Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig honored by Boys & Girls Clubs of America with the Chairman's Award at the annual "Great Futures Gala" held at the American Museum of Natural History

ATLANTA - Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) honored Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig with their prestigious Chairman's Award last night at the 2014 "Great Futures Gala," an annual fundraising event for BGCA's national programs and efforts.

Under Commissioner Selig's leadership, MLB has embraced Boys & Girls Clubs of America as an official charity, providing hundreds of millions of dollars in direct and indirect support to the organization since 1997. Young members of Boys & Girls Clubs are ingrained in some of MLB's most important events and initiatives, including All-Star Week, the World Series and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI).

"I have always admired the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Major League Baseball is proud to have worked at the organization's side in support of its remarkable efforts," said Commissioner Selig. "Boys & Girls Clubs of America have helped the National Pastime live up to our fortunate stature as not just a game, but more importantly, as a social institution. Because children are the foundation of our game, I will always cherish this great honor."

The American Museum of Natural History was transformed last night as guests came out to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2014 "Great Futures Gala." Huchela De La Cruz and the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club choir launched the night with several musical selections.   In addition to the attendance of Commissioner Selig and Baseball great Ken Griffey, Jr., the event was highlighted by a closing performance by R&B legend Brian McKnight.

Harold Reynolds of MLB Network and Fox Sports served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event, which was co-chaired by Tim Brosnan, Executive Vice President of Business for Major League Baseball; and Rick Goings, Tupperware Chairman and CEO. The collective support of BGCA by both organizations has made a remarkable impact on the BGCA movement.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America:

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at BGCA's Facebook and Twitter.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America