WVON HOLDS TELETHON TO KEEP DOORS OPEN AT MARTIN LUTHER KING BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

The economic recession has hit philanthropy and charitable giving. This, in turn, is making it increasingly difficult for organizations that depend upon public generosity to continue serving clients in need. One such agency is the Dr. Martin Luther King Boys & Girls Club at 2958 West Washington Boulevard. Lack of funding threatens the Club’s continued existence. It has served the needs of generations of West Side children over the years and, at a time when poverty, violence, and the lures of gangs and drugs are growing stronger and family ties are breaking down, its services are needed more than ever.
Melody Spann-Cooper, General Manager of WVON Radio, pledged the station’s support. It held a telethon at the Boys & Girls Club on Friday, March 11, with each program host broadcasting from the stage in the Club’s gym. Beginning with Matt McGill from 6:00-9:00 AM and continuing through Santita Jackson from 9:00-Noon, Rev. Al Sharpton making a special in-person visit for his show from 12:00-3:00 PM, and popular Cliff Kelley from 3:00-7:00 PM, each anchorperson aired their shows from the Boys & Girls Club.
An array of celebrities, business people, clergy, and ordinary citizens stopped by and called in to offer their monetary contributions and reminiscence about their experiences growing up at the Martin Luther King Boys & Girls Club. The goal was to raise $100,000 for the Club.
On Friday, March 25, the 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Dinner is being held at the Chicago Hyatt Regency Hotel, 151 East Wacker Drive. The theme is Transforming Dreams Across Generations. Award honorees for 2011 are Congressman Danny K. Davis; Dr. Alvenia Rhea Albright, founder of Rhea of Hope Foundation; Ray Anderson of CPS; and Larry Huggins, President of Riteway Huggins Construction Services. They join 87 previous winners as beacons to the young people the Club serves.
For tickets or to donate, contact Club Director Don Reed at 773/638-5464.