Boys and Girls Club National Night Out event

Music and cookout on tap for Tuesday night.

August 5, 2014; 9:00 AM • by Richard Hayes

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club is hosting a big National Night Out Event tonight. Details below.

In the evening of Tuesday, August 5 The Salvation Army of Central Virginia will host a cookout with music from Lonnie B of Power 92.1 and activities as part of National Night Out, an effort to promote engaged communities and resistance to violence.

Beginning at 5:30PM The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in the east end of Church Hill will welcome all community members to the Club, 3701 R Street, to enjoy food and entertainment with neighbors and friends as they strengthen the community through engaged relationships.

“National Night Out is an event that is designed to bring the community, neighbors, alumni, and parents together to build healthy relationships,” said Dot Crenshaw, Program Director at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. “We also use it as an opportunity to remember our fallen community members.”

In the last decade almost a dozen Club alumni have been victims of violent crimes in the area.

“The lessons our members learn at the Club encourage them along the path of nonviolent conflict resolution and avoiding situations susceptible to violence,” said Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Hugh Jones. “National Night Out is a great way to spotlight and engage the community in the work we do to promote nonviolence and positive decision making year-round.”

Guests at the National Night Out event will also have the opportunity to walk-thru the Club and see all that is has to offer for children and adults in the surrounding community. 2014 marks the 60th anniversary of The Salvation Army’s relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and operation of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. Additional information to mark this anniversary will be forthcoming.