Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice 41
Boys and Girls Club of Venice First Executive Director and Humanitarian Rights Trailblazer
alls every day to the club . Since mom did not have the nominal membership fee , my sister and I collected bottle and cans to pay it . Also , we used our first initials of our names when we signed in . I was thankful when Buddha , a staff member , gave me shoes as I
2015 Scholarship Recipients and Mandell Scholarship Committee
only had flip flops . After some time at the club , the person who signed us in demanded to know our first names . I felt pressured to tell her it was Cathy . That ’ s when I thought my whole world would end , and the place that I saw as my safe haven , and respite from my dysfunctional life at home would reject me . Then Mr . Mandell stepped in . He saw that we had been members for one year , had paid our dues , and enjoyed the activities offered . The staff argued that my sister and I had no business at the club . But Mr . Mandell said , ‘ Girls need a safe place to be , too ’ and allowed us to stay . That was the first time that anybody , let alone a male , ever stood up for us . We enjoyed the rest of our summer at the club . Mr . Mandell empowered me that day and I ’ ll never forget it . I will always be in his gratitude .”
Among the disapproval from Boys ’ Clubs of America ( but not expulsion ), as well as extreme opposition from surrounding Boys ’ Clubs , David and the Board decided to admit girls in 1974 . It formally changed its name to the Boys & Girls Club of Venice in 1980 – long before other clubs were forced to admit girls or face legal discrimination opposition .
In keeping with David ’ s personal philosophy of brotherhood and nonviolence , the Boys & Girls Club of Venice remains a safe , gang-free environment that continues to motivate the exploration , understanding , and appreciation of cultural differences among its youth and families .
David became an excellent fundraiser , and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to erect a new club . It was through his tireless efforts and perseverance that the new Boys & Girls Club of Venice has become a reality , and was built exactly as he had specified .
After serving twenty-seven years as Executive Director of the Club , David decided to leave and to apply his impeccable fundraising skills toward assisting other Boys & Girls Clubs . He launched financially successful campaigns and fundraising efforts for both the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley , and the Boys & Girls Club of Watts / Willowbrook . David ’ s commitment and excellent capital campaign strategies were significant in the erection of a new Watts / Willowbrook Club .
David received numerous awards and recognitions ranging from a Resolution from the City of Los Angeles to being named Man of the Year by the Venice Chamber of Commerce for his dedicated service to behalf of youth and their families .
David C . Mandell was a true humanitarian trailblazer ! His widow , Faye , and daughters Arielle and Michelle join countless others he has touched and empowered throughout his lifetime in knowing that his legacy of caring , equality , and devotion will live in the hearts and minds of others forever .
The David C . Mandell “ In His Footsteps ” Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by his family to award college scholarships to disadvantaged , deserving BGCV youth who have demonstrated a commitment to activities and service programs involving youth and others in the community . With the support of donors and businesses , over 20 high school seniors have been awarded a Mandell Scholarship since its inception in 2009 . Contributions are always appreciated .
Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice 41