Jim Clark (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America will serve as the keynote speaker for Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg’s inaugural Great Futures Gala next week.

Jim Clark joined Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2012. A release from the local club said his accomplishments include establishing the priority outcomes for Clubs and youth success of academic success, good character and leadership and healthy lifestyles.

Clark also originated the National Youth Outcomes study which “supports continuous quality improvement and demonstrates the impact of the Club experience in the areas of education, leadership and health outcomes,” according to the BGCA website.

“There are nearly 500 Boys & Girls Club organizations across this country and over 5,000 club sites,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg CEO Lynn Reins said. “To have the president and CEO of our great mission joining us at our gala is an honor.

“Jim has served as BGCA president and CEO for over a decade and has seen our mission grow like no other. We are excited for him to share his Club experience with our community,” Reins said.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg alumnus Mike Tibbs speaks with Club member Bella F. for a special project to be debuted at the Great Futures Gala on Oct. 10 at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo Provided)

The Great Futures Gala on Oct. 10 will serve as a celebration of the past 60 years of the organization. The Club will also take a moment to honor the late Mike Flanagan, a former CEO who passed away in September of 2023.

“It was an incredible privilege to have the opportunity to induct Mike Flanagan into the West Virginia Boys & Girls Clubs Hall of Fame at our annual meeting last month,” Reins said. “It is an even greater privilege to present that award to his family at our inaugural gala. Mike served Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg for over five decades and loved this mission more than most.”

The event will feature a dinner catered by Valley Catering, a cash bar, silent auction with items donated by several local businesses, Clark’s speech, special Club member surprises and a performance by local band Track 9.

“This event wasn’t about raising money for the Club. This event was about celebrating the success the Club has seen over the past six decades: the youth and families impacted, the lives changed and the futures that turned out great,” Reins said. “Thanks to our sponsors, this event will still raise some money for the Club, but the true success of this event is measured in the memories made and the stories shared.

“If you are coming to the event, make sure to talk to a current Club kid while you’re there or … Club alumni that will be present,” she said. “We’d love to hear all the stories of how the Club has impacted Parkersburg, Wood County and all the (Mid-Ohio Valley) over the last 60 years.”