Local Boys and Girls Clubs, Uncle Sam’s team up

Albany and Troy Boys and Girls Club’s annual fundraising gala set for next month

LATHAM, N.Y. >> Uncle Sam’s All American Chocolate Factory, with locations in Schenectady and in Latham are now selling limited time milk chocolate bars, priced at $2, in support of the Albany and Troy Boys and Girls Club’s upcoming annual fundraising gala, the Red, White, and Chocolate Gala.

Organizers said three bars contain a “golden ticket” which grants the recipient entry for them and one guest to the event on Thursday, November 8th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Albany.

All proceeds from the bars

will be donated to the Club.

Officials said this year celebrates 11 years of continued community support and the coming together of both the Albany and Troy clubs to further their reach.

“Our Gala is not only a way for our organizations to raise critical funds necessary for our programming but also a way to celebrate a year of success and achievement. Part of the celebra-

tion includes awarding two Community Impact Awards to community members or organizations that not only support the Boys & Girls Clubs movement but are also leaders in improving our Capital Area community,” said Tommy Breymeier in a news release, the Director of Marketing & Development for the Boys & Girls Club of Albany.

While both clubs serve children aged ranged 4 to 18, officials said this year’s event proceeds will be directed towards the Teen Centers, which serve over 600 teenagers each year.

“Our goal is $ 56,000 which will provide 27,100 meals, 27,100 snacks, 81,900 hours of recreation center access, 41,028 hours of educational programming and 27,300 hours of fitness training,” said Breymeier.

The Club’s long-time gala supporter, Uncle Sam’s, said they knowfirst-hand the impact of the clubs on the community and it’s also the reason they’ve been sponsoring for years.

“The Red, White and Chocolate Gala is a way for us to give back to the com- munity.” said a representative from Uncle Sam’s All American Chocolate Factory in the release. “It’s also a way for us to partner with an organization that touches the lives of many of our employees. We have employees who have worked, attended, and are sending their children to the Boys & Girls Club.” Over the years, Uncle Sam’s presence has grown. “Our favorite part [of the Gala] is getting to meet others that want to make a difference. Everyone who attends is helping out their community. And of course, we love getting to sample some amazing products that other vendors sample.”

In addition to keeping kids active, officials said the clubs also provide snacks.

“[We] provide a free snack and lunch every day they’re in [our] program. This has been done to help address the food insecurity issues in our community. We serve over 225,000 free meals to local nonprofits and Capital Area youth.” said Patrick Doyle in the release, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Troy.

In addition to attending the event, and purchasing a chocolate bar, those interested can help out further.

“One way community members can get involved is through volunteering! Whether you have a special skill you would like to share, want to help fundraise, or help plan an event, with over 1,750 youth being served each day, odds are that we can find a good fit!” said Breymeier.

To learn more about the Golden Ticket locations and the 11th Annual Red, White, & Chocolate visit: http://bit. ly/BGCRWCG2018