Pictured above, from left to right, are BGCEASTAL Board Member and Opelika City Clerk Russell Jones, Mayor Eddie Smith, and Richard Curry, President and CEO of the East Alabama Boys & Girls Club.
On Friday, the East Alabama Boys & Girls Clubs presented Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith with the C.A.R.E. Award on behalf of the organization. C.A.R.E. stands for “Children Are the Reason for Excellence” and recognizes leaders whose commitment creates genuine opportunities for young people.
“Mayor Smith’s support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama didn’t begin when he became Mayor. During his time on the Opelika City Council, he was a consistent champion for kids, ensuring our organization received the necessary support to serve more youth and strengthen programs for local families. Mayor Smith has been a game-changer for our organization and for the children of this community,” said Richard Curry, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama.
“His leadership has elevated the possibilities for youth development in Lee County. Because of his vision and willingness to take action, we’re preparing to announce something in the coming weeks that will expand opportunities for young people, help address a critical childcare gap for working families, and strengthen the workforce that drives our local economy,” stated the East Alabama Boys & Girls group in a social media post.
“We are grateful for a mayor who understands that investing in kids means investing in the future of the entire community,” added the group.
