Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City offers HOPE to academically capable and motivated boys in need. They are given life-changing academic opportunities, a safe family-like home Winter 2016 in which to live, and nurturing to Newsletter reach their full potential. From Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City 10 Years of HOPE! 2016 has been full of new adventures, hard work, fun and As we celebrate 10 years, we are so thankful that you have laughter, challenges and new opportunities for the BHGH been a part of the “village” of friends who have supported of KC scholars and family. Most of all, it’s been a year full of the mission of BHGH of KC and our scholars. hope and reflection as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the BHGH of KC residence being open to the bright boys On September 9th, BHGH of KC hosted a special 10th and young men we call our scholars. Anniversary thank you event for partners and major contributors at Sporting Kansas City’s Three Points Because of supporters like you, BHGH of KC offers a new Club. This event also served as the annual Scholar environment and an amazing home where gifted and Recommitment Ceremony, where each scholar gave committed scholars come to live, and either find or nourish a speech which outlined his personal commitment to this phenomenon we call hope. They come from different working hard to achieve his goals, and his special thanks backgrounds and varied circumstances, but they come with to the BHGH of KC family for supporting him. one thing in common: they want an opportunity for the brightest future they can dream of. Whether you started this journey with BHGH of KC in the early 2000’s, came alongside us when the house The dedicated BHGH of KC team and our volunteers provide opened in 2006, or joined the family since, we extend the day-to-day support as mentors and positive role models our thanks to all who have helped to support BHGH who are so crucial to each scholar’s development. There is no of KC for the past ten years—our community partners, substitute for the encouragement and hope that comes from volunteers, contributors and Kansas City community. talking and building relationships with respected adults. THANK YOU for giving HOPE!! Your Monthly Gift Makes A Big Difference! Hope springs eternal for the scholars Your monthly gift can help BHGH of KC keep its promise to be there 24/7/365 for our scholars. The unique of BHGH of KC. It is with gratitude BHGH of KC model exists to serve a small number of bright, capable children in a comprehensive way, over an and confidence in their bright futures extended period of years. A boy can remain in the program from age 10 through college graduation. It takes the support of many who understand and appreciate that a nurturing home environment is critical to a child’s success. that we share stories of fellowship, achievement and good things to come. It’s easy to set up a monthly recurring gift at bhghkc.org! Thank You 2016 Circle of Hope Benefit Breakfast Supporters! Thank you to the following sponsors and table hosts for your support of this year’s Circle of Hope Benefit Breakfast on November 15! See photos and captions for the highlights from our most inspirational morning of the year! Keynote Speaker Darol Rodrock, President BHGH of KC’s former President and longtime of Rodrock Development shared his story supporter Russ Koca with current President of the of hope and how faith and education Board, Dan Hogan of Lockton Companies SPONSORS changed the course of his life PARTNERS Tom and Molly Freeman David and Barbara Tonnies Drs. Brian and Jennifer Weiford FRIENDS Left to Right: Scholars Ahmad Louis, Ja Robertson, J’Ron Collins, Danielson Ike, Executive Director Kimberly Hines, Darol Rodrock, Scholar Darius Washington and Sevin Robertson, Collegian Cecil Keyes and Program Director Amos Johnson III John and Susan Crowe Paul Damon Richard and Lauren English Kevin and Connie Fahey Cecil and Mel Mallin, who Cecil thanked Jim and Becky Graham for changing his life, posed for a photo with Mel’s Founder’s Circle plaque TABLE HOSTS Collegian Cecil Keyes gave his insights on BHGH of Jeanie Brewster KC’s impact and introduced mentor and friend Mel Marianne Damon Mallin as the newest Founder’s Circle Honoree Colliers International Construction & Planning Services Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley Matthew and Meryn Goehausen Bernadette Miller and Family Morgan Stanley | Jeff Angold Shelley O’Brien Al and Anne Simmons Mr. Rodrock surprises the audience by Sporting Kansas City introducing his elementary teacher Charlotte Teuscher who he credits with helping him Wagstaff & Cartmell | Chris Schnieders find faith and know his value Winbury Group The Rockhurst High School Choral Ensemble SPECIAL THANKS performed under the direction of Sam Anderson Scott Fiss Greg Harkness Indian Hills Country Club Rockhurst High School Music Dept. Danielle Reid Darol Rodrock and Team Trader Joe’s Lauren English Jerry Riffel, Photographer BHGH of KC’s Kimberly Hines presents a plaque of special recognition to retiring Centerpieces were beautifully designed by Lauren BHGH International CEO Paul Minorini English with flowers donated by Trader Joe’s 2 Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City Journal of HOPE | Winter 2016 Service in Action Our scholars are passionate about all sorts of causes, community needs and being champions of social justice. Here are a few of the organizations the BHGH of KC family served this year. Along with vol- unteering for these organizations and other projects for individual families in need, the scholars partici- pate in service leadership and reflection activities. Episcopal Community Meals: Served a meal and offered hospitality at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Scholars and friends following an inspirational message in the press room with Darol Rodrock and Royals General Manager Dayton Moore at “C” You at the “K” at Kauffman Stadium. Mommas on a Mission: Attended a charity walk and rally to support families who lost someone to MISSION homicide in Kansas City. Boys Hope Girls Hope helps academically capable and motivated boys in need to meet their full potential and become men for others by providing a value- The Single Mom KC: Served at a luncheon to celebrate and support local single mothers. centered, family-like home, opportunities and education through college. Mosaic Bible Fellowship: Helped set up equipment, activities and games for Piano Park More 2016 Highlights! Community Outreach. No Joey Foundation Back to School Event: Acted as ambassadors of BHGH of KC, engaging APRIL: The 16th was National Day of Service for the Boys Hope Girls Hope network. BHGH of KC scholars, with the community, parents and their children. team and dedicated friends and volunteers went out to serve a family in need in Kansas City. We shared some coffee with an elderly couple battling sickness and helped them with some much-needed lawn maintenance. Legacy Foundation: Volunteered for the “We We were referred to this family by our community partner Mosaic Bible Fellowship. The scholars recognized Can’t Wait to get Fit” event, in partnership with the that only months before, the family had served at the BHGH of KC residence. It’s a beautiful thing to be able Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and our to give reciprocally in compassion and service. own Residential Counselor Jonathan Smith. MAY: BHGH of KC, along with Supporting Kids Foundation, hosted Run for the Roses, a Kentucky Derby watch party at Westport Ale House to raise funds. More than 225 people came decked out in their brightest clothes and biggest hats to buy raffle tickets and place bets on their favorite horses. The beautiful weather and fun music made for a perfect day, and over $15,000 was raised for the two charities! SUMMER: Because BHGH is a year round program, scholars, and some collegians, stay at the BHGH house all summer, focusing on continuing their education, participating in summer sports, and attending summer enrichment activities. Sophomore, Junior and Senior scholars held jobs at Blue Valley Sports Complex, The BHGH of KC service team during the 2016 Inspire Landscape, Minsky’s, Papa Johns and Trader Joe’s. National Day of Service JUNE: BHGH of KC hosted the Golf Fore Hope Tournament, this year at Deer Creek Country Club. Over a hundred players came out for some friendly competition and to support BHGH of KC. Together, all the golfers raised nearly $45,000. JULY: TheWashington, D.C. Experience was July 17-22 (See next page for the story!) AUGUST: BHGH of KC was invited to attend “C” You at the “K”, an unforgettable evening at Kauffman Stadium as guests of the “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation. The scholars attended batting practice, took photos with and got autographs from Royals Manager Ned Yost, heard inspirational talks from Royals Scholars and team members following Health & General Manager Dayton Moore and Darol Rodrock, then enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by the game. Wellness life skills session with Registered Dietician and Each scholar received an autographed copy of “More Than A Season” by Dayton Moore. author Joan O’Keefe, CEO & Founder of CardioTabs EVERY OTHER MONTH: The scholars have enjoyed hosting outreach events this year at the BHGH of KC residence. Pizza and Poetry Night in February celebrated famous African-American poets and writers, as well as some of their own original work! Pizza and Karaoke Night in April and the Pizza and Game Night SAVE THE DATE in June were great opportunities for friends of BHGH of KC to spend time at the house, engage with the for scholars, and introduce new people to the BHGH of KC mission and program.