Madison Square

Madison's 2008 Annual Meeting

On Thursday, June 5, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club held its 2008 Annual Meeting at the Raquet and Tennis Club in Manhattan.

]]> The Madison Square Boys & Girls Club's Annual Meeting is an opportunity for Madison to celebrate the past year's achievements and to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the organization through service, volunteerism, and corporate contributions.

In addition, we recognize outstanding alumni and parents, our Youth of the Year, and members of our executive board for their years of service and commitment to helping Madison achieve its mission of "saving and enhancing the lives of New York City's youth most in need of our services."

Those honored at the 2008 Annual Meeting include:

YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS

William Cox for 5 Years of Service
Myles Gillespie for 10 Years of Service
Albert R. Dowden for 20 Years of Service
Joel E. Smilow for 35 Years of Service
Thomas S. Murphy for 45 Years of Service
Doug Williams for 60 Years of Service

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

G.H. Bass Company - 2008 Outstanding Corporate Partnership
Nancy Hardy - 2008 Bronx Borough Champion Award
Guy Mastroianni - 2008 Brooklyn Borough Champion Award Monique Porter - 2008 Outstanding Alumni Award
Young Wall Street - 2008 Philanthropic Visionary Award

MADISON'S 2008 YOUTH OF THE YEAR

The title of Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and the Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. Each clubhouse Youth of the Year will receive a $2,000 scholarship from Madison, and Madison's Youth of the Year finalist receives a $3,000 scholarship. This year, the Youth of the Year program has been enhanced due to the generosity of Microsoft.

Shudnera Malloy - 2008 Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Representative and Columbus Clubhouse Youth of the Year

Desean Grayson - 2008 Smilow Clubhouse Youth of the Year
Jasmyne Johnson - 2008 Far Rockaway Clubhouse Youth of the Year
Natasha James - 2008 Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse Youth of the Year
Shakeema Pride - 2008 Genesis/HELP 2 Clubhouse Youth of the Year
Malik Carolina - 2008 Navy Yard Clubhouse Youth of the Year

PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT COMING SOON!

Brooklyn Youth Strut Their Stuff at 15th Annual Fashion Show

Madison Square Boys & Girls Club and Kings Plaza Shopping Center Team Up for Runway Magic ~ Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse host its 15th Annual Spring Fashion Show featuring over 50 youth ages 6-18 "strutting their stuff." They'll model original designs as well as pieces created by both big-name fashion labels and local Brooklyn designers.

]]> WHO: Madison Square Boys & Girls Club's Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse

WHERE: Kings Plaza Shopping Center, First Floor, 5100 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

WHEN: Saturday, May 24, 2008, Noon - 4 p.m.

WHY: This is an annual event of Madison Square Boys & Girls Club created by Aleathea Sapp, Cultural Enrichment Program Specialist, to raise the self esteem of youth while introducing them to the career of fashion design.

OTHER: The show has been a tradition for 14 years. Last year's event drew 100 friends, parents, and hundreds of Kings Plaza shoppers.

VISUALS: *Budding fashionistas modeling the season's hottest designs

*Original apparel created by Madison youth

*Talented local children showing off their creativity, initiative, and hard work

Directions to Kings Plaza

Kings Plaza Shopping Center opened its doors to the community in 1971. With over 135 merchants, Kings Plaza Shopping Center is conveniently located at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Avenue U -- just a mile from Exit 11N off the Belt Parkway. For more information and directions, please visit www.kingsplazaonline.com.

Madison and Allstate Host 2nd Annual Youth For Unity Teen Summit

On Friday, May 16, 100 youth from the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club will participate in the 2nd Annual Allstate Foundation Youth for Unity Teen Summit - a program created with support from The Allstate Foundation to combat intolerance among New York City’s youth and to promote embracing the diversity in others.

]]> The Summit builds upon the success of The Allstate Foundation Exploring Human Rights event held in February, where members learned about human rights and human rights injustices around the world and in their communities. Following the February event, members chose group projects which further delved into how human rights issues affected them locally. The project topics, chosen by members to facilitate youth-to-youth dialogue, focus on the right to live, human rights as related to gentrification, human rights and nutrition, and embracing diversity in New York's multi-ethnic communities.

In addition, the Summit will include food, ice breakers, and a performance from FERABA - African Rhythm Tap. FERABA is a New York City-based, multicultural and multiethnic performance group that fuses the traditional sounds and movements of West African dance with the American dance form of tap.

WHO: 100 Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Members from Madison's Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens Clubhouses

WHAT: With a renewed focus on intolerance in across America and locally following the Sean Bell verdict, the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club members are holding a youth summit with programming focused how teens can combat intolerance and human rights violations in their community and abroad.

Performance by FERABA - African Rhythm Tap.

WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2008
6:00pm - 9:00pm

WHERE: Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse, 1665 Hoe Ave. Bronx, NY 10460

Steaks N' Burgers SIZZLE in Brooklyn!

Join the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club on Thursday, May 1, 2008, as we host more than fifty of our adult supporters and members from Madison's seven Clubhouses, ages six to twelve, at the organization's Navy Yard Clubhouse for a fun-filled evening of exciting games and a "steak and burger" dinner!

]]> Madison's Annual Nicholas D'Agostino, Jr., Steak N' Burger celebration is a great opportunity for Madison's longtime supporters, as well as those new to the organization, to experience firsthand just how much fun it is to be a Clubhouse member!

There will be over twenty-five activity stations ranging from arts and crafts to athletic challenges and educational activities. The evening will culminate with an awards ceremony and a meal for both the adults and the kids, with the kids eating steak and the adults eating burgers!

Nicholas D'Agostino, Jr., a former member of Madison's Board of Trustees and Chairman and CEO of D'Agostino Supermarkets, Inc., has generously donated the food for this event.

WHO: Madison Square Boys & Girls Club members from clubhouses throughout the city, Madison Board members, friends and guests

WHEN: Thursday, May 1, 2008 (Activities from 5:45-6:45, Dinner from 6:45-7:15)

WHERE: Navy Yard Clubhouse, 240 Nassau Street, Brooklyn (between Navy and Gold)

Madison's Young Men Participate in 3rd Annual Project PINSTRIPE Event

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club will participate in the third installment of Project PINSTRIPE -- a partnership designed to provide teen boys with "power clothing" that will boost their confidence and professionalism, as well as outfit them for important occasions, from prom, to job and college interviews.

]]> Madison's young men and members of the Prep for Prep organization will recieve free, gently-used suits, generously donated by Tom James's clientele. Participants will also be given all the necessary accessories to complete their tailored look, including a pair of dress shoes donated by Allen-Edmonds and leather goods provided by Trafalgar.

In addition, the Project PINSTRIPE host a seminar on the importance of making a positive first impression, reinforcing the teachings of Madison's Job Readiness Training program.

This year, Project PINSTRIPE is expanding its outreach by serving 350 young men through events simultaneously in six cities: New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Miami and Orlando.

WHO: Madison Square Boys & Girls Club male members

WHERE: Navy Yard Clubhouse, 240 Nassau Street, Brooklyn, NY

WHEN: Saturday, April 12, 2008, 12:00 p.m.

WHY: Inner-city teen boys are an especially vulnerable population. New studies show that African-American boys entering adulthood face a landscape of bleak unemployment and education statistics. Project PINSTRIPE is designed to respond to the needs of this population, giving them the look and self-confidence they need to pursue achievement in all areas of their lives.

Spring Into Health At Madison's FREE Community Health Fairs

Madison Square Boys & Girls Club will host FREE Community Health & Wellness Fairs at its Clubhouses across New York City, providing services and vital information about health issues especially affecting the city's low-income populations. At least 100 attendees expected at each event.

]]> Partners from a variety of hospitals, health agencies, and non-profits will be on hand to provide:

- Medical screenings (including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes)
- Rapid HIV Testing
- Dental checkups and dental work
- Mammograms
- Family-friendly physical fitness activities
- Information about free and low-cost health care
- Connections to community health and nutrition resources
- Vital information on drug and alcohol abuse, HIV and AIDS prevention, pre-natal care, eye care, etc.

Note: Exact activities and partners vary from Clubhouse to Clubhouse. ALL events are free and open to the public.

DATES and LOCATIONS:

Date: Thursday, April 17 - 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Navy Yard Clubhouse
240 Nassau Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(community served: Fort Greene)

Date: Saturday, May 3 - 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse
2245 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226
(communities served: Flatbush, Canarsie, Midwood)

Date: Saturday, May 3 - 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Far Rockaway Clubhouse
426 Beach 40th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
(community served: Far Rockaway)

Date: Saturday, May 17 - 12:00 pm - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Genesis/HELP
330 Hinsdale Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207
(community served: East New York)

Date: Saturday, May 31 - 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus Clubhouse
543 East 189th, Bronx, NY 10458
(communities served: Fordham/Tremont, South Bronx)

Date: Saturday, June 7 - 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse
1665 Hoe Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460
(communities served: Morrisania, South Bronx)

WHY: Our children, their families, and the communities we serve often lack access to quality health care and face growing epidemics like childhood obesity, diabetes and asthma. Screenings and prevention information are intergral in educating parents about living a healthier life for themselves and their children.

Allstate Foundation Hosts "Exploring Human Rights" Summit

On Thursday, February 21, 60 youth from the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Keystone Club - Madison's youth leadership and community service club - will participate in the Allstate Foundation "Exploring Human Rights" Summit.

]]> In conjunction with the Allstate Foundation, the Summit seeks to combat intolerance among New York City's youth and educate teens about human rights issues and injustices in their neighborhoods and around the world, as related to women, education, and the law. Members will participate in human rights workshops followed by a panel discussion led by community leaders and university professors.

WHO:

SCHEDULED TO ATTEND:
Yvette M. Sealey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Sociology at Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service
Mr. Sam Anderson, Ph.D., Education Director, Center for Law and Social Justice, Medgar Evers College
Mr. Stanley Kinard, Carter G. Woodson Cultural Literacy Project
Ms. Cinque Braithwaite, WHCR City College
Keith Thompson, Professor of Sociology, City College

Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Members
Allstate Representatives

WHAT: Madison Square Boys & Girls Club members participate in innovative and hands-on programming focused on human rights as related to women, education, and the law.

WHEN: Thursday, February 21, 2008, 3:00pm - 7:00pm

WHERE: Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse, 2245 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226

Bronx Board of Managers Hosts Club 100 Interactive Kitchen Experience

The Bronx Board of Managers are taking the Bronx Club 100 fundraiser to delicious new heights!

]]> This year, the Bronx Club 100 - a luncheon organized to educate Bronx community leaders about the importance of supporting the youth development work of the Joel E. Smilow and Columbus Clubhouses - is being held at the MacMenamins Grill "Interactive Kitchen Experience."

In addition to raising money and awareness about the great work being done in the Bronx Clubhouse, participants have the opportunity to watch or participate hands-on in the preparation of a gourmet meal with a professional chef.

WHAT: The Bronx Board of Managers Annual Club 100

WHEN: Wednesday, January 30, 2008
12:00pm - 2:00pm

WHERE: MacMenamins Grill
115 Cedar Street
New Rochelle, NY 10801

The Bronx Club 100 is generously sponsored by:

CRC Insurance Services, Inc.
Michael Berr, Goodhart National Gorman Agency
Interstate & Lakeland Lumber
Elias Karmon
Mt. Carmel Pharmacy
Progressive Home Health Services

For more information, contact Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Special Events at 212.760.0073.

Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse Hosts 4th Annual Tito Diaz Memorial Swim Meet

On Saturday, January 12, the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club's Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse will host the 4th Annual Tito Diaz Memorial Swim Meet in honor of the Club's first Aquatics Director, Mr. Tito Diaz. The event will feature 11 youth swim teams from Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, New Jersey and Boston, including Madison's own swim team, the Madison Dolphins.

]]> The Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse Madison Dolphins includes 50 boys and girls ages nine to eighteen, from the Bronx community where the Clubhouse is located. Smilow's aquatics program is the largest minority swim program in New York City and is one of only two USA Swimming registered teams in the Bronx. Several hundred swimmers, Club members and their families will attend, making for great photo opportunities.

WHAT: 4th Annual Tito Diaz Memorial Swim Meet
$2.00 entry fee for spectators; fee is waived for press.

WHO: - Madison Square Boys & Girls Club's Joel E. Smilow
Clubhouse members and staff
- Madison Dolphins team members
- Eleven youth swim teams from across the Tri-state area
and Boston
- Community members

WHEN: Saturday, January 12, 8:00am - 4:00pm
8:00am - 9:30am: Teams warm-up rotation
9:30 am - 3:30pm: Competition
3:30pm - 4:00pm: Trophy presentations

WHERE: Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse, 1665 Hoe Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460

PRESS: For more information on Madison or Smilow's aquatics program, please contact Kristy Wright at 212.760.9600, ext. 211 or by email at kwright@madisonsquare.org.

We Had A Ball: Madison's 41st Annual Christmas Tree Ball

Thank you to all those who joined Madison in celebrating the holiday season at our 41st Annual Christmas Tree Ball!

]]> Our holiday gala was held on Friday, November 30 at Cipriani 42nd Street and we were joined by over 300 of Madison's friends, staff and supporters. The grand space of Cipriani and the striking decor designed by Madison's Director of Special Events, Hillary Manski, made for a magical evening. The night began with cocktails, followed by dinner and a program featuring the premiere of Madison's new organizational video and a rousing performance by the Columbus Clubhouse Dancers!

The auction portion of the evening was led by Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby's, who helped Madison "build the bids" on several live auction items. The evening ended with dessert and dancing to the sounds of the Hank Lane Band. Stay tuned for photos from the evening!

For more information on the Christmas Tree Ball or any of Madison's upcoming events, please call Madison Special Events at 212.760.0073.

In Memory of Eleonora Di Bernardo: 1938 - 2007

On Friday, November 9, 2007, Eleonora Di Bernardo, a beloved member of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club family, lost her 8-year battle with breast cancer.

]]> Last summer, Eleonora celebrated 50 years of service to Madison, but she was a part of the Madison family for her entire life.

Born January 4, 1938, she grew up across the street from the old 29th Street Clubhouse, which played an integral role in her childhood. Her mother, sister, Louise, and brother, Walter, all worked for Madison, so it was only natural that she would eventually join the ranks as well.

Working for Madison was always more than a job for Eleonora. In an interview for Madison Matters in 2006, she described Madison as "another child" and said she'd always strive to keep alive the spirit of the organization that she remembered from her youth.

"Madison was the center of the community for us," she said, "and it gave us opportunities that we wouldn't have had otherwise." Eleonora learned how to swim at the Club, attended summer camp in upstate New York, and participated regularly in programs and events.

Hired in 1956 as a typist and clerical assistant to the comptroller, Eleonora rose through the ranks over the years. She served as executive assistant to five executive directors, including current Executive Director Joseph Patuleia. During her 20-year tenure as director of special events, Madison's Christmas Tree Ball became the largest single fundraiser in the national Boys & Girls Club movement.

It is with heavy hearts that Madison honors our beloved friend, colleague and family member, Eleonora Di Bernardo.

Memorial arrangements have been made as follows:

Viewing:
Date: Monday, November 12, 2007
Time: 2-4pm and 7-10pm
Location: Frederick's Funeral Home
192-15 Northern Boulevard
Flushing, New York 11358
Phone: 718.357.6100

Funeral Mass:
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Time: 10:30am
Location: St. Mel's RC Church
2820 154th Street
Flushing, NY 11354-2498
Phone: 718.886.0201

Burial:
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Time: Immediately following funeral mass
Location: Mount St. Mary's Cemetery
12700 Booth Memorial Avenue
Flushing, NY

Two funds have been established to honor Eleonora's memory. Please specify Eleonora Di Bernardo when making a donation:

Memorial Sloan Kettering: Any donated funds will be earmarked to Dr. Clifford Hudis' Breast Medicine and Cancer Research.

Donations can be made via mail, phone or online:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
P.O. Box 27106
New York, New York 10087
646-227-3546
www.mskcc.org

Madison Square Boys and Girls Club: Eleonora's second family for 52 years, Madison was a cause near and dear to Eleonora's heart. A scholarship will be set up in her name to benefit a needy child.

Donations can be mailed to:

Madison Square Boys and Girls Club
Attention: Joseph Patuleia
350 Fifth Avenue
Suite 912
New York, NY 10118
212.760.9600

Join Us Under the Sea for "The Little Mermaid" Theatre Benefit

Bring your family for an afternoon of fun on "The Great White Way!" Join Ariel and the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club on Broadway for our annual fall theatre benefit. This fundraising event will feature pre-theater lunch at Planet Hollywood followed by a performance of The Little Mermaid starring Broadway newcomer Sierra Boggess as Ariel.

]]> WHAT: Madison's Annual Fall Theatre Benefit

WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2007
Lunch: Noon - 1:30 pm
Performance: 2:00 pm

WHERE: Lunch - Planet Hollywoood, 1540 Broadway
Performance - Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street

TICKETS: For information on ticket prices, please call Madison's Special Events Line at 212.760.0073.

Young Wall Street Hosts Inaugural Fundraiser to Benefit Madison

Young Wall Street held its inaugural fundraising gala on Wednesday, November 7, 2007. The gala, sponsored by TRADER MONTHLY, included a silent auction followed by dancing late into the evening at Tenjune. All proceeds from the evening went to Madison Square Boys & Girls Club in support of Madison's programs that save and enhance the lives of New York City's youth.

]]> Young Wall Street (YWS) is a charitable organization aimed at benefiting youth related causes in the New York area. YWS chose to partner with Madison Square Boys & Girls Club because of Madison's focus on keeping at-risk youth off the streets and engaged in positive behaviors through after-school and summer educational, recreational and leadership programs.

Young Wall Street's members are committed to contributing their dollars and their time to Madison by volunteering at our clubhouses and participating in programs like The Big Red Chair, a reading program where volunteers read their favorite childhood stories to our youngest members, ages 6 - 10.

Stay tuned for photos from the Young Wall Street gala!

PRESS: For more information on Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, please contact Kristy Wright at 212.760.9600 and for more information on Young Wall Street, please contact Alecia Pulman at 203.682.8259.

"It's In the Bag!" Madison Hosts 3rd Annual Purses & Pursenalities Luncheon

The 3rd Annual Madison Square Boys & Girls Club "Purses and Pursenalities" Luncheon – a silent auction of gently-used designer and vintage handbags, new handbags from today’s hottest designers and gently used bags donated by celebrities – is where fashion meets philanthropy. This year, "Purses & Pursenalities" seeks to raise more funds than ever to benefit Madison Square Boys & Girls Club's at-risk youth. With fall's fashion forecast calling for new trends like braided leather, reptile skin, and bright, spacious totes, attendees have the chance to snag this season's "it" bag and at the same time, raise funds for the 5,500 children Madison serves.

]]> WHO: The luncheon will be sponsored by Eric Javits - top designer of women's accessories - and will honor fashion-favorites Vera Wang, Lilly Pulitzer and Frank Zambrelli of Leiber.

To date, handbags have been donated from Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Tory Burch, Cartier, Celine, Jimmy Choo, Coach, CeCe Cord, Christian Dior, Felix Rey, Christian Dior, Frye, Carolina Herrera, Anya Hindmarch, J. Crew, Eric Javits, Kooba, Michael Kors, Lambertson Truex, Leiber, Nicole Miller, Badgley Mischka, My Flat In London, Oscar De La Renta, Lisa Perry, Zac Posen, Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade and Valentino – just to name a few.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 from Noon to 2:00 PM

WHERE: The Metropolitan Club, 1 East 60th Street, New York City

PRESS: Press are welcome from 12:00pm – 1:00pm; the luncheon portion in not press accessible.

BACKGROUND: Since 1884, the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club has been providing after school and summer programs for thousands of children in New York City's most disadvantaged communities. By providing proven education, recreation and guidance programs in a safe and nurturing environment that many children consider a second home, we help our young participants lead happy, healthy and productive lives. A founding member of the Boys & Girls Club of America, Madison currently serves over 5,000 youth ages six to eighteen at seven clubhouses in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens and at Camp Madison in Kingston, New York. For more information, visit our website at www.madisonsquare.org.

"It's In the Bag!" Madison Hosts 3rd Annual Purses & Pursenalities Luncheon

]]> WHO: The luncheon will be sponsored by Eric Javits - top designer of women's accessories - and will honor fashion-favorites Vera Wang, Lilly Pulitzer and Frank Zambrelli of Leiber.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 from Noon to 2:00 PM

WHERE: The Metropolitan Club, 1 East 60th Street, New York City

PRESS: Press are welcome from 12:00pm – 1:00pm; the luncheon portion in not press accessible.