In an effort to foster community well-being, the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City hosted a two-day event highlighting the critical importance of organ donation. Supported by a grant from Gift of Life and AtlantiCare, the initiative brought together representatives from Gift of Life, trauma doctors, compassionate counselors, and local spiritual leaders to share their stories with teenage club members, parents, and the community.
“Organ donation can give patients a second chance at life, yet it’s a topic that’s often not discussed unless you know someone who needs a lifesaving transplant,” said Brian Little, Director of Facilities and Program Operations, Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Little shared his own experience with organ donation. “This lifesaving experience has been a blessing for me. The opportunity to share my story, in hopes of educating our young people and families on organ donation further strengthens my purpose for making a difference in the community.”
“I am grateful for the partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City to have these important health equity conversations with today’s generation and the next generation,” said Christian Ragland, Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, AtlantiCare, who helped to coordinate the event.
The event brought out speakers from the community, including:
- Dr. Raymond Brock-Murray, Masjid Al-Taqwa
- Bishop Robert F. Hargrove, Cathedral Grace Family Church, Atlantic City
- Rev. Juliann Henry, MDIV, ordained in UMC, Manager of Pastoral Care at AtlantiCare
- Naja Killebrew, Multicultural Specialist with Gift of Life Donor Program
- Rabbi Jonathan Kremer, Shirat Hayam, Margate
- Brian Little, Director of Facilities and Programs, Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club
- Rev. John Peeler, AS, CPE ordained Baptist Pastor and Staff Chaplain at AtlantiCare
- Christian Ragland, Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, AtlantiCare
- Dr. Kelly Wilman, a trauma doctor
About Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City:
The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City is a nonprofit organization that has been providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youth of Atlantic City for over 50 years. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We offer a wide range of programs that focus on education, leadership, health, arts, and more, helping children and teenagers build essential life skills and develop into well-rounded individuals.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City – visit acbgc.org,
call (609) 347-2697, or email Executive Administrator Brianna Register at bregister@acbgc.org
One Response
Does the Culinary Students/Class still do dinner services for anyone who wants to dine at your facility?