He stood about 5-feet, 9-inches tall.

But to me, Billy Thomas was a giant.

He ran the Boys & Girls Club where I grew up.

I still remember how I felt the first day I officially walked through the Club doors — like I was part of something. Like I belonged to something.

Billy started a tradition at our Club. Every time a Club member went to college, he hung their college pennant on the wall. Soon there were more and more pennants. I walked by them every day.

"The Club exposed me to things I'd never thought of before or imagined were possible. It taught me to dream bigger than the end of my block."

As today's young people face problems I never had to think about, they need Boys & Girls Clubs like never before — to give them safe places and positive adult role models like Billy who provide a sense of belonging and inspire them to dream bigger.

Does it work?

It did for me.

Tomorrow, I'm joining Boys & Girls Clubs of America for a really big milestone that I can't wait to share with you. Stay tuned for a big reveal and something I'd love your support on. Until then …

— Denzel