Denzel Washington
BE INSPIRED

Growing up in Mount Vernon, N.Y., Denzel Washington had parents who were both busy with full-time jobs. After school and most weekends, he needed a place to go. Fortunately, there was a Boys & Girls Club near by. In fact, Denzel recalls, he couldn't wait to be old enough to join.

At the Club, Denzel found support, friendship and encouragement. Field trips opened his eyes to a wider world. The Club also motivated him to strive for a college education.

The two-time Academy Award winner credits the Club - and the staff there - for inspiring him to believe that he could achieve anything he set his mind to. "The Club is where I looked for hope, purpose and direction," Washington says. "That's where I learned to dream - and to think big."

Club: Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
Occupation: Actor
Member Since: 1962

Jackie Joyner-Kersee
BE GOLD

Jackie Joyner-Kersee grew up in East St. Louis, Ill. It was a tough neighborhood, and she could have taken the wrong path in life. Luckily, Jackie had a Boys & Girls Club to keep her focused on her dreams and her potential.

The six-time Olympian track and field star, often regarded as the world's greatest all-around female athlete, is also a champion of youth.

Jackie continues to be deeply involved with Boys & Girls Clubs. In 1999, she opened one in her hometown so that other kids could benefit from the same Club experiences she enjoyed growing up.

Club Location: East St. Louis, Ill.
Occupation: Professional Athlete
Member Since: 1971

Martin Sheen
BE PASSIONATE

Martin Sheen grew up in the South Park district of Dayton, Ohio. The son of immigrant parents from Ireland and Spain, he was one of 10 children - which could sometimes make it tough to get an adult's attention.

But Sheen had something else: he also belonged to a local Boys & Girls Club. Martin and his six brothers spent almost every waking moment there. They also found a mentor in Club director Whitey Gates, who had a tremendous impact on their lives.

To this day, the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor credits the caring Club staff with providing mentorship and guidance when he needed it most.

Club Location: Dayton, Ohio
Occupation: Actor and Activist
Member Since: 1946

Shaquille O'Neal
BE AN MVP

For Shaquille O'Neal, the Boys & Girls Club was a safe, supportive place to play basketball in his hometown of Newark, N.J. Encouraged by the staff, he became interested in Club programs and activities, especially those involving technology.

In 1998, Shaq pledged $1 million to Boys & Girl Clubs of America to help build technology centers in Clubs. He also collaborated with BGCA and Microsoft to create an online safety program for kids.

During the last decade, Shaq's legacy has grown to include some 2,000 tech centers in Clubs and thousands of tech-savvy young people. Shaq continues to support Boys & Girls Clubs, never forgetting how critical it is to give kids hope and opportunity.

Club Location: Newark, N.J.
Occupation: NBA Center
Member Since: 1982

General Wesley Clark
BE BRAVE

Wesley Clark grew up in Little Rock, Ark., in the 1950s. Then, as now, it was easy to get in trouble if you didn't have the right place to go. So he went to the Boys & Girls Club.

While there, Wes found two mentors who would have a profound impact on his life. One was the Club director. The other was the swim coach. They had completely different styles, but were equally effective motivating kids. Wes met the challenges both men set.

Later, Wes attended West Point, graduating first in his class. He earned a Rhodes scholarship and an Oxford degree. In the Army, he rose to four-star general and NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. He still attributes much of his success to life lessons learned at the Club.

Club Location: Little Rock, Ark.
Occupation: General, U.S. Army (retired)
Member Since: 1959

Kool & The Gang
BE KOOL

Kool & the Gang include Khalis Bayyan (a.k.a. Ronald Bell), Robert Kool Bell, George Funky Brown, Charles Claydes Smith and Dennis DT Thomas. Five men, united by a common background, a love of music and a Boys & Girls Club: it's the Grammy Award-winning R&B group Kool & The Gang.

They started as musical teenagers in the Jersey City projects, singing in basements and community centers, and rehearsing at the Boys & Girls Club on Ash Street. They made their first album while still in their teens.

Now, 30 years later, the group has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide, working in their own unique style that incorporates jazz, R&B, funk and pop.

Club Location: New Jersey
Occupation: R&B Group

Ne-Yo
BE A GENTLEMAN

As a child growing up in the inner-city of Las Vegas, Shaffer Smith -- also known as singer/songwriter/entertainer Ne-Yo -- and his sister Nicole took refuge in Boys & Girls Clubs in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nev. His mom, Loraine, recognized that while young Shaffer was talented, he was also bored and needed an outlet. She turned to her nearby Club.

Now a successful recording artist, Ne-Yo remembers his roots by giving back to the organization which gave him and his family security and fun. In December 2009, Ne-Yo’s nonprofit foundation hosted its 3rd Annual Giving Tour at the Lied Memorial Boys & Girls Club, with the Grammy-Award winner personally delivering MP3 players, bicycles, toys, and big hugs, to more than 500 deserving youth at the Club.

Club Location: Las Vegas, Nev.
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter/Entertainer

Jennifer Lopez
BE EXTRAORDINARY

Actress, singer and dancer: in the entertainment world, this is known as a "triple threat."

Club alumna Jennifer Lopez is all that and more. Lopez honed her performing skills at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx, N.Y., where she was an early member of the Club's renowned performing arts program. Lopez made her feature film debut in 1995. Her 1997 portrayal of slain Tejana singing star Selena won Lopez a Best Actress award from American Latino Media Arts. A popular recording artist, Lopez's Grammy-nominated 1999 debut album, On the 6, sold more than 6 million copies worldwide.

Club Location: New York, N.Y.
Occupation: Actress/Singer

Bernard Shaw

Bernard Shaw is one of the most celebrated broadcast journalists in America. His many awards include two Emmys. Four Cable ACEs and a Peabody. His live reporting from Tiananmen Square and the 1991 Gulf War electrified the world. Shaw also won acclaim for his political coverage, anchoring countless hours of elections, conventions and debates.

And it all started for this veteran journalist at a Chicago Boys' Club, which he joined in order to play baseball. Shaw is perhaps best known as principal anchor at CNN from its launch in 1980 until his retirement in 2001.

Reflecting on the value of the Club experience, Shaw says, "Boys & Girls Clubs are the true prep schools for the citizenship of life."

Club Location: Chicago, Ill.
Occupation: Broadcast Journalist

Chamique Holdsclaw

WNBA basketball player Chamique Holdsclaw credits the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens with teaching her the persistence she needed to achieve her goals.

The Atlanta Dream player's achievements - from a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics to playing three consecutive All-Star games - are impressive. The University of Tennessee's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, she led the Lady Vols to three NCAA championships - all while volunteering in the Knoxville Boys & Girls Club's Summer Reading Program.

The 1999 WNBA Rookie of the Year has also published a book, Chamique: On Family, Focus and Basketball.

Club Location: Queens, N.Y.
Occupation: WNBA Forward

Mike Tomlin

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.

Club Location: Newport News, Va.
Occupation: NFL Coach

Ashanti Douglas
BE AMAZING

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 recently joined the organization's BE GREAT campaign to inspire young people to pursue their dreams.

Club Location: Glen Cove, N.Y.
Occupation: Singer

Courtney B. Vance
BE FOCUSED

Detroit has seen turbulent times, but some of the worst happened during Courtney Vance's childhood. "The Detroit riots went right by my house," he recalls. But his parents had high expectations for him, and they found the support they needed at the Boys & Girls Club.

With the guidance of counselor George Browne, Courtney won a scholarship to Detroit's most prestigious prep school. There, he stood out as a top-notch student, as well as captain of the school's football, basketball and track teams. Harvard came next, then Yale Drama School, and eventually, feature films, Broadway plays and two Tony awards.

Still, he says, "I would not be doing what I'm doing today if it wasn't for the Club."

Club Location: Highland Park, Michigan
Occupation: Actor

Swin Cash

WNBA forward Swin Cash joined the McKeesport Boys & Girls Club at age 7, taking part in Club activities – especially athletics – until high school. By then, it was clear she had the makings of a basketball star.

After graduation, Cash headed to the University of Connecticut, where she helped the Huskies win two national championships. In 2002, she was the team's leading scorer and rebounder, and was named most outstanding player of the NCAA Final Four. Less than a month later, the Detroit Shock made her the second overall choice in the WNBA draft, with Cash leading the team in points and rebounds. A member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic women's basketball team in 2004, the two-time WNBA champion and All Star now plays for the Seattle Storm.

Club Location: McKeesport, Pa.
Occupation: WNBA Forward

Jimmy Rollins
BE a champion

Known as "J-Roll," Jimmy Rollins plays shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies, the 2008 World Champions of Major League Baseball.

While he now calls New Jersey home, Rollins hails from a working class neighborhood near Oakland where he attended the Alameda Boys & Girls Club. He spent his younger years playing Babe Ruth and AAU Jr. Olympics baseball. The All-Star player realizes that he serves as a role model for kids.

"We as athletes have to always remember that kids are watching and must lead by example," says Rollins.

Club Location: Alameda, Calif.
Occupation: MLB Shortstop

Dayna Wiedenkeller

When Dayna Wiedenkeller was growing up in Locust Valley, the nearby Grenville Baker Boys Club didn't allow girls. That didn't stop Dayna, who put on a boy's cap and snuck in to play ping pong, shoot pool, and have fun.

Today, Dr. Wiedenkeller is an accomplished veterinarian and president of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association - and she doesn't regret violating Club policy one bit. "It felt right to break the rules, because what I received in the end made it worth it," she says. "It was a saving grace for me."

More recently, Dayna served as the president of the Garden Grove (Calif.) Boys & Girls Club, an organization her family has been involved with for some 20 years.

Club Location: Locust Valley, N.Y.
Occupation: Veterinarian

Cuba Gooding Jr.
BE STRONG

Unlike many kids who come to Boys & Girls Clubs, Cuba Gooding Jr. was born into privilege. When he was a kid, his father's band had a hit song that went all the way to No. 2 on the charts.

Then, while Cuba was in fifth grade, his parents divorced. Cuba, his mother and brother drifted from place to place, living in hotel rooms, cars and a series of apartments. Still, there was one place he was always welcome: the Boys & Girls Club.

By high school, Cuba and his friends had become skilled break dancers. The Club gave them a safe haven to practice, far from the streets, gangs, and the daily struggle of getting by. Club staff helped them believe in themselves, set priorities and grow.

Cuba went on to dance during the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics. Acting success followed, including Boyz n the Hood, A Few Good Men and an Academy Award for Jerry Maguire.

Club Location: Tustin, California
Occupation: Actor

Shonnetta Henry

Shonnetta Henry, BGCA's 2008 National Youth of the Year, is a former member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. As a college freshman, her resume already includes a meeting with former President George W. Bush in the Oval Office, speaking engagements with Congress and countless leadership roles and achievements.

A graduate from Denver's East High School, Henry was active in the Black Student Alliance, the varsity speech team, the East Theatre Company and more, while maintaining an academic schedule that included five Advanced Placement courses and two accelerated courses.

Henry's busy schedule has not kept her from making a difference at her Club. In addition to heavy college workloads, Shonnetta still finds time to help younger Club members with their homework.

Club Location: Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
Occupation: College Student

Joe Morgan

Joe Morgan is best known for his achievements as second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, winning back-to-back MVP awards in 1975 and 1976 with the Reds winning the World Series both years.

Born in 1943, Joe began attending the Boys Club in Oakland, Calif., at age 7. A self-described sports fanatic, young Joe was active in Club baseball and basketball. His talent on the diamond began to take shape at age 14. By age 19, Morgan was in the major leagues. After five Gold Gloves and 22 seasons, Morgan retired from professional baseball in 1984. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame six years later. For more than a decade, Morgan has been an analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.

Club Location: Oakland, Calif.
Occupation: Professional Athlete/Sports Analyst

Sara Delano Roosevelt
BE a legacy

A former Club member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester, N.Y, Sara has never ventured too far from the Club. While now a busy mom of three boys, Sara still finds time to serve on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, Fla.

As a young girl, Sara loved to swim at the Club and through the years has kept her passion for swimming, as well as tennis and yoga. A former fashion merchandiser, she is a literary enthusiast, youth advocate and history buff.

In fact, you might say her interest in history came naturally. Sara is the great-granddaughter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, and is named after FDR’s mother.

Club Location: Mt. Kisco, N.Y.
Occupation: Mom/Former Merchandiser

Kerry Washington
BE A DREAMER

Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club has a reputation for giving a boost to achievers in the performing arts. One shining example: actress Kerry Washington.

Kerry was a regular at the Club, where she immersed herself in the dance program. From that supportive atmosphere, she moved on to New York's prestigious Spence School, and then to the theater program at George Washington University.

At GWU, she also found a perfect outlet for her passion for community service. Working with the local theater community, she helped form "Shades of the Fine Arts," a support system for people of color in the arts.

Washington has won widespread praise for her performance as Della Ray Robinson in Ray. Her other films include Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Fantastic Four and Spike Lee's She Hate Me.

Club Location: Bronx, New York
Occupation: Actor

C.J. "Pete" Silas

Pete Silas, former chairman and CEO of Phillips Petroleum Co., was a charter member of Miami's first Boys & Girls Club, which took him "from the outfield to the oilfield." In 1953 Silas earned a chemical engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was captain of the basketball team and, at graduation, a draft pick of the Minneapolis Lakers. Silas began a successful career at Phillips Petroleum instead but retained his love of basketball, playing on the team that won the 1955 Pan American games while he was in the Army. A life member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Board of Governors, he previously served as the national organization's chairman.

Club Location: Miami, Fla.
Occupation: Former Chairman and CEO of Phillips Petroleum Co.

Brooke Bennett

Three-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Brooke Bennett first visited the Jim Walter Interbay Boys & Girls Club with her grandfather, James Lane, when she was 5 years old. Bennett was immediately drawn to the Club pool and was soon the fastest kid in the water. When she was 9, she began work with renowned coach Peter Banks, competing in the 1994 World Championships just five years later.

At 16, Bennett earned a spot on the 1996 Olympic team, bringing home the gold in the 800-meter freestyle. She returned to the Olympics in 2000, earning gold medals in both the 400- and 800-meter freestyle events.

Club Location: Tampa, Fla.
Occupation: Professional Athlete

Naquasia Pinchback

"The Club is an organization that motivates youngsters to succeed. It is a safe place for teens to express themselves openly." says Naquasia Pinchback, a former member of Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club in New York and BGCA's 2008 Northeast Regional Youth of the Year.

Pinchback found her place at the Club, where she discovered a passion for helping others with homework. Seeing youngsters struggle with math, Pinchback developed a tutoring program for elementary-aged children in the Club.

Today, Pinchback attends St. John's University where she studies law and education.

Club Location: Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club (Glen Cove, N.Y.)
Occupation: College Student

Usher Raymond IV
BE ICONIC

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. "It's where I developed my love of singing and performing, received help with my homework, and it's where I found a safe place to go after school," said Usher.

Discovered by a talent scout, the singer-songwriter released his self-titled debut album when he was just 14. He's since released six 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.

Club Location: Chattanooga, Tenn.
Occupation: Singer

Mario Lopez
BE A STAR

Before making a name for himself in entertainment, actor and talk show host Mario Lopez was a wrestler at the Chula Vista Boys & Girls Club, earning Club-wide and state championships.

His first acting role was in the television series AKA Pablo, but it was as high school jock A.C. Slater on the NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell that he would become best known. Subsequent credits include Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story, and the thriller Outta Time, which he also produced.

Lopez also has hosted several television shows, including Pet Star, America's Most Talented Kid, and the talk show The Other Half. Lopez is the current host for Extra.

Club Location: Chula Vista, Calif.
Occupation: Actor/Television Host

Felicia Arriaga

Since second grade, Felicia Arriaga has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County in North Carolina. Despite difficult family circumstances and speaking English as a second language, Arriaga excelled in academics and civic engagement with the help of her Club.

The Club helped to build Arriaga's confidence as well as her leadership skills: she managed several community service projects while volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and the Mainstay Women's Shelter.

Arriaga is only the second person in her family to graduate high school, and the first in her family to attend college. She is currently a student at Duke University. Arriaga serves as BGCA's 2008 Southeast Regional Youth of the Year.

Club Location: Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County (N.C.)
Occupation: College Student

Ruben Studdard
BE AN IDOL

Ruben Studdard is a Grammy-nominated pop, R&B and gospel singer who captured global attention as winner of the second season of American Idol. He's also someone with a deep affinity for community - an affinity influenced by time spent at the Boys & Girls Club. "I had some of the best times of my life there," he recalls.

Today, he's deeply involved in helping children develop both artistic and social skills. In 2003, he founded the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts. He's also a regular speaker at Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the country. "It has special meaning for me," he says. "I'm a product of the Clubs."

Club Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Occupation: Singer

Dr. Patrick Kelly

Years before becoming a distinguished neurological surgeon, Patrick Kelly joined the East Aurora Boys & Girls Club seeking refuge from a chaotic home life. There, he found friends and role models, particularly then-Club director H. Kenneth Whitney, who taught him compassion, courtesy and respect.

The only person in his family to finish high school, Kelly joined the Navy during his final year of medical school, requesting assignment to a surgical unit in Vietnam. Dr. Kelly's numerous honors include the prestigious Van Wagenen fellowship from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and his appointment as chair of New York University's department of neurology.

Club Location: East Aurora, N.Y.
Occupation: Neurological Surgeon

Jamaal Phillips

Jamaal Phillips, BGCA's 2008 Midwest Regional Youth of the Year, could one day play in the NFL. But thanks to the Club, if he doesn't make the NFL, he's okay.

A member of Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club of St. Louis for 10 years, Phillips learned critical lifeskills at the Club, helping other Clubs who were victims of Hurricane Katrina and working as a summer camp counselor.

Currently, Phillips attends the University of Arkansas on a full academic and athletic scholarship.

Club Location: Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club (St. Louis, Mo.)
Occupation: College Student