]]> http://wwbgc.net/?feed=rss2&p=357 http://wwbgc.net/?p=225 http://wwbgc.net/?p=225#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:13:35 +0000 sjackson http://wwbgc.net/?p=225

ALEX VON FURSTENBERG PLEDGES SUPPORT TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB; FUNDS HELP UNDERWRITE NEW SYMPHONY PROGRAM

Pledge from the Alex von Furstenberg and The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation brings music programming to the Roy W. Roberts, II – Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club

December 17, 2009 — Roy W. Roberts, II – Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club (WWBGC) is pleased to announce a special gift from The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation that will help sustain Club facilities and provide support towards the organization’s newly created Symphony Orchestra program.

Alex von Furstenberg, Director and Secretary of The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, met with WWBGC’s Executive Director Les Jones in September to learn more about the organization and the youth that it serves. He made a $50,000 commitment to improving the Los Angeles Club before he left the grounds.

“I am a big admirer of what this organization is achieving and I truly enjoyed visiting the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club” said Alex von Furstenberg. “I feel strongly that during these difficult times we should be generous with our time and resources, particularly in areas like this that tend to be ignored for what seems like more urgent issues. Inspiring and enabling young people can’t wait for better times and is a key objective of our Foundation.”

Responded Les Jones, “This investment by The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation adds value to our community because it provides hope and opportunity to disadvantaged, underserved youth. We address the emotional, intellectual, social and physical needs of each of our members so they grow beyond high school to become productive and responsible citizens. As important as it is to help them graduate from high school and go on to college, it is also important to provide them with access to cultural programs to which they have no access at all.”

This $50,000 grant will enable Watts/Willowbrook to jumpstart their Symphony Orchestra music program which will include instruction, appreciation, and access to a diverse array of music. Children will learn to play violins, viola, cellos and bass instruments by teachers trained in “El Sistema,” the world-renowned music outreach and education program in Venezuela.

The WWBGC Symphony Orchestra held its first orientation with youth and their parents on December 9, 2009.

ABOUT THE DILLER – VON FURSTENBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION

Alex von Furstenberg serves as the Director and Secretary of The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, a private family foundation which provides philanthropic support to various 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.  Founded in 1999, the Foundation is guided by the shared values, concerns and passions of the Diller – von Furstenberg family.  As its central goal, the Foundation aims to positively impact the world by improving people’s lives and strengthening communities.  To achieve this objective, the Foundation supports organizations which either provide people opportunities for which they would not otherwise have access, or which sustainably improve a community as a whole.  The primary recipients of the Foundation’s support are organizations within the following sectors: Community Building, Education, Human Rights, Arts, Health and the Environment. For more information please visit http://www.alexvonfurstenberg.org

ABOUT ROY W. ROBERTS, II – WATTS/WILLOWBROOK BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

The primary mission of the Roy W. Roberts, II - Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club (http://wwbgc.net/) is consistent with that of Boys & Girls Clubs of America: “To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” We endeavor to assure and enhance the quality of life for boys and girls as participating members of a richly diverse society. With special concern for the disadvantaged, our organization assists children to realize their potential for growth and development. Our organization is fully aware of the influences of today’s urban environment. As a result we work to provide our youth with relevant programs and services which demonstrate that we care for them and for their development. In striving towards our mission we seek to provide services based on the principles which will achieve the health, social, educational, vocational, character and leadership development of our membership. The organization provides delinquency prevention and youth development programs and services for boys and girls, ages seven through eighteen. Over the years the Roy W. Roberts, II -Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club has been a stable, positive force in the lives of thousands of young people - a beacon of hope, encouragement and possibilities.

If you are interested in signing your child up for the Watts-Willowbrook Conservatory and want to know more, please visit Programs page on our website.

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In October, American Idol winner Ruben Studdard visited the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club located in Los Angeles. Studdard, a Club alumnus from Birmingham, Ala., spent time reading with members during Power Hour, the homework help program which is receiving financial assistance from the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund/Idol Gives Back grant.

While there, he emphasized the importance of education and caring Club staff, who encourage Club members to do their best.

Studdard listened to the kids, read books and visited the Club’s technology center. Power Hour, BGCA’s homework help program, received a helping hand from Studdard as he participated in a reading circle with Club members. He also spent time with Les Jones, the chief professional officer for the Los Angeles Club.

The Charity Projects Entertainment Fund/Idol Gives Back fund supports children living in distressed communities by providing educational resources.