programming to engage youth to maintain those critical mentoring connections. Every day since then, virtual programming has become part of the daily BGCH culture. Online content includes making volcanoes, lessons in yoga, hip hop, hula, Hawaiian language, reading, writing, math, karaoke, cooking classes, gardening, ʻukulele, kanikapila, and art. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 and to those who are ill with the virus. Now more than ever, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii is committed to the youth and families of Hawaiʻi but especially our youth from underserved communities who are being hit the hardest, as eighty-three percent of our families come from low to very low-income households”, said Paddy Kauhane, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “We made the decision to offer free memberships in support of relief efforts during COVID-19 because we wanted to support parents and directly engage youth, providing innovative and fun virtual programming to whoever needs us during this time. We will continue to do what we have always done – provide a safe space filled with hope and opportunity, ongoing relationships with caring adult mentors, and enriching programs.” For the past four years, on the third Wednesday of May, the community has come together to support Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. With the unique situation we all find ourselves in today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii is carefully and respectively continuing this year’s fundraising efforts. Funds raised will go directly to keep distribution centers open, to provide food, essential supplies, free memberships, and virtual programming allowing the staff to do what they do best; whatever it takes to ensure every child has a Great Future. To donate and to learn more about Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, visit www.GreatFuturesDay.org. To learn more about Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s membership offer, please contact info@bgch.com. To learn more about Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, visit www.bgch.com.

FEBRUARY 26, 2020

MARCUS MARIOTA HELPS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII CELEBRATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Winner to be Announced at Aulani-Disney Resort & Spa on March 1, 2020

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Three outstanding youth have been named Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii 2020 Youth of the Year Finalists at a competition held on February 8, 2020. Selected from several exemplary Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii youth on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, Bronson S., a senior at Waianae High School and member of the Waianae Clubhouse, Mari C., a senior at McKinley High School and member of the Spalding Honolulu Clubhouse, and Tavia R., a senior at Kauaʻi High School and member of the Lihuʻe Clubhouse, will represent their local Boys & Girls Clubhouse at a special breakfast celebration on March 1, 2020. Guests attending the special event will have the opportunity to hear the finalists’ inspiring stories at Aulani-A Disney Resort & Spa where the winner will be announced. Scheduled to appear at the March 1, 2020 Celebration at Aulani as special guest speaker is Heisman Trophy Winner, NFL Quarterback and St. Louis High School graduate, Marcus Mariota.

“We are so proud of these young men and women who represent their Clubs and communities with courage and leadership”, said Paddy Kauhane, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “Having a dedicated program to celebrate teens whose Club experience has empowered them to find their voice and achieve success is what the event on March 1st is all about. Sharing that with the greater community at such a magical place like Aulani with Marcus Mariota makes for a memorable day for all involved.”

Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. Six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, advance to Washington, D.C., for the National Youth of the Year Gala & Celebration Dinner, where one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson. The

National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for the nearly 4 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America’s young people.

The 2020 Youth of the Year is presented by Aulani-Disney Resort & Spa and Jack in the Box Hawaii. This year’s celebration is also sponsored by American Savings Bank, Central Pacific Bank, Hawaii Pacific Health, Carol S. Koga, Locations Foundation, and SERVCO Pacific, Inc. Their continued support of Club youth allows for the sponsorship of the next great success story.

To purchase tickets or support the Youth of the Year Celebration at Aulani-Disney Resort & Spa, visit 2020 Youth of the Year Celebration- 3/1/2020.

AUGUST 31, 2019

AC arrives as temperatures rise

The Island Comfort air conditioning unit arrived in the nick of time as Lihue tied another high-temperature record at 89 degrees earlier this week at the Boys &Girls Club Lihue Clubhouse. Read more

AUGUST 28, 2019

HTA and AVPFirst Host Free Beach Volleyball Clinics

AUGUST 25, 2019

AVP holds clinic for Boys & Girls Club members.

Everyone should be able to play volleyball, said Tony Giarla of the Association of Volleyball Professionals First on Saturday during a clinic at Kalapaki Beach. Giarla was leading the second of 17 clinics that will spread across the state through the sponsorship of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “We’ve brought some of the AVP professionals, including Hawaii-born Lea Hunt, to help the Boys & Girls Club members, some of whom are handling the volleyball for the first time,” he said. “Others have played before and only can get better.” Read more

AUGUST 14, 2019

Rams host Play 60 at Nanaikapono Elementary

JULY 19, 2019

Panda Express celebrates anniversary with donation to Boys & Girls Clubs