Boys & Girls Club: CC Sabathia from VIA WESTWARD on Vimeo.

Cuba Gooding, Jr., Grammy Winner Ne-Yo, American Ballet Star Misty Copeland, Yankees’ CC Sabathia Among Nine Former Boys & Girls Club Members to be Inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame

Inductees, Including Award-Winning Actors, Athletes, Entertainers, Activists & Military Hero, Will be Honored During BGCA’s National Conference in San Diego

Nine former Boys & Girls Club members turned super stars and outstanding leaders from across the country will be inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) 22nd Annual National Hall of Fame during a special ceremony in San Diego — site of the organization’s 106th National Conference.

The list reads like a veritable Who’s Who in America, including Academy Award Winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., American Ballet star Misty Copeland, Native American advocate Ernest Stevens, Jr., Grammy winner Ne-Yo and baseball star, CC Sabathia. The common denominator shared by all – the positive influence of a Boys & Girls Club and their respective contributions to society as adult professionals.

Inductees:

* Cuba Gooding Jr., Academy Award-winning actor with an upcoming new Fox
TV series, “Guilty”
* Ne-Yo, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter
* CC Sabathia, New York Yankees star pitcher, 5 time MLB All-Star, 2007 Cy Young
* David Lindsay-Abaire, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (“Rabbit Hole”)
* Powers Boothe, Emmy-winning actor (Fox series “24″)
* Misty Copeland, soloist, American Ballet Company
* Anthony Lee Ervin, winner of seven NCAA swimming titles and a 2012 Olympic contender
* Ernest Stevens Jr., National Congress of American Indians leader/advocate
* Major General Darren W. McDew, Commander at Andrews Air Force Base

About the BGCA National Conference
As politicians, business leaders and concerned citizens continue to ponder the escalating levels of violence and alienation among today’s young people, more than 2,200 youth workers and volunteers gather in San Diego to search for answers. BGCA’s National Conference will take an in-depth look at how issues including dropout factories, bullying, financial illiteracy, childhood obesity and unemployment are placing all youth are at risk — along with America’s one-time competitive edge.

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The PitCCh In Foundation’s youth back program gives students at elementary schools in New York and Vallejo California an opportunity to start the school-year off right with all the school supplies they need!  This includes a brand new durable/washable, backpack, pencil kit, notepad, water bottle, and custom CC bookmark.

Every kindergarten and first grade student in CC and Amber’s hometown Vallejo City Unified School District receives a new backpack on the first day of school in mid August. Teachers are given a special DVD message from CC in which he explains the program and CC’s “5 keys to being an All Star Student!”

A special assembly is held at a select school where CC’s Mother Margie personally hands out each bag!  When the Yankees schedule permits, CC personally joins Amber for the presentation and distribution in New York.

Initiated in 2009, the program has seen a steady increase each year in number of backpacks donated to each school.

2010     VCUSD 1,000 units

2011     VCUSD 2,000 units

2012     VCUSD 3,000 units

In the Bronx, we identify a Public School in need each year and donate backpacks to the entire student body.

2010     PS 152 1,000 units

2011     PS 106 1,250 units

2012     PS 109 1,500 units

PIF Backpack Program Video from PitCCh In Foundation Inc. on Vimeo.

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Amber and friends!

Foundation Executive Director Amber Sabathia made a special visit to the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, New Jersey on March 1st.

The rich tradition of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark spans over 70 years and is represented by a very special place where girls and boys can learn, play, & experience many wonderful life lessons.

The mission of the Club is to provide opportunities for youth that empower them to succeed and excel as contributing members of society. This is accomplished by providing a safe environment where programs develop life skills, values, character and leadership, thereby helping young people realize their individual potential.

Amber was greeted by Club members, staff, and given an all-access tour of the Clubs facility & programs.  Guided by two Club members, the tour included a showcase of wonderful music, artwork, and creative designs.  Amber was also shown the many resources the facility offers including counseling, career/college planning, health, and nutrition.

Following a special performance of poetry and singing, Amber addressed the group and shared her childhood story and important positive choices that she made as a youth.  She then presented a donation check of $25,000.00 to loud cheers from all in attendance.

A very special thanks to Club Director Shavorda Baskerville, the Governing Board, PwC, the staff and all the amazing kids of the Club!

Check out exclusive photos of Amber’s visit online at Bergen.com

An original poem by Ade K.

I’ve seen the struggle through my own eyes,

I’ve had friends that I’ve lost but still survived,

With every problem that faced me, I made the most,

I was thankful for all I have that’s why I never boast,

When it comes to giving back, I always give it my all,

Whether it’s hanging out or playing some ball,

I always give it my all whenever I put in,

Whether it’s in pinstripes or when I PitCCh In.

On Sunday July 12th 2011, Amber Sabathia spear-headed a very special fundraising event for the Therapeutic Nursery at the JCC on the Palisades.  This amazing event featured fine food and wine, exclusive shopping opportunities, live and silent auction, and more all at the amazing Stone Mansion in Apline NJ.

The event helped raise over $300,000.00 for the program!

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VIDEO

(Pictured L-R, Anthony Piquet, Jason Berhel, Reyanna Stowes)

Six Vallejo High School athletes have been selected by CC Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation to receive the 2011 Nathan Berhel Scholarship, awarded every June to the VHS students who excel in the classroom and are part of athletic teams. The awards were presented this morning as part of the Vallejo High School Scholarship Breakfast in the campus’ main library.

The scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Nathan Berhel, CC’s cousin and childhood friend, who passed away in June 2004. This year’s recipients of $2,500.00 scholarships are Reyanna Stowes and Anthony Piquit. Recognized as award finalists, and thus receiving $500 awards, are Michael Joseph Ladao, Georgina Harrison, Steven Brown, and Alea Ciencia

“Nathan was an important part of my life. He was a very focused, determine and courageous man on and off the field. A two-sport athlete in football and baseball, Nathan played with the biggest heart and toughest attitude as a team leader who supported and encouraged all members of his team to give 110%,” explained CC Sabathia. “I am proud to recognize his legacy in these six very deserving young men and women.”

Student-Athlete Profile: Reyanna Stowes

As a member of the Varsity Cheer Team, Reyanna’s Apache Spirit is off the charts.  Her dedication to our beloved school is very impressive with an array of extra curricular activities and projects.  She excelled in the classroom with high grades and high respect from her teachers and VHS Staff.

Reyanna is heading to Jackson State University to study Business.

Student-Athlete Profile: Anthony Piquet

Anthony’s drive on the baseball field has resulted in helping the Men’s Varsity Baseball Team reach the Sectional Playoffs two years in a row.  A multi-talented athlete, his team mates can always count on him to come through with a great performance or motivational support.  Anthony’s also a winner in the classroom excelling both in GPA and support of his fellow classmates.

Anthony is heading to University of Las Vegas Nevada to study Business.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:

$2,500.00 single award to each student.

REQUIREMENTS:

1.     Minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average.
2.     Copy of acceptance letter into college.
3.     List of all your extracurricular activities, community service, athletic accomplishments.
4.     Two-page essay on HOW SPORTS HAS AFFECTED YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE.

TIMELINE:

Evaluation Period                       August 17, 2011 – April 27, 2012

Submission Period                        April 30 – May 11, 2012

Submission deadline                        May 11, 2012

SUBMIT MATERIALS TO:

PitCCh In Foundation Inc.
ATT: Nathan Berhel Scholarship Program
3505 Sonoma Blvd. #20
BOX 3-52
Vallejo California 94590-2945

Materials received will not be returned.  Submissions postmarked after May 11, 2012 will not be accepted.

Recipients will be announced on Friday May 31st, 2012.

You Can Always Go Home Again: CC Throws Out First Pitch At North Vallejo Little League Game

On June 1st, CC, a native of Vallejo in Northern California, once again returned to his first field to throw out a ceremonial first pitch for the North Vallejo Little League’s Annual Spring Classic Night Game.  And as the Vallejo Times Herald newspaper relayed, it would be easier for CC to blend in with Red Sox fans than become invisible in this town he never forgets.

Joined by fellow Yankee Joba Chamberlain, CC took the mound at Thurmon Field, the same facility that he had helped renovate almost 1 ½ years ago and the same field he played on as a kid.

CC’s time before and after the pitch was consumed by kids following along shaking his hand and asking for autographs on their baseballs, caps and pictures. Then CC and Joba settled in to watch as the 12 year olds version of the Yankees play the Cardinals under the lights.

“It feels real good to be able to give back and do what we’ve done here with the Little League thriving,” Sabathia said.  Before, they weren’t even fielding two teams in each division, and now we have four to five teams in each division. People are coming out, parents are coaching again and it’s still a lot of fun.”

“It’s awesome to see the things he has done.  Obviously, he’s a great baseball player. It’s the other stuff off the field that makes him so good on the field.  Being human, being humble, being thankful for what you’ve got and where you came from,” commented Joba Chamberlain.

CC’s mom Margie is of course a mainstay at the North Vallejo Little League complex, even to this day as a regular in the concession stand and active throughout the Little League program.  “My mom is here every day, so I pretty much know everything that’s going on.  I love this place, just because it’s where it all started for me,” Sabathia said.

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