Circuit City Funds $3M National Photography Program for Boys & Girls Clubs

Boys & Girls Club of America
Monday, 18 June 2001

Chester Higgins Jr., Celebrated New York Times Photographer, On Advisory Council

Richmond, Va. (June 18, 2001) -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the national organization overseeing more than 2,800 individual Clubs and serving more than 3.3 million members in the U.S. and abroad, announced today a new partnership with national consumer electronics retailer Circuit City Stores.

With a $3 million donation from the Circuit City Foundation, Circuit City will become the official sponsor of Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Photography Contest. The funds, distributed over the next three years, also will assist Boys & Girls Clubs in the creation of a state-of-the-art photography curriculum to be used in Clubs nationwide. The curriculum will be developed by a Photography Advisory Committee comprised of top photographers from around the country.

Present at today's announcement was professional photographer Chester Higgins Jr., a staff photographer for the New York Times for more than a quarter century and the author of a number of distinguished photo collection books. Mr. Higgins, honored at today's ceremony for the body of his work, will be one of a panel of judges who will participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Photography Contest and will serve on the advisory committee for the curriculum development.

"Over the years, our members have astounded us time and again with their talents in many fields including photography," noted Atlanta-based Roxanne Spillett, president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Circuit City's generosity will make it possible for the Clubs to create their own darkrooms and to maximize the talents of these youngsters, most of whom are in the nation's inner cities."

"As a nationwide retailer, we saw this partnership as an opportunity to give back to each and every community in which a Circuit City store is located," said W. Alan McCollough, Circuit City's president and chief executive officer. "We hope our partnership will help advance Boys & Girls Clubs of America's goal of encouraging young members into constructive creativity in all aspects of their lives."

The annual contest will include five regional competitions as well as a national competition, with separate categories for digital photography, photo essays and non-traditional, as well as traditional color and black and white. An Internet component also will be created, with photography experts available online to answer chat room questions. Contest winners will receive college scholarships and have their work displayed in a touring international exhibit.

Circuit City (NYSE:CC) is a leading national retailer of brand-name consumer electronics, personal computers and entertainment software. With headquarters in Richmond, Va., Circuit City operates 595 Circuit City Superstores and 32 mall-based Circuit City Express stores, giving it more locations in more markets than any other consumer electronics specialty retailer. For more information, access Circuit City's web site at www.CircuitCity.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of 2,800 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 3.3 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," Clubs provide guidance-oriented programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key programs emphasize character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

For more information, or to contact Boys & Girls Club of America, see their website at: www.bgca.org