Donor Snapshots
Thanks to donors’ tremendous support in 2025, we continued to open doors to great futures for millions of kids and teens. We are deeply grateful to the Board members, alumni, foundations, corporations, major donors, monthly donors, and national staff who believe in the potential of our nation’s young people and help make this work possible.
A Role Model for Future Generations’ Success
Danita King, a Texas native, has been familiar with Boys & Girls Clubs of America her entire life. When PR Noir, the public relations firm she founded and leads as CEO, began working with Boys & Girls Clubs in the Northeast, Danita met executives at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. There, she built relationships and became more involved with the national organization.
Danita went on to become a devoted donor and joined the National Youth of the Year Committee. She is also a member of the Texas Golden Triangle Founding Committee, which supports efforts to open Clubs in Southeast Texas. “I was excited and honored to help establish a Club near my hometown,” Danita said.
Danita hopes her work within the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement will have a lasting impact on Club kids. “I hope to serve as a role model and to make them aware that success is possible for everyone,” she said. There is no doubt that Danita’s success, service, and commitment to improving the lives of America’s young people will have an impact for generations, showing Club kids what is possible through inspiration, determination, and generosity.
A True Champion for Youth & Teens
From left: Board of Governors member and Southeast Regional Chair Troy Ellis, Southeast Trustee John Robinson and his wife, Adrian Robinson, and BGCA President and CEO Jim ClarkSoutheast Trustee John Robinson and his wife, Adrian, have been longtime supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In 2019, they received our Champion of Youth Award, a prestigious honor presented to those who have gone above and beyond to support and advocate for America’s youth. Having witnessed the work Clubs have done across the organization and kids’ subsequent growth and confidence, they remain motivated to continue their commitment and investment. “Investing in BGCA kids is the best way to make a difference in the future of our communities,” John said.
John’s service over the past decade as a Southeast Trustee has taken many forms, allowing him to collaborate with various other Trustees and professionals to advance our mission, building lifelong relationships along the way. One program John and Adrian are most inspired to support is Keystone Club, which John began supporting during his time with Aaron’s. He values the academic, career, and community engagement preparation Keystone provides for teens. “My hope,” John said, “is that we can encourage more teens to stay in the [Boys & Girls] Club through graduation and develop the skills the Keystone Club teaches.”
Helping Serve Club Kids’ Emotional Health Needs
Tracy Alford began her journey with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2015. After touring a Club in Oklahoma City, she saw firsthand the difference a Club can make in kids’ lives and realized this was a mission she wanted to be part of. Soon after, she joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oklahoma’s board, where she continues to serve today.
Over the years, Tracy expanded her involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement, serving as a National Trustee for both the Pacific and Southwest regions. Two years ago, when Boys & Girls Clubs of America launched the trauma-informed care initiative, Tracy recognized an opportunity to deepen her impact. With a passion for fostering safe environments for kids to express themselves, she funded trauma-informed care and mental health support at the Boys & Girls Club of Bisbee in Arizona, and at the national level.
Because of her investment, the Club now has a trained mental health professional on staff to support kids and teens facing emotional challenges. “I would hope through the Boys & Girls Club initiative for trauma-informed care, that every Club would have a mental health professional on staff who is available to serve the needs of the Club kids,” said Tracy.
Leading A Legacy of Giving
Boys & Girls Clubs of America has played a central role in Rick Nagel’s life story. As a kid in Arkansas, Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs had a profound impact on him. That impact was especially significant during his teenage years when he faced challenges. With the support of his Club, Rick overcame adversity and was even named Arkansas Youth of the Year in 1991.
As an adult, his generosity and leadership reflect both his appreciation for what the Club helped him achieve and his belief in future generations. Now a Southwest Trustee for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Rick also supports his local Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, and funds an annual scholarship for Club members in perpetuity. “Having been a Club kid and seen firsthand the power of Boys & Girls Clubs, not only as an alum but active board member, I want to make sure my commitment lived on,” said Rick.
Rick’s impact extends even further through including Boys & Girls Clubs of America in his estate plans as a member of The Heritage Club, supporting our ongoing efforts for America’s youth in the years to come. He realizes that for Clubs to be successful in helping kids create great futures, Boys & Girls Clubs of America must be supported as well. “Recognizing that for all this to really work, BGCA needs to be strong and vibrant,” said Rick. “What a great legacy to not only have led in life, but to support in perpetuity. That’s both enduring and beautiful.”
A Personal Mission to Support Military-Connected Youth
Dianely Heredia serves as Vice President of Military & Outreach Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. She has been with the organization for over 15 years and has found her journey to be both purposeful and deeply personal. In her role, Dianely focuses on ensuring that BGCA Military Affiliated Youth Programs have the training, resources, and support needed to deliver high-quality youth development experiences.
Having grown up in a military family, frequently moving and adjusting to new people and environments, Dianely understands the challenges faced by military-connected youth. These experiences also led to her strong appreciation for community, particularly spaces like local Clubs and Military Youth Centers that provide consistency, support, and a sense of belonging. This perspective drives her passion for ensuring that military-connected youth have access to supportive programs and people who understand their experiences.
Becoming a donor with BGCA’s employee giving campaign was a natural extension of Dianely’s commitment to the mission. “For me, it’s about more than financial contribution,” she said. “It’s about standing behind the work we do and ensuring that every young person has access to the opportunities they deserve.”
