“Reaching our 18th anniversary was a significant milestone, and we wanted to mark the occasion by making a positive impact where it matters most, in our local community,” said Nick Leach, Regional Director for Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. “Our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that provide critical resources for our youth, helping ensure a brighter future for the next generation.”  

The donation will support a variety of Boys & Girls Clubs programs, including academic enrichment, workforce readiness, and leadership development opportunities for young people across Wake and Johnston Counties. These programs are designed to prepare youth for success in school, career, and life.  

Matt Taliaferro, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake & Johnston Counties, emphasized the importance of the partnership:  

“Collaborations like this allow us to expand our reach and strengthen our impact,” said Taliaferro. “Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar’s generosity will directly support the thousands of youths who rely on our Clubs as a place to learn, grow, and connect with those who guide them toward successful futures.” 

About Boys & Girls Clubs
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. 

About Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Founded in 2007, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is a chef-driven burger joint with a passion for bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and giving back to the community. With locations across the Southeast and beyond, Bad Daddy’s has earned a loyal following for its creative burgers, handcrafted cocktails, and laid-back vibe. 

Set for September 4th the Sponsorship Showcase Lunch & Learn offers attendees a complimentary lunch while providing an inside look at the transformative programs and services that Boys & Girls Clubs deliver to thousands of young people each year. Guests will hear success stories, meet dedicated staff, and discover how their involvement can directly change lives in Wake and Johnston Counties. 

“This event is an opportunity for leaders in our community to see firsthand how their investment in our youth creates a ripple effect that lasts for generations,” said Matt Taliaferro, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake & Johnston Counties. “Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large corporation, there’s a way for you to make a meaningful difference.” 

Event Details
What: Sponsorship Showcase Lunch & Learn
When: 11:30A.M. – 12:30P.M. September 4th 

Where: E. Harvey Estes Conference Center (1121 Slater Rd. Durham, N.C. 27703)
RSVP: Please register by August 29 by clicking here 

About Boys & Girls Clubs
Since 1967, Boys & Girls Clubs has been a vital community resource, serving thousands of youths each year across multiple locations. Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe, positive environment where young people can reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. 

DJ returns to the Boys & Girls Clubs movement after serving as Executive Director of Urban Ministries of Wake County, where he led efforts to support those experiencing hunger, healthcare disparities, and homelessness. His leadership there strengthened services for some of the region’s most vulnerable populations. 

His connection to Boys & Girls Clubs spans 23 years and includes a variety of leadership roles—most notably, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina. In 2019, DJ was honored as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Southeast Region Professional of the Year, and in 2020, he received the prestigious Herman S. Prescott Award. This national recognition is presented annually to a Club professional whose commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion sets a standard across the movement. 

“We are thrilled to welcome DJ back to the Boys & Girls Clubs family,” said Matt Taliaferro, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake & Johnston Counties. “His vision, leadership, and deep-rooted commitment to serving youth and families align perfectly with our mission. He brings a unique blend of operational excellence and heartfelt community service that will help us expand our impact across the region.” 

A native of North Carolina, DJ holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University. He resides in Garner, NC, with his wife and three children. 

As Chief Operating Officer, Jones will lead the organization’s daily operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring that thousands of young people across Wake & Johnston Counties continue to have access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing opportunities. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs
Since 1967, Boys & Girls Clubs has been a vital community resource, serving thousands of youths each year across multiple locations. Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe, positive environment where young people can reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. 

On June 30, Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake & Johnston Counties hosted its second annual Stacks & Tracks event. The goal? Help youth prepare for the “real world” in the most engaging way possible—by diving into financial literacy (“Stacks”) and exploring career paths (“Tracks”) with hands-on fun. With support from incredible partners like First Horizon Bank, Comerica, Wake Technical Community College, and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Stacks & Tracks empowered youth from all ten of our Clubs to start thinking critically—and confidently—about their futures. 

Stacks: A Reality Check through the Reality Store 

Youth participated in the Reality Store, where they were assigned a career, salary, relationship status, and surprise—kids! Before they could fully process their new adult lives, they were swept into the store, where real bankers from First Horizon Bank welcomed them to the grown-up world of budgets and bills. 

From housing to transportation, daycare to dining out, our members faced some serious decision-making. Should they buy a house or rent an apartment? Could they afford a dog and a Netflix subscription? Was there even room in the budget to donate to charity or grab coffee from anywhere besides their own kitchen? 

Spoiler alert: the financial counseling station was packed. And the unanimous takeaway? A newfound appreciation for their parents—and maybe a little fear of adulthood. 

More importantly, they walked away understanding the importance of saving money, budgeting wisely, and pursuing a career that can support the life they want. 

Tracks: Mapping out a Future Path 

Members also had a chance to learn about potential careers and how to pursue them through a hands-on career fair. Businesses and volunteers came out to not just talk about careers, but to show them what those careers looked like. Youth created restaurant menus, explored robotics, and saw what real jobs look like in action. 

One of the biggest hits? Our first-ever Influencer Panel. We brought in local content creators to share what it’s really like to be a professional influencer. Spoiler #2: it takes a lot more work than just recording funny TikToks. But our members learned that with creativity, consistency, and some serious hustle, it can be a legitimate career path. 

Apple – Workforce Readiness in Action 

Behind the scenes, we had our very own media crew. Through Apple’s Code and Create initiative, one of our youth members, Dom, became our official event emcee and content creator! Using Apple tech, Dom interviewed volunteers, captured moments, and narrated highlights as one of the first projects of the newly formed Great Futures Productions. Move over, Spielberg! 

Click here to see the video! Clipchamp 

Power of Partnership 

Stacks & Tracks wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community partners who showed up in full force to make this event truly extraordinary. From banks and businesses to local creators, parents, and professionals, nearly 100 volunteers came together with one shared mission: to invest in the futures of our youth. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and generosity transformed what could have been just another summer afternoon into a vibrant, hands-on learning experience that our members will carry with them for years to come. 

As our President/CEO, Matt Taliaferro, put it: 

“This was one of the most impactful events I’ve been a part of. Stacks & Tracks made a difference in a lot of our youths’ lives today.” 

This event served as a powerful reminder that when a community comes together with purpose and heart, the possibilities for young people are limitless. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in making Stacks & Tracks a success—and we can’t wait to see what we’ll build together next.  

Future Ready 

Stacks & Tracks was designed with one mission in mind: to help prepare Wake & Johnston County youth to be Future Ready—with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to chase their dreams and crush their goals. Judging by the smiles, lightbulb moments, and slightly panicked budgeting faces… we’re well on our way. Because at the end of the day, America Needs Club Kids—young people who are curious, capable, and confident about building their futures. 

This partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar shows the ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities they serve. The funds will directly support out-of-school time program enrichment activities, academic support, leadership training, and healthy lifestyle programs that help youth & teens reach their full potential.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for this generous gift,” said Matt Taliaferro, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs. “Investments like this are essential to ensuring every young person who walks through our doors has access to the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed.”

The donation was made as part of Bad Daddy’s broader initiative to support local organizations that make a meaningful impact. 

“We look to find ways to reach out to the communities that we live in and operate restaurants in,” said Nick Leach, Regional Vice President of Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. “We work with Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide. We are proud of our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs.”

Boys & Girls Clubs serve thousands of young people each year, offering a positive space where youth can learn, grow, and thrive. With the help of partners like Bad Daddy’s, the Clubs continue to expand its reach and deepen its impact.

About Boys & Girls Clubs
Since 1967, Boys & Girls Clubs has been a vital community resource, serving thousands of youth each year across multiple locations. Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe, positive environment where young people can reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

About Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Founded in 2007, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is a chef-driven burger joint with a passion for bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and giving back to the community. With locations across the Southeast and beyond, Bad Daddy’s has earned a loyal following for its creative burgers, handcrafted cocktails, and laid-back vibe.

The fully equipped lab features high-performance computers, fast and reliable internet access, and interactive learning tools tailored to foster digital literacy, creativity, and academic success. The project reflects a shared commitment between Boys & Girls Clubs and American Tower to bridge the digital divide and open new doors for local youth.

“This new Digital Community is a game-changer for our kids,” said Matt Taliaferro, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs. “This space gives them the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital world—whether they’re doing homework, exploring coding, or researching college opportunities.”

American Tower, a Fortune 500 company, is a global leader in wireless communications infrastructure. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company owns, operates, and develops over 220,000 communication sites across more than 25 countries on six continents.

The donation to the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club is part of this broader mission—aimed at providing educational access and digital tools to help young people build brighter futures.

The unveiling event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from American Tower officials, appearances from local leaders, and a tour of the new facility. Club members were among the first to explore the new center, which will support STEM programs, college and career readiness, and after school enrichment activities.

About Boys & Girls Clubs
Since 1967, Boys & Girls Clubs has been a vital community resource, serving thousands of youth each year across multiple locations. Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe, positive environment where young people can reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

About American Tower

American Tower Corporation is a leading independent owner, operator, and developer of wireless communications infrastructure around the world. With a strong focus on corporate responsibility, American Tower supports programs that promote education, innovation, and connectivity.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting milestone for our Boys & Girls Clubs community: the opening of the new Fox Road Boys & Girls Club in the summer of 2025! This state-of-the-art facility will serve as the new home for the Brentwood Boys & Girls Club, bringing expanded opportunities and resources to even more children and families in our community.

February 8th, 2023 was one of the most important days of the year for our organization – our Organizational Youth of the Year Competition! 29 members representing our 7 Clubs in Wake County competed for the title of 2023 Organizational Youth of the Year and Futures Division winner. We are proud to announce the winners!

See Photos from the Event

Club Winners for the Futures Division:

Raleigh Girls Club– Athena L.

Raleigh Boys Club– Heru W.

Brentwood Boys & Girls Club– Michelle C.

Washington Elementary School Boys & Girls Club– Mohammed S.

Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club– Nicholas B.

Zebulon Boys & Girls Club– Zion M.

Club Winners for Youth of the Year:

Raleigh Girls Club– Rmani H.

theclub_teencenter– Kayla O.

Brentwood Boys & Girls Club– Tammy S.

Washington Elementary School Boys & Girls Club– Joey T.

Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club– Nora S.

Our 2023 Organizational Overall Winners Are:

2023 Futures Division Winner:

Zion M. from the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club

2023 Organizational Youth of the Year:

Rmani H. from the Raleigh Girls Club

We were blown away by ALL our Youth of the Year candidates this year. These Club members spent weeks preparing speeches, essays and interview responses, and truly showcased their excellence on Wednesday. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!