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LeBron James $240,000 Gift Results in New Boys & Girls Club in Akron; New Facility - Renamed the LeBron James Boys & Girls Club to Serve Hundreds of Youth

ATLANTA, Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Akron native and a longtime supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) LeBron James visited with hundreds of screaming youngsters in Akron, OH recently to open a Boys & Girls Club named after the NBA super star. In a sparkling new facility complete with a state-of-the-art tech center James was joined by Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic for the festivities.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110811/DC50692)

The LeBron James Boys & Girls Club was made possible by a $240,000 grant from the LeBron James Family Foundation, part of the $3 million donated nationwide to support more than 50 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.

"We are extremely excited about establishing a Boys & Girls Clubs named after LeBron because he has been such a positive role for young people everywhere, especially in his hometown of Akron," said BGCA Vice President Frank Sanchez.

This new facility provides a safe environment for more than 125 children and teens after school and during the critical out-of-school time when young people are more at risk. "I wanted to give the young people of Akron the opportunity for a great future, a place where they can find the help and support they need to close the academic achievement gap and learn the importance of good character," said James.

The new LeBron James Boys & Girls Club which is located inside the Joy Park Community Center in East Akron is a direct result of a gift made by James and a partnership with the City of Akron with additional support provided by HP and Nike.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has changed lives, saved lives, and created great futures - by enabling young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million youth through Club membership and community outreach, providing guidance-oriented programs emphasizing academic success, character and leadership development, community service, and healthy lifestyles.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America