New “AD 2 O.C.” Networking Group to Form Partnership with Orange County Boys & Girls Clubs Alliance

Irvine, CA —Orange County’s creative community junior executives have formed a high-profile professional networking organization known as “AD 2 O.C.” The peer-to-peer based professional group is comprised of talented industry members, ages 32 and under, from O.C.’s advertising, marketing, public relations, and media production communities, as well as local Orange County college students.

AD 2 O.C. will harness the talents and knowledge of its valued members as they offer pro-bono services to non-profit charitable foundations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs Orange County Alliance (BGCOC). “We believe it is important to give back to those in right here in Orange County,” said AD 2 O.C. President Damien Navarro. “Helping a worthwhile organization like the Boys & Girls Clubs is exactly why we formed AD 2 O.C.”

2006 marks the Centennial Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Orange County alliance is comprised of 16 clubs throughout the O.C.. Founded in 1906, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America have been providing support, stability, and opportunities for young men and women throughout the country. The BGCOC is a proud member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which serves more than 4.4 million children at over 3,700 club locations in the United States and abroad.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs Orange County Alliance is excited about its new strategic partnership with AD 2 OC,” said BGCOC Alliance Director, Christine Steele. “With the expertise and generous assistance provided by these compassionate marketing professionals, we will get out the message of what a vital service the Boys & Girls Clubs brings to over 87,000 Orange County kids and teens each year through over 40 development programs, creating a positive place for kids.”

AD 2 O.C. will assist BGCOC with a variety of public relations, media development, and full-scope advertising campaigns. The projects will encompass a broad range of media, from print to video to website development. AD 2 O.C.’s initial focus will be to develop the inaugural BGCOC’s “Adopt-A-Club” campaign. AD 2 O.C. will coordinate with the local media and advertising companies throughout Orange County to “sponsor” their local Boys and Girls Club chapters by offering volunteers and professional pro-bono services in consultation, design, printing, and media support. The goal of BGCOC is to unify the messaging and impact of each of the 16 Orange County clubs.

The BGCOC is also involved with the Boys & Girls Club national programs like “School Age Programs,” “Preschool Childcare,” “Families in Crisis,” “Family Literacy,” and “Healthcare.” These nationally-recognized programs address today’s most pressing youth issues like education, the environment, health, the arts, careers, alcohol/drug and pregnancy prevention, gang prevention, leadership development, and athletics.

The mission of the BGCOC is to provide high-quality programs and services for children and youths to help them reach their full potential. Through a variety of programs like “Character & Leadership,” “Education & Career Development,” “Health & Life Skills,” “The Arts,” and “Sports, Fitness, & Recreation,” the BGCOC provides a foundation of hope and opportunity for the children and youth of Orange County.

The BGCOC vision is to assure that the children and youth who attend their programs become competent adults, caring parents, and responsible citizens. The 16 Orange County clubs spanning 67 locations offer safe, enriching activities with professional, caring adults in a positive environment. The BGCOC makes achievements in school a priority and a reality. The Clubs focus on the development of the whole child through family foundations and community partnerships.

AD 2 O.C.:
AD 2 O.C. is an advertising, marketing, public relations, and media networking club based in Orange County. AD 2 O.C. members, ages 32 and under, range from industry professionals to college students. Founded in January 2006, AD 2 O.C. joins a national network of 1,000 members from 17 “AD 2” clubs across America. It is also affiliated with the American Advertising Federation (A.A.F.). To learn more about AD 2 O.C., please call (949) 387-1721. You can also visit www.ad2oc.org to find more information about the club and its board.