Local female leaders make lasting connections with 100 Boys & Girls Clubs girls at inaugural event
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ (May 8, 2018) – Riley and Yaya were among the 100 Club girls paired with a local female leader for a night of fun, inspiration and mentorship as part of a Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale inaugural event called Girls Night Out.
For these two Club kids it turned out to be much more. “Tonight was the best night ever, my mentor is like my new soul sister,” said YaYa
Riley from the Lehi Branch was matched with Jessica Dempsey, an HonorHealth nurse. These two made an immediate and lasting bond.
“Being a mentor at Girls Night Out was so fulfilling,” said Dempsey. “Riley and I bonded quickly and had so much fun together. It was amazing to watch how the girls reacted to the activities, speakers and special attention they received that night. I would do it all over again if I could.”
“After meeting Jessy at Girls Night Out, now it’s like I have another sister,” said Riley of her mentor. “I can’t wait to see her again some time!”
During Girls Night Out, mentors and mentees rotated through activity stations, listened to speakers and girls got a chance to meet someone who is a living example of what they aspire to be when they grow up. Girls ages 9 – 12 took surveys to match their interests with mentors who were recruited to participate.
“It was incredible to see the smiles on the young girls’ and mentors’ faces as they moved through activity stations and listened to speakers,” said Dr. Lisa Hurst, BGCS President & CEO. “I can tell that the bonds created at Girls Night Out will be lasting connections. I think mentors enjoyed their time with our kids as much as our girls enjoyed meeting someone who truly embodies who they want to be one day. That was something truly special to see.”
Activity stations included: Zumba, yoga, jewelry making, car simulations, arts and crafts, slime making and a beauty station. Local businesses brought staff and resources to provide these activities. Buffalo Wild Wings donated all food for the event and As You Wish provided the painting supplies.
Marena Sever, Arizona State Youth of the Year and Thunderbirds Branch teen, spoke to open the evening’s activities. “In my ten years at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, I have always been surrounded by amazing and fierce female role models,” said Sever. I hope to be one of those figures for Club girls in Arizona with my title as State Youth of the Year.”
Sandra Munoz, founder of latinaology.com spoke to girls and mentors with the message to follow your dreams and “set your souls on fire.”
Riley and Jessica aren’t the only ones who want more of Girls Night Out. According to Emma of the Piper Branch, “The mentors helped give us self-confidence and courage. You should do this every year!”
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ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SCOTTSDALE
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) serves thousands of youth at nine Clubs located within the communities of Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Fountain Hills, Mesa, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Hualapai Nation.
Research shows that the more time youth spend at a Boys & Girls Club, the more likely they are to feel more connected to school and have greater post-secondary aspirations. The door to our kids’ futures is often crowded by temptation and misdirection making it difficult for them to reach their full potential.
Inside our doors, youth development professionals and mentors provide guidance, support and encouragement in an enriching and safe environment. Our outcome-based programming assures that success is in reach for all kids and teens who enter our doors, no matter their circumstances.
