Hall of Famer Fred McGriff to headline Boys & Girls Clubs fundraiser

ALBANY — For Jacqueline Robinson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany, the mission isn’t defined by programs alone. It’s defined by possibility.

“The needs of young people have shifted drastically,” Robinson said. “And we remain agile to serve the whole child and the whole family.”

That mission will take center stage April 16, when the organization hosts its 38th annual Steak & Burger Dinner, featuring Baseball Hall of Famer Fred McGriff as keynote speaker. More than a fundraiser, Robinson said the event is designed to connect Albany’s leaders directly with the young people the organization serves, and to demonstrate what’s possible when those connections are made early.

“For nearly four decades, this event has connected our community with the young people we serve in a powerful and personal way,” Robinson said. “It’s an opportunity to see the impact up close.” 

McGriff’s story mirrors the organization’s mission.

A 2023 inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, McGriff built a 19-year Major League Baseball career defined by consistency and power. A five-time All-Star, he recorded 493 home runs and 1,550 RBIs, helping lead the Atlanta Braves to a World Series championship in 1995.

But Robinson said it’s what came before baseball that matters most.

McGriff, a Boys & Girls Club alumnus from Tampa, credits the organization with helping shape his path — a journey that later earned him induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame.

“His story is a testament to the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs,” Robinson said. “We are honored to welcome him to Albany to inspire both our youth and our community partners.” 

The Steak & Burger Dinner — now in its 38th year — is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, typically drawing more than 700 attendees.

Robinson said the event’s deeper purpose is relationship-building.

During the dinner, club members host local leaders over a shared meal, a format designed to break down barriers and create meaningful mentorship opportunities.

“It’s a community catalyst event,” Robinson said. “People leave asking, ‘How can I do more?’” 

The evening also highlights the organization’s top youth leaders, including finalists in its Youth of the Year program, a rigorous, months-long competition involving essays, interviews and public speaking.

“Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a club member can achieve,” Robinson said. “These teens are standing in front of hundreds of people, sharing their stories. That kind of growth is life-changing.” 

Founded more than 60 years ago, Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany now serves more than 2,000 students annually across Dougherty, Macon and Sumter counties through eight club locations. Programs include after-school academic support, summer enrichment and meals, leadership and character development, and workforce and college readiness initiatives.

Robinson said the organization’s role has expanded as economic pressures on families have intensified.

“We get the privilege of making sure our kids have a safe place, a hot meal and access to opportunity,” she said. “But we can’t do it alone, partnerships are critical.” 

That support, she said, has measurable impact. A recent statewide study found that for every dollar invested in Boys & Girls Clubs, communities see a return of more than $10 through improved outcomes for youth and families.

The fundraiser also helps support the organization’s eight-week summer program, which Robinson described as critical for both students and working families.

Operating throughout the summer months, the program is designed to prevent learning loss while providing a safe, structured environment during hours when many parents are at work. Mornings focus on academic enrichment, including STEM activities, literacy and math instruction, while afternoons incorporate recreational programming, field trips and hands-on learning experiences.

“We want to do our part to mitigate summer learning loss,” Robinson said. “But beyond that, we’re creating an environment where kids can explore, build confidence and stay engaged.” 

A cornerstone of the program is its Learn to Swim and water safety component, which serves hundreds of children each year and reflects the organization’s broader focus on safety and life skills.

Robinson said the goal is to ensure no child is turned away due to financial barriers.

“Cost should never be a barrier to participation,” she said. “This program exists because our community believes in making opportunity accessible to every child.” 

The event will be held at 6 p.m. April 16 at Albany State University’s West Campus Arena.

For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, contact Eddie McBride at [email protected] or call (229) 439-0196.

“Albany needs Club kids,” Robinson said. “And Boys & Girls Clubs wouldn’t be possible without our community.”