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With your help we can make a difference.

We exist to inspire and enable all young people from throughout the Pee Dee Area, especially those who need us most, to become productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Make a positive impact

July 27, 2023

Save the date for the 2023 Champions for Youth Celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 12

Save the date for the 2023 Champions for Youth celebration on Tuesday, September 12, as Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area honor decades of dedication to improving the lives of our youth.

This year’s honoree, Carlos Washington, has been involved with youth through sports for more than 31 years. has coached youth league basketball for over 31 years. Mr. Washington founded Florence International Basketball Association in 2003, and the association has taken youth to Cleveland, Thailand, Greece, Canada, and San Francisco.

The career firefighter continued serving the community after his retirement from the City of Florence Fire Department in 2012. Besides helping to found Virtus Academy, Washington has served on Salvation Army Board and SC DJJ Advisory Board. For the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area, he supports and partners with our Florence Club and annual Carolina Classic Basketball Tournament (Dec. 27-29).

“The Pee Dee area has been blessed by many years of support Mr. Washington has provided to the youth of the Florence area,” Zimmerman said. “The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area is proud to honor Carlos as their 2023 Champion for Youth.”

Washington joins previous Champions For Youth honorees: 2022, Rick & Susan Goings; 2019, William T. “Billy” Jarrell; 2018, Tom Ewart; 2017, Rob Colones; 2016, Buddy Brand; 2015, Dr. Tammy Pawloski; 2014, Florence Boys & Girls Club 50th Anniversary; 2013, East Florence Mission/ Center Day School; 2012, Rev. Dr. William P. Diggs; 2011, Darla Moore; 2010, Ralph R. Porter, Jr.; 2009, Dr. Allie E. Brooks Jr.; 2008, Richard C. Harrington Jr.; 2007, Rep. James E. Clyburn; 2006, Sen. Hugh Leatherman Sr.; 2005, Dr. Luther F. Carter and 2004, Frank Avent.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area will honor Carlos Washington as 2023 Champion for Youth on Tuesday, September 12, at the SiMT building on the Florence-Darlington Technical College campus.

The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. The award presentation will start at 7 p.m.

Sponsorships range from the $10,000 Hall of Fame sponsorship (including 12 attendees and a Carolina Classic sponsorship) to a $250 Booster sponsorship for two attendees. Individual tickets also are available for $75. The evening also will include a silent auction.

The Champions for Youth Tribute supports Boys & Girls Club programs that help thousands of children throughout the Pee Dee grow into productive adults. Attendance and financial contributions will help brighten the lives of some of our community’s most promising children. The Boys & Girls Clubs serve youth every day after school and all day on non-school days and during the summer. Clubs provide a safe place where young people can learn and grow while helping them become productive citizens.

We offer a wide range of programs to meet the needs of those affected by our cause.

  • Our programs are designed to enrich children's lives and teach lessons they can use forever.
    Take a look.

  • Join us as we come together as a community to support our chapter of the Boys & Girls Club and the children we serve.
    View events.

  • A positive impact in a kid's life starts with you. Give the gift of time to a child in need.
    Make a difference.

You helped us make a huge impact this year.

We exist to raise awareness for our cause and bring change to the lives of those we serve in our community.

Our Impact This Year

  • Days Open a Year

    252

  • Youth Served

    3,000+

  • Club Sites

    6

  • Healthy Meals Served

    160,500+

  • Sgt. Priscilla Zimmerman * from the 70s
    Sgt. Priscilla Zimmerman * from the 70s

    Looking back, before attending the Club, my dreams and opportunities were limited, but once there I learned self-respect and self-worth and the whole world opened up for me.

  • Michael Woods * from the 90s
    Michael Woods * from the 90s

    The Club has provided me with a lot of my “first” experiences: traveling in and out of SC, staying overnight in a hotel, riding on an airplane, and even my first job. I don’t know where I would have ended up had it not been for the Club.

  • Salisha Rigsbee * Phoenix, Ariz., Assistant Attorney General
    Salisha Rigsbee * Phoenix, Ariz., Assistant Attorney General

    No matter where you go in life, you’ll always go as far as you believe you can go. ... The Club is where I learn how to set standards and accomplish them.

  • Rev. Terry Alexander * from the 60s
    Rev. Terry Alexander * from the 60s

    I am thankful for the strong adult mentors the Club had, as they provided me the guidance needed for my future success.

  • Benjamin Baker * from the 2000s
    Benjamin Baker * from the 2000s

    I never saw a trajectory for my life, but they wouldn't count me out.

Our Partners & Designations

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