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Boys and Girls Club Grand Opening in Scottsdale
By: Alexandra Reed, Jrsuns.com & Becky Hornack, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale
On July 12, 2007, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale celebrated the grand opening of the Vestar Branch located in the Desert Ridge community of northeast Phoenix. Community leaders, elected officials, building donors, Jr. Suns and Jr. Mercury directors, local residents, and friends of the Club were invited to tour the new branch before the doors officially opened to summer programs on July 16. Prior to the official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, a friendly game of the schoolyard classic H-O-R-S-E took place on the Phoenix Suns’ basketball court. John Shumate, former Suns player and Mercury head coach made a special appearance by participating in the game. Shumate currently serves as a college scout for the Suns. In addition to playing on the new court, John also took time to sign a few autographs for fans. Influential player Steve Nash, along with local business and community leaders, serve on Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale’s “Expanding Horizons” campaign cabinet which helped to make the new Vestar Branch a reality. The campaign is a community-driven effort that serves to create an impact on today’s youth living in the rapidly growing Northeast Valley. “Building and operating safe, positive places for kids to go after school is the best way that we as a ‘team for youth’ can keep our eye on the ball. I’m proud to be involved with this campaign…” Nash stated. The new branch will also serve as a Jr. Suns and Jr. Mercury league partner. The Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury support existing recreational youth basketball leagues through programs for players, parents, coaches and officials. These leagues emphasize fun while encouraging fundamental skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, positive adult participation and community involvement. The Vestar Branch is a 27,000 square-foot facility and will serve more than 8,300 families in and around the northeast Phoenix area. The clubhouse has many exciting and innovative features, including:
• Gymnasium with a basketball court sponsored by the Phoenix Suns |
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