PLEASANTVILLE, NY. - November 17, 2008 - The Reader's Digest Foundation announced today that it will donate $100,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), based in Atlanta, Ga. The mission of this national nonprofit organization is to enable all young people, especially those in greatest need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The grant from the Foundation will be used specifically for BGCA's drug and gang prevention programs.

This grant was inspired by the efforts of Delaware State Police detective Robert Moody. During his 26 years of police work, much of it in anti-drug and anti-gang programs, Robert saw the negative influences that were present in the lives of many young people. He decided to share something positive "“ his passion for fishing "“ in an attempt to counter the negatives. Since 1991, Robert has invited small groups of kids to spend summer mornings fishing with him on his days off. In 2002, Robert formalized the trips by creating Reel Expectations, a foundation that introduces kids ages 8 to 14 to the basics of fishing in five-day summer camps. The children are recruited through local Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA/YWCA.

"The Reader's Digest Foundation has a long history with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and we are thrilled to extend that support through this grant," said Susan Fraysse Russ, Executive Director, The Reader's Digest Foundation. "By providing young people with encouragement, guidance and a safe, positive place to go, BGCA is changing the world one child at a time. We are proud to help them improve the lives of children across the country."

"We know kids are safe when they are in our Clubs. A big concern is what happens to them on their way to and from our facility," said Joe Mollner, senior director, Delinquency Prevention, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "This grant will give our drug and gang prevention programs the resources necessary to help Club members avoid gangs and resolve disputes with words instead of guns. Hopefully, they will become the examples, leading their peers to do the same."

Reader's Digest magazine is featuring the story of Robert Moody in its "Make it Matter" column in the December issue, which hits newsstands on November 18. Previous "Make it Matter" stories, including many that never appeared in the magazine, can be seen at http://www.readersdigest.com.

About The Reader's Digest Foundation:
The Reader's Digest Foundation, started in 1938, is dedicated to creating opportunities and promoting efforts that encourage individuals to make a positive difference in their communities, and to supporting programs designed to help young people learn, grow and enrich their lives. RDF makes grants to nonprofit organizations to support the good works of individuals in their communities and to nonprofit partners focused on youth development and education. The Foundation also partners with nonprofits to create workplace opportunities for Reader's Digest Association employees to volunteer their time and share their expertise.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of America:
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has been changing and saving young lives, providing hope and opportunity for kids who need them most. Today, some 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.8 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found all across the country and on U.S. military bases throughout the world. Clubs provide young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. In communities large and small, Clubs positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their life. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

Readers Digest Association, Inc./Reader's Digest Foundation, The

Readers Digest Association, Inc./Reader's Digest Foundation, The

The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. is a global publisher and direct marketer of books, magazines and home entertainment products that inform, entertain and inspire people of all ages and cultures around the world. The company publishes 90 magazines, including its flagship magazine - Reader’s Digest, the world’s biggest-selling magazine. It is published in 51 editions and 21 languages. The Reader’s Digest Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities and promoting efforts that encourage individuals to make a positive difference in their communities, and to supporting programs designed to help young people learn, grow and enrich their lives.

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