Compassionate, selfless and dedicated are just a few words to describe Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) Board Chair Simon Bloom. In 2020, Bloom became the Board Chair for BGCMA, but for more than two decades he has been a mentor, sponsor, advocate, and champion for our great cause of igniting the unlimited potential of kids and teens.
Bloom’s journey with BGCMA began when he moved to Atlanta in 1998 to practice law. One of the first Atlanta non-profit events he was exposed to was “Steak and Burger.’ At this event, the adults ate burgers while the children ate steaks. Although initially out of his element, he had the opportunity to really connect with children from the inner city that he otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to and was able to form genuine lifelong bonds with many of them.
“This was my first of 23 ‘Steak and Burger’ events, where I realized two things: (1) I wanted to devote my free time to serving underprivileged youth in my new hometown, and (2) the Boys & Girls Clubs was the premier platform from which to do it,” said Bloom.
Over the last 20 years, Bloom’s passion for philanthropy and youth development has bloomed into him holding significant roles within the BGCMA organization. Before taking on the role as board chair, he was previously president of the Fulton County board, chair of the metro resource development committee, chief liaison between the metro board of directors and the county boards, and board chair elect. He has done everything from wash dishes to mentoring Youth of the Year candidates to coaching the first metro-wide choir. In November 2021, Bloom received the BGCMA Board Champion Award for going above and beyond in service to our kids & teens.
Bloom is also renowned for his annual “Pig Gig” fundraiser that he holds at his home in support of the BGCMA’s Youth of the Year program and gala. The event brings together colleagues, friends, board members and sponsors for its customary warm fellowship and delicious array of tasty barbecue. This year’s event also featured a live band, bounce houses for children, face painting artists and a plethora of games for all to enjoy. He annually sets a goal of raising $100,000 for YOY and through the support of our generous sponsors, he easily surpasses that goal! This year’s Pig Gig raised over $120,000 and counting.
Bloom is greatly revered by many and truly treasured by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta for his several decades of service and continued commitment to help thousands of young leaders thrive in life and strengthen the futures of their communities and the world. He will transition from his role in January 2022.
