DURHAM, N.C. (January 28, 2009) – The John Avery Boys & Girls Club of Durham celebrates its 70 anniversary today – marking an era of providing a safe and nurturing place for boys and girls to grow and learn. The organization, its members and supporters will gather tonight at the American Tobacco Campus’ Bay 7 to commemorate the past 70 years of service to the Durham community and welcome new members to its board of directors.

Since 1939, John Avery has provided after school, weekend and seasonal programming to youths from all over Durham. Courses range from homework tutoring, sports, fitness and recreation activities to teaching health and life skills. For no more than $10.00 a year, there are currently more than 200 children enrolled in John Avery’s after school programming.

“The breadth and level of services we’ve been able to offer has grown at an amazing pace during the past several years,” commented Sheila Ryba, executive director of the John Avery Boys & Girls Club of Durham. “We could not have come so far without the continued dedication and support of our volunteers and sponsors. Even more exciting is that 2010 looks to be a landmark year with new sponsors, a reinvigorated volunteer base and new board members.”

John Avery will celebrate the addition of several new members to its board of directors during tonight’s festivities.

Monica Barnes, is a long-time community advocate for Durham and the surrounding area. As community affairs director for ABC 11-WTVD, Barnes oversees the station’s involvement in all public service projects and community-related events in a 23-county viewing area. Barnes also serves on the Board of the North Carolina Coastal Pines Girl Scouts and is a member of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina’s Roundtable. She is married to Kenneth Barnes, who works for Durham Public Schools as the Principal of Southern High School, and they have one daughter, Alexis, who is a sophomore at North Carolina Central University.

Former president of the John Avery board of directors, Elaine Hyman rejoins the board after a three-year hiatus. An avid speaker and presenter, Hyman has served on the national board of directors with the National Forum for Black Public Administrators while volunteering with the United Way and Red Cross.

Khaner Walker joins John Avery having spent over nine years in the public relations and community affairs arena. He is a senior account executive for Raleigh-based French/West/Vaughan—one of the nation’s largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agencies—where he spearheads the agency’s public affairs practice. Walker is on the board of directors for the Raleigh Jaycees as the VP of community development along with serving on the Leadership Raleigh Alumni Association board of directors.

Yvonne Pena joined the board of directors serving in Durham County’s HR department. A former member of the National Association of Human Rights Workers board of directors, Pena brings a wealth of knowledge in helping others navigate through life decisions.

Sponsored by the Burt’s Bees Greater Good Foundation and Cargill, nearly 300 attendees are expected at tonight’s anniversary celebration. Mayor Bill Bell and Rep. Mickey Michaux will present proclamations from the city and North Carolina respectively, and guests will be treated to special performances by the James E. Shepard Middle School Band, the John Avery Band & Choir and John Avery Boys & Girls Club Dancers.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.johnavery.org or at the door of tonight’s event.

Related Links

1. http://www.johnavery.org