Press Release: Gov. Evers to Receive Boys & Girls Clubs of America State Alliance Champion of the Year Award

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 05/04/2022 01:45 PM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2022
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers to Receive Boys & Girls Clubs of America State Alliance Champion of the Year Award
Award recognizes elected official's commitment to issues impacting youth and out-of-school time providers 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers will tomorrow accept the Boys & Girls Clubs of America State Alliance Champion of the Year Award at their 2022 National Conference in Chicago. The award recognizes leaders and decision makers who make significant contributions to the nation’s youth along with organizations that serve them, like the Boys & Girls Clubs. 

“I have been proud to support the work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin throughout my career, and I’ve been especially glad to have the opportunity as governor to make meaningful investments to amplify this organization’s work in my home state,” said Gov. Evers. “I am honored and grateful to be receiving this award and I’m excited for the work we have ahead of us in doing all we can to make a difference for our kids.” 

The State Alliance Champion Award is given to a leader who has exhibited an unwavering commitment and passion toward advocating for issues that will positively impact Boys & Girls Clubs and the youth they serve. A State Alliance Champion enthusiastically goes above and beyond to not only be a voice for youth issues but to provide youth with a voice to create change in their communities and the world around them.

“Governor Evers is the pinnacle of what it means to be a champion for youth,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “He is a familiar, friendly face at Clubs across Wisconsin and always makes time to speak with youth about their concerns, hopes, and dreams. As a lifelong educator, he understands America’s kids are our future leaders, and that all youth need access to skills, experiences and mentors that can help them achieve their true potential. That makes him a true champion.”

According to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Gov. Evers is being awarded this honor for his advocacy for critical funding that enables providers like Boys & Girls Clubs to continue doing their vital work while reaching even more youth, as well as for hosting Wisconsin Boys & Girls Club members at the State Capitol and visiting Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state to see how their programming is impacting youth. Additionally, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America cited Gov. Evers’ efforts to host countless virtual and in-person town halls with youth on different issues, including youth mental health, and his work with fellow 2022 Innovation Award Winner Michael Johnson, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, to erect a statue of prominent Wisconsin civil rights activist and trailblazer, Vel Phillips, who holds many “firsts” in the state of Wisconsin, including the first woman to be elected secretary of state and first African American to be elected to statewide office. 
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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