Lebron James Publicity Stunt Earns $2.5 Million for Boys and Girls Clubs

Two recent sporting events have netted the Boys and Girls Club of America around $3 million dollars thanks to the attractive power of great athletes.

People may complain about the excess hubris surrounding the Lebron James announcement last week when the basketball star created a torrent of media buzz around which city he would choose to play for next year. The Boys and Girls Clubs were not among them.

The venerable non-profit organization expected to reap $2.5 million from a deal crafted by James with ESPN to donate all advertising revenue generated from a portion of the much-anticipated show.

The windfall for Boys and Girls Clubs (BGCA) did not stop there, however. Major League Baseball’s annual Home Run Derby raised $573,000 for the kids’ clubs last night. 

California’s Angel Stadium was the setting for the 2010 event, sponsored by State Farm. David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox captured the home run crown, topping eight participating Major League sluggers who hit a total of 95 home runs during the competition.

Now in the fourth year of its Home Run Derby partnership, State Farm and MLB have teamed up to donate over $1.7 million to help create big moments for BGCA and local chapters.

“The Boys and Girls Club of America is so appreciative and grateful toward State Farm and Major League Baseball for the opportunities they have given our chapters and members,” said Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Through these partnerships we are able continue strengthen our mission to provide programs and services that promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

The broadcast location of James’ announcement was the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Conn, where the local chapter was celebrating its 100th anniversary, as one of the oldest clubs in America. The New York Times said that while James was not involved in Boys & Girls Clubs in his youth, he and his foundation have supported the organization over the past few years.

(READ more about the Home Run Derby at MLB.com)