As he works his way toward breaking the NFL single-season sack record, San Francisco linebacker
Aldon Smith stated, “I am excited to be able to give back to my community. Now, in addition to playing to win games, I am playing to raise much needed money for a great organization that makes a huge difference in the lives of millions of young people.”
“We are thrilled to be Aldon Smith’s charity of choice and greatly appreciate his generosity,” said Rob Connolly, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. “Donations like these help support the children and teens in our communities who need us the most – keeping them safe, academically focused, physically and emotionally healthy and equipped with job-readiness skills.”
"We are excited to have Aldon Smith's support and appreciate his involvement,” said Peter Fortenbaugh, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. “In an area where 50 percent of children drop out of high school, Aldon is helping our youth develop the academic and life skills they need to graduate high school prepared for college or career. His gift allows our children to imagine the possibilities their futures may hold."
Aldon Smith, currently a starting outside linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, has become one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. As a rookie, in 2011, Smith registered 44 tackles and led the team in sacks with 14, a total that led all NFL rookies. Smith finished 2nd in the voting for Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year, and was named Pro Football Weekly’s Rookie of the Year. He twice earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month and NFL Rookie of the Week honors. Now in his second year, he has already racked up 33.5 career sacks, leads the league with 19.5 sacks this season and just broke the 49ers single-season sack record. Currently, Smith has more sacks in his first two seasons than any player since the NFL began keeping sack statistics in 1982.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SAN FRANCISCO
Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) currently serves more than 1,200 children and teens daily and reaches over 17,000 kids/year, offering a safe place to learn and grow. We operate nine Clubhouses in the city’s toughest neighborhoods, as well as Camp Mendocino, a residential summer camp. BGCSF is focused on helping our members achieve SUCCESS IN LIFE. Our award-winning programs and caring staff steer our young people toward productive, responsible futures and help our members build strong character and skills that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s leadership development, opportunities in the arts and sports, homework help, preparing for college or volunteering in the community, our youth members are learning to do better in school, stay physically fit, make healthier lifestyle choices, and be ready for life. These are the skills they need to BE GREAT and build GREAT FUTURES! Our four focus areas include: Academic Success, Good Character & Community Engagement, Healthy Lifestyles and Job Readiness with Earning Potential.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE PENINSULA
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula provides places where young people aged 6-18 are welcome and can belong after school and all day during the summer. At our nine sites in East Palo Alto, Redwood city and eastern Menlo Park, BGCP provides 1700 children a year with mentorship, academic instruction, enrichment programs and a safe inspiring place to learn and grow. The Club is regarded as one of the most comprehensive youth development organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Club's programs focus on Academics, Science and Technology, Social Education and Life Skills, Athletics and Fitness and the Arts. Many of these programs are offered in partnership with local schools and other community organizations.
