New Year, New Possibilities for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County

BGCCC CEO Christina Alford to take new post as Vice President of Development for the Southwest region at Boys and Girls Clubs of America

McKinney, Texas, January 19, 2008 - After a tenure filled with record-breaking accomplishments for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC), the non-profit organization is pleased to announce the promotion of its chief executive officer, Christina Alford, to the national Boys and Girls Clubs of America office in Richardson effective January 28.

"While it is so hard to leave the organization and family we have built at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County, I am so excited about working with the National Organization and the ability to be apart of building successful organizations throughout the Southwest Region. Working with the BGCCC truly has been the best four and a half years of my life," Alford said.

Alford came to the bankrupt BGCCC in 2003 to transform its weak board of directors, poor public perception and barely existent donor support. Since that time, the BGCCC has grown to become a $2.4 million agency in 2007, allowing the organization to better provide exceptional educational programs to disadvantaged children across Collin County.

"When Christina came to us, we only had about 90 days left before we would've been forced to close our doors," Debra Sweezer, BGCCC director of programs and services, said. "She came in with a driven force to turn this organization around and she has certainly done that. Christina has been instrumental in changing the lives of many of our children."

Furthermore, the United Way rating of the BGCCC has increased from a "3" (the lowest level of financial viability) in 2003 to a "1" in 2007. Level "1" is the highest rating level of financial stability and viability an organization can receive from the United Way.

Other notable achievements under Alford's leadership include the growth of programs and services at each of the three branches in McKinney, Plano, and Frisco to include special Teen Centers in each of these cities. These additions continue to make a huge impact on teens by providing tools they need to have a positive high school experience and prepare for college.

Fundraising is another area of expertise for Alford. In 2003, she initiated the BGCCC's Chrysalis Ball with hopes of establishing the annual fundraiser as the premier community charity event in Collin County. This goal was accomplished by a rising revenue each year culminating with the 2007 Chrysalis Ball raising an astonishing $933,000 for BGCCC programs and services.

At a party thrown in Alford's honor on January 16, Alford told of her love and dedication to the children of Collin County, and that without such amazing support from volunteers and donors, the organization would not be where it is today. Katina Zepp, who hosted the party along with her husband Eric, expressed on behalf of BGCCC board members and community contributors sincere thanks to Alford for all her hard work thus far and their excitement for what she will be able to accomplish for the BGCA.

"We are all so happy for Christina," Angie Toles, BGCCC director of outreach, said. "No one is more deserving of this opportunity. The staff and board do not feel they are loosing their leader. They are, instead, gaining an advocate at the national level and know Christina will continue to impact the children of Collin County."