Uploaded on Sep 20, 2011
A new public service announcement, directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard with the support of producer Brian Grazer and Imagine Entertainment, dramatically illustrates the impact of the Boys & Girls Club Experience in transforming the lives of young people.
Debuting on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, the video features 21 notable Boys & Girls Club alumni including national co-spokespersons Denzel Washington and Jennifer Lopez, along with Ashanti, General Wesley Clark, Misty Copeland, John Paul DeJoria, Cuba Gooding Jr., Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mario Lopez, Ne-Yo, Edward James Olmos, Lucille O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal, Smokey Robinson, CC Sabathia, Martin Sheen, Courtney B. Vance, Kerry Washington and Shaun White. BGCA’s 2010 National Youth of the Year Mona Dixon rounded out the cast. The music heard in the announcement features Beyonce and was written by Diane Warren.
The PSA, titled “Great Futures Start Here,” was created to draw awareness about the critical issues — high school dropout rate, childhood obesity, youth violence — that puts millions of America’s kids, and the nation’s future, at risk.
Kids in every community deserve a chance at a great future. Boys & Girls Clubs provide high-impact, affordable programs, and caring adult mentorship to give kids an opportunity to learn and grow. Every day, Clubs around the world emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.