Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County is proud to announce Buffalo Wild Wings supported their ALL STARS Organization-Wide Flag Football League program this past summer with a $3,000 grant. As part of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Team Up for Kids® initiative and partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the company is supporting 285 Clubs across the country this fall, creating sports programs that promote physical fitness and good sportsmanship. The grants also included team jerseys and tools and resources from the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) which provides education and training programs for administrators and volunteer coaches to use across all team sports programs.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County implemented their Flag Football League in summer of 2013 and experienced success. With high interest in this league, the Clubs provided the program again this past summer. Teams were divided into age categories. Practices were once a week with all games played on Saturdays at the Field of Dreams in South Haven. The Flag Football program is eight weeks in length.
“During the out-of-school time, it is critical that we provide programming that helps kids learn about teamwork and the importance of good sportsmanship. These lessons become building blocks for skills that young people need as they move into adulthood,” said Ryan Smiley, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County. “Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings, our ALL STARS program is providing opportunities for kids to be part of a team – learning invaluable lessons and skills that will help them succeed at school, at home, at the Club and in life.”
“Once again, we are honored to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for our ALL STARS program, impacting thousands of Club kids each year through team sports,” said Mary Twinem, Buffalo Wild Wings chief financial officer. “We are committed to providing support and programs to the communities we serve, creating opportunities to teach life lessons and ignite a passion for sports.” Buffalo Wild Wings is committed to donating $4 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America by 2016 including funds raised through sauce and seasoning bottle sales and events in their restaurants. Now through October 31st, Buffalo Wild Wings is promoting a fundraising campaign where 100 percent of every paper pinup Guests purchase in-restaurant will support BGCA youth sports programs. The paper pinups can be purchased for a $1 minimum donation and will be displayed in restaurants.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America believes that all kids deserve a great future. Through the organization’s Great Futures Campaign, Clubs and supporters are working to mobilize the country around the critical issues facing America’s youth. Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to leading the way, assuring that every young person who enters a Club is on track to graduate from high school on time, and is prepared to succeed in college or a career, while demonstrating good character and living a healthy lifestyle. Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings, the ALL STARS program motivates kids to lead a healthy lifestyle through team sports while building good sportsmanship and self-esteem for Club kids.