The Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club will celebrate 103 years of service to children in the Savannah community with a telethon to be broadcast live on Facebook and WJCL-TV. The event will take place Friday, November 13, 2020, 1 to 8 pm, and will support the club’s mission to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Volunteers will be in place throughout the day on the Georgia Southern University/Armstrong campus to accept donations and financial challenges over the phone.

In past years the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club has hosted a Hall of Fame Gala. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, this year’s event will safely continue the great tradition of highlighting the club’s character-building programs to help young people become successful, responsible community members. During the pandemic the club has continued services by providing a virtual learning hub for up to 60 members. These services include meals and early drop-off for working parents. Other club members log onto their virtual classes under the guidance of club staff. Funds raised by the telethon will help ensure the capacity to continue these important services.

Three outstanding individuals will be inducted into the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame during the telethon. Hall of Fame 2020 honorees are Dr. Otis Johnson, former mayor of Savannah, legendary jazz artist Teddy Adams, and Georgia State Senator Lester Jackson.

The telethon will also feature entertainment, including a performance by recording artist Damien Horne, also known as Mista D. The Building Great Futures telethon will also feature participation by WJCL news personalities, and also appeals from community leaders, including Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, Police Chief Roy Minter, and Jim Clark, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Notable club alumni will participate by sharing  their Boys & Girls Club experiences.

Since 1917 the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club has provided youth development opportunities for young people in Savannah.  Proceeds from this year’s event will support the organization’s efforts to continue providing hope and opportunities for club kids, who range in age from five to 18. The young people are involved in life-enriching programs during the most dangerous part of the day -- 3 to 9 pm. At least 90 percent of club members are on grade level, with 98 percent expected to graduate high school on time. Post high school, 90 percent of club kids make plans to attend college.

Health and safety precautions will be in place for telethon volunteers as CDC protocols for COVID-19 will be followed. Donations are currently being accepted online at http://www.bgcsavannah.org/. The fundraising goal is $50,000. For more information call 912-233-2939.