Step Up to the Plate campaign kicks off

FALLBROOK – The Boys & Girls Clubs of North County’s “Step Up to the Plate/ It Just Takes One” campaign” officially kicked off on Monday, Oct. 17.

According to Abe Oliveras, CEO of the organization, “after school hours are a critical time for many young people in our community. Many have little or no adult interaction or supervision after school. Children face threats of drugs, alcohol, increased drop-out rates and teenage pregnancy. They also face being victims of crime or getting into trouble with the law unless we provide a positive alternative for them.”

As the government is stretched thin and struggling with the current economic situation, Oliveras said that local residents may be a critical key to the success in reversing this disturbing trend among young people. He invites everyone to participate in the campaign to help address this serious issue.

The campaign will run until Jan. 31, 2012. Campaign commissioner Merrilee Neal stated, “The goal of the campaign is to raise $92,000 from caring community individuals like yourself to support the five core program areas the Boys and Girls Club offers its’ members, character and leadership development, the arts, education and career development, health and life skills, and sports, fitness and recreation.”

The campaign features three mock baseball teams (each made up of one captain and six to nine players) which will compete against each other to see which team can raise the most funds for the organization. This year the team captains will be club members and the players will be board members and community volunteers. The Dodgers’ team captain is Genesis Lupercio; the Angels’ team captain is Jamie Jacobs, and the Padres’ team captain is Thomas Roberts.

Now more than ever, kids need everyone’s help. By supporting the “Step Up to the Plate/It Just Takes One” campaign “It Just Takes One” to make a difference.

For more information, call (760) 728-5871.