Five Former Members Are Living Proof Clubs Help Youth BE GREAT!

ATLANTA, May 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) inducted its 2009 Alumni Hall of Fame (AHOF) members, former Club members who have gone on to make major contributions to their respective fields and to their communities. All five outstanding individuals were honored at a special ceremony held during BGCA's 103rd annual national conference.

This year BGCA inducted Grammy Award-winning R&B performer, Ashanti Douglas; former Chairman/CEO, Principal Financial Group and current President of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, J. Barry Griswell; former NFL tackle for Minnesota Vikings, turned Judge of the Juvenile Court in Knox, County, TN, Judge Tim Irwin; Head coach of the 2009 Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin; and five-time Grammy Award-winner whose record-breaking Confessions album has sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S., Usher Raymond IV. BGCA also welcomed back 2005 AHOF inductee and award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance as host of this year's ceremony.

Though from different backgrounds, geographical locations and life aspirations, all five inductees share something very special - the positive influence of a Boys & Girls Club. According to a Harris Interactive survey, 57 percent of Boys & Girls Club alumni said "the Club saved my life." A closer examination of the 2009 inductees into the prestigious BGCA Alumni Hall of Fame proves that the Club was indeed a "positive place."

"These individuals are shining examples of how Clubs shape the lives of young people, helping them fulfill their potential to BE GREAT - regardless of their backgrounds," said Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO of BGCA. "We are extremely proud of our alumni, their achievements and commitments to continue serving their local communities."

The Harris survey also revealed that 81 percent of alumni said Club participation helped them develop a sense of responsibility to their community, and an impressive 92 percent said that helping others is still a priority for them. The 2009 alumni inductees represent a wide range of professions and exhibit a genuine passion for giving back to their communities, both professionally and personally.

"This year's class of inductees represents the power and impact a Club has not only on character and development, but also on civic engagement," continued Spillett. "The 2009 inductees, as well as the other Alumni Hall of Fame members, are living proof that Boys & Girls Club programs work."

AHOF inductees are central to BGCA's new BE GREAT advocacy campaign that features Club alumni to illustrate the transformative power of a Boys & Girls Club experience and the value of the community-based organization. The campaign includes out-of-home advertising with childhood photos of a number of Club alumni, lead by national spokesperson Denzel Washington, and donated by OAAA - the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, which has chosen BGCA as the organization's official charity.

The most recent unveiling took place last month in Atlanta, when BGCA alumni and AHOF inductee Usher revealed his BE ICONIC billboard. Later this month, the host of EXTRA and fellow AHOF member Mario Lopez will unveil his contribution to the BE GREAT campaign, a billboard in Los Angeles. This billboard will mark BGCA's first foray into creating bi-lingual outdoor advertising.

Other distinguished members of BGCA's Alumni Hall of Fame include Academy award-winning actor and national spokesperson for BGCA Denzel Washington, along with Muhammad Ali, Swin Cash, Gen. Wesley Clark, Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Edward James Olmos, Shaquille O'Neal, Smokey Robinson, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Courtney B. Vance, Mark Wahlberg and Kerry Washington.

The 2009 class of honored alumni and their stories are as follows:

Ashanti Douglas, Glen Cove, N.Y.

Nicknamed the "Princess of Hip Hop," Ashanti performed for the very first time on the stage at the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club, where her mother, Tina Douglas, taught dance. She began writing songs in high school. Her 2002 debut album, Ashanti, landed at the #1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and R&B album charts and received a Grammy for best contemporary R&B album. She has released three hit studio albums since. In 2008, she partnered with jeweler Cartier on a "Love" bracelet benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Recently she joined the organization's BE GREAT campaign to inspire young people to pursue their dreams.

Barry Griswell, Atlanta, Ga.

Barry Griswell was only 4 when his parents divorced, forcing his mother to work two jobs. Barry found structure and support at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys Club. He joined the Club's 10-and-under basketball team, where his first award was for "most improved." Barry eventually attended Berry College on academic and athletic scholarships. Though he hoped to play basketball professionally, a sophomore-year economics course changed his plans. Barry entered the financial services industry instead, ultimately becoming chairman and CEO of Principal Financial Group. Currently president of the Des Moines Community Foundation, he founded the nonprofit Harvest Initiative, which supports Boys & Girls Clubs on South Dakota's Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation.

The Hon. Tim Irwin, Knoxville, Tenn.

As a juvenile court judge, Tim Irwin believes that "half the problems he sees" could be solved by participation in a Boys & Girls Club. His endorsement comes from experience - he attended the Caswell Avenue Boys Club for five years. Tim went on to a successful football career, playing 14 seasons in the NFL, 12 of them with the Minnesota Vikings. While still in the NFL, Tim pursued a law degree; he was appointed Knox County Juvenile Court Judge in 2005. Tim continues to give back to his Club in many ways, including through the annual Tim Irwin Bass Tournament, now in its 21st year, which benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

Usher Raymond IV, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Five-time Grammy-winner Usher discovered music at an early age, performing in the church choir and at talent shows. The Highland Park Boys Club gave him the motivation to pursue his dreams and fostered a love of community service. Discovered by a talent scout, the singer-songwriter released his self-titled debut album when he was just 15. He's since released seven more albums, selling more than 35 million copies worldwide. In 1999, he founded Usher's New Look, a nonprofit organization that gives youth a firsthand look at the business side of sports and entertainment. Usher has joined Boys & Girls Clubs of America's BE GREAT campaign to raise awareness of the impact of Clubs.

Mike Tomlin, Newport News, Va.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin credits his Boys Club with teaching him the "right way to compete." Mike went on to play football at the College of William and Mary. After coaching at the university level, he became the defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001. Named head coach of the Steelers in 2007, Mike made history last February as the youngest head coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory. Today, his sons are active members at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. Along with volunteering for their Club's baseball program, Mike recently hosted its flag football championship at the Steelers practice facility.