Boys and Girls Clubs Steak & Steak Dinner set for June 17

• “I Know I Can!” Sparks Excitement

“I Know I Can!” will be the theme resounded by members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson and George Counties at their 12th Annual Steak & Steak Dinner. The major fundraiser will be held Thursday, June 17, 2004, in the Jackson County Civic Center.

A silent auction and reception begin at 6 p.m., and dinner is at 7 p.m. All proceeds support the programs and activities for more than 1,500 youth served by the organization.

Special entertainment related to this year’s exciting theme will be provided by BGC members, who will celebrate their belief in themselves to reach their own goals and dreams.

Greg Smith—a nationally recognized motivational speaker and syndicated radio broadcaster—will be the guest speaker. Smith has himself overcome the challenge of muscular dystrophy to pursue a rewarding career in broadcast journalism, ranging from sports to spotlight on living with disabilities.

Smith sends a strong message to youth and adults alike as host of the syndicated radio show, “The Strength Coach with Greg Smith”—focusing on “inner strength” to achieve one’s goals. Donning the attire of an athletic coach, Smith inspires his audience in an uplifting way from the confines of his wheelchair.

“Boys and Girls Clubs are the best thing going for so many kids, many of whom come from disadvantaged circumstances,” said Smith. “The way to build inner strength is by lifting the weights of life’s challenges. Motivation is fleeting, but inner strength is the enduring foundational force for success and happiness in life.”

2004 Steak & Steak Dinner Chairpersons Connie Moran and Roosevelt Hubbard invite the public to support the event. “We are looking forward to the kids sharing their excitement about “I Know I Can!” with the community,” said Hubbard. “Greg Smith is a living example of those values.”

“Greg draws a great deal of inspiration from great athletes and their desire to be victorious,” Moran added, “just as many of our Boys and Girls Clubs members and we all do.”

A native Mississippian, Smith is the 11-Year Host and Founder of "On A Roll - Talk Radio on Life & Disability", which was featured in an award winning documentary film. He is an Honoree in the National Liberty Museum's "Exceptional Americans" Exhibit in Philadelphia, Pa., alongside Stevie Wonder, Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox, Ray Charles and Mohammed Ali. Tables are $500 each, which includes six guests plus two Boys & Girls Clubs members. Several levels of sponsorship are available with recognition in the program and presentation of awards at higher levels. Individual tickets are $50 each. All table reservations should be made by June 11, 2004. “There are several opportunities to participate in this event: purchasing a level of sponsorship or a ticket(s), donating items for the silent auction, and/or placing an advertisement in our program,” said Kathy Scarbrough, president of the board of directors.

“Through the community’s generous support, we are able to provide these youth with the opportunity to strive for excellence, to become more responsible citizens and to increase their self-esteem,” said Scarbrough.

Contributions to the Boys and Girls Clubs are tax-deductible. For tickets, donations and more details, please contact the executive office at (228) 762-3497.