George Phillips Retires from Alameda Boys & Girls Club

Dear Friend of the Alameda Boys & Girls Club,

After 14 years of service to the Alameda Boys & Girls Club and to the young people that the Club serves, I have decided to step away from the position of Executive Director.

At this stage of my life it seems right to think about more time for my family (especially Jean and my six wonderful grandchildren) and, at the risk of seeming selfish, more time for
myself.

To that end, I am sticking around for a while on a part-time basis to continue to help the Club in whatever way I can. It seems we are always busy these days so I'm sure Burny Matthews and the Board will find a few things for me to do.

Looking back, I am tremendously proud of the Club's accomplishments during my tenure. The Club's visibility and respect in the community has certainly grown to the point where we have a very positive reputation, not only in Alameda, but reaching even to the national level.

I will always cherish the fact that the Club's fantastic new facility was built while I held a leadership role. When I look back on all the hard work, the ups and downs in the
process, and the angst personified in my persistently erratic heartbeat, I only feel it was all worth it to have helped provide such a wonderful place for children and the community.

I am grateful for all the dedicated people I have had the honor and pleasure to work with. Their commitment to our mission always buoyed me and it certainly renewed my faith in human nature to know that so many people cared about the children in our community who truly need what the Club offers.

I am grateful for our Board of Directors and Advisory Board who committed to the building and stayed the course, even when we were told it couldn't be done. This Club is built on the backs of those folks who began the effort over 60 years ago, those who kept it going over the years, and those current members who made sure that our
efforts would be successful.

I am grateful to the many people who gave tremendous time, talent, and treasure to engage, empower, and inspire Alameda youth.

I am grateful for the help and participation from the staff of the City of Alameda, the Alameda Unified School District and their elected officials, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and also officials at the state and federal
levels. Their efforts on behalf of the Club certainly dispelled my cynicism about government bureaucracy.

I am grateful for all the new friends I have made over the years. It is an honor to be associated with people whose humanity and compassion exemplify the very best ideals of our civilization.

I am most grateful for all the children I have met over the years and for having the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. If there is such a thing as a legacy, I hope
that is mine.

It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve the Alameda Boys & Girls Club and I will continue to do everything I can to help the Club fulfill its mission.

Thank you and Best Wishes,

George Phillips

When George became Executive Director of the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, he invited me to come to the Club's Kids Nite Out where an adult and a child become partners in an
evening of games, food, and companionship. Ever since my first Kids Nite Out, I have been a staunch supporter of the Club. George has worked tirelessly to spread the word about the Club to everyone he could. He used to joke that people would cross the street when they saw him, knowing that the first words out of his mouth would be to praise the Club and what they were doing for the youth of Alameda and then ask them to support their worthwhile mission.

ABGC was George's life blood and all culminated in the recent completion of our new Youth Development Center. The project took countless hours in the planning and capital campaign fundraising. All the while George was there, dedicated to making the dream come true. The Board of Directors congratulates and applauds George on a job well done and wishes him the best as he will now get to spend more time with his wife
and family.

Sally Rudloff

Outgoing President, Board of Directors

Alameda Boys & Girls Club

Having worked with George for his entire 14-year career with our Club has been an honor for me. His dedication to the Club, specifically the kids that we serve, has been an example for all to follow. Additionally, his tenacity and work towards and ultimately building our new 25,000 square foot Youth Development Center has been a truly
awesome task to complete. While there is still much work to be done in the future, George leaves a wonderful legacy to the youth of the Alameda community for years to come. He has certainly earned his right to "kick back" and enjoy
what he has accomplished. The Board, staff, and kids can't thank him enough. We will be holding an Open House celebration of George's years of service in the coming months and will keep you posted. We have also put together a committee chaired by me and comprised of Board members, staff, and volunteers to conduct a
wide-reaching search to identify George's successor. During the transition, Diane Cunningham Rizzo, who now serves as Director of Resource Development and Community Relations, will step in as Interim Executive Director. We will be posting the job description and job application process soon.

Burny Matthews

President, Board of Directors

Alameda Boys & Girls Club