St. Regis Mohawk Tribe: News & Resources

AKWESASNE , NY — The Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club announced that its efforts to provide summer programming received a big boost thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Empire Resorts. The six-week program geared toward providing a positive environment for school-age students during their summer vacation is estimated to cost $40,000. The cost of the summer program is not included in the Club’s annual budget and is currently being fundraised.

“Last year was the first time the Akwesasne Club offered a summer program,” said Denise White, Executive Director of Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club. White added, “The Club is not required under their charter to be open during the summer months, but with no other programs being offered locally the Club would like to keep its doors open again this summer.”

News of the donation was made by Dave Hanlon, CEO of Empire Resorts, when the Tribe’s gaming partner toured the Boys & Girls Club during their two-day visit to Akwesasne last month. At that time, Denise White gave representatives of Empire Resorts a guided tour of the facility and explained its unique services.

“Having had the chance to recently visit the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club, it is readily apparent that this organization is a place where the children of Akwesasne can enjoy healthy fun with their peers while also learning new skills and self confidence under the guidance of extraordinarily dedicated professionals,” said Dave Hanlon. He continued, “Empire Resorts is pleased to have had the chance to make this donation and looks forward to continuing its relationship with the Club in the future."

Last year, only 150 of the Boys & Girls Club’s more than 1,200 members were able to participate in the summer program due to limited space. They were able to enjoy programming that included cultural, fitness, and educational activities from noon until 5:00pm , Monday through Friday.

This year, the summer program will have Club members participating in programs such as Ladders & Leaders which focus on age-appropriate concepts that inform youth about the ladders/steps that lead to educational success and career choices. Other programs that the kids will participate are Fit for Life, Incredible Technical, and Art Alive.

The Akwesasne club is one of the only youth development organizations in the community that offers vital educational after-school programs. The Club currently serves members that ranging in age from six to eighteen, with an average of 80 students attending that Club each day.

Over the next few weeks, the Boys and Girls Club will be holding additional fundraising activities to host the summer program. Some events will include a radio-athon, pancake breakfast, lasagna lunch, and gala dinner with headline comedians James and Ernie. These events will be publicized in coming weeks.

“Tribal Council appreciates the generous donation of Empire Resorts in support of this organization’s efforts to provide this valuable service to our community’s youth,” said Chief Barbara Lazore. She further stated, “I encourage everyone to continue supporting the Boys and Girls Club in any one of their upcoming fundraising events.”

For information about donating to the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club, please contact Denise White at (518) 358-9911.








		PRESS RELEASE For immediate release: Ohiariha/ June 6, 2006 For information contact: Brendan White Director of Public Information St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Tel: (518) 358-2272 ext. 236 Fax: (518) 358-9675 AKWESASNE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB RECEIVES $10,000 DONATION FROM EMPIRE RESORTS Funds Will Help Provide Summer Programming AKWESASNE , NY — The Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club announced that its efforts to provide summer programming received a big boost thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Empire Resorts. The six-week program geared toward providing a positive environment for school-age students during their summer vacation is estimated to cost $40,000. The cost of the summer program is not included in the Club’s annual budget and is currently being fundraised. “Last year was the first time the Akwesasne Club offered a summer program,” said Denise White, Executive Director of Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club. White added, “The Club is not required under their charter to be open during the summer months, but with no other programs being offered locally the Club would like to keep its doors open again this summer.” News of the donation was made by Dave Hanlon, CEO of Empire Resorts, when the Tribe’s gaming partner toured the Boys & Girls Club during their two-day visit to Akwesasne last month. At that time, Denise White gave representatives of Empire Resorts a guided tour of the facility and explained its unique services. “Having had the chance to recently visit the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club, it is readily apparent that this organization is a place where the children of Akwesasne can enjoy healthy fun with their peers while also learning new skills and self confidence under the guidance of extraordinarily dedicated professionals,” said Dave Hanlon. He continued, “Empire Resorts is pleased to have had the chance to make this donation and looks forward to continuing its relationship with the Club in the future." Last year, only 150 of the Boys & Girls Club’s more than 1,200 members were able to participate in the summer program due to limited space. They were able to enjoy programming that included cultural, fitness, and educational activities from noon until 5:00pm , Monday through Friday. This year, the summer program will have Club members participating in programs such as Ladders & Leaders which focus on age-appropriate concepts that inform youth about the ladders/steps that lead to educational success and career choices. Other programs that the kids will participate are Fit for Life, Incredible Technical, and Art Alive. The Akwesasne club is one of the only youth development organizations in the community that offers vital educational after-school programs. The Club currently serves members that ranging in age from six to eighteen, with an average of 80 students attending that Club each day. Over the next few weeks, the Boys and Girls Club will be holding additional fundraising activities to host the summer program. Some events will include a radio-athon, pancake breakfast, lasagna lunch, and gala dinner with headline comedians James and Ernie. These events will be publicized in coming weeks. “Tribal Council appreciates the generous donation of Empire Resorts in support of this organization’s efforts to provide this valuable service to our community’s youth,” said Chief Barbara Lazore. She further stated, “I encourage everyone to continue supporting the Boys and Girls Club in any one of their upcoming fundraising events.” For information about donating to the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club, please contact Denise White at (518) 358-9911. --30-- The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Mohawk people.