The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois (BGCCIL) is hosting a Ribbon Cutting and Hall of Fame Recognition event on Tuesday, July 9 at 4:30 pm the Administrative Building at 430 W. Jefferson St. The event is a combined celebration of the dedication of the building, the celebration of the naming of a long stretch of Jefferson St. as Andre Iguodala Drive and the commemoration of Andre Iguodala’s recent induction in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame.
Iguodala, a former BGCCIL Club kid, is a four-time NBA champion, 2015 MVP of the NBA finals, and an Olympic gold medalist. Iguodala retired from the NBA in 2023 after a 19-year career playing for the Philadelphia 76er’s, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors, the team with which he won all four championships. He is currently the Acting Director of the NBA Players Association.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Iguodala for his invaluable contributions to our Club and for being a tangible example of success and resilience, “said BGCCIL CEO Tiffany Mathis Posey. “Andre continues to be a beacon of hope for so many kids in our community and is living proof that dreams can be realized despite life’s challenges, no matter the starting point.”
“The Boys & Girls Club was the foundation of my son’s upbringing,” said Linda Shanklin, Iguodala’s mother. “Passion, discipline, courage, communication, adaptability, and resilience are a few attributes for success. It all begins at the Boys and Girls Club.”
The event will begin with an official ribbon cutting hosted by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, after which Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher will present Andre’s family with a Key to the City on his behalf. Following the official ceremony attendees will be treated to refreshment sponsored by Mondelez and Heartland Coca-Cola. The event is open to the public. Please rsvp to dfrench@bgccil.org
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are positioned to serve more than 2,500 youth at our Central Unit and 21 elementary and middle schools covering two counties (Sangamon & Morgan). BGCCIL provides character building activities and academic programs designed to deliver measurable outcomes and a safe environment with caring adults. For additional information visit http://bgccil.org
***Courtesy of Deann D. French, Director Marketing Communications & Resource Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois***
