The Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue serves more than 15,000 local teens and kids and one of them could be a future major league baseball player. At least that’s what happened to current Seattle Mariners’ skipper Lloyd McClendon.

“I’m here because of the Boys & Girls Club,” he told the Reporter. “It’s certainly shaped me into the person I am today.”

Last week, McClendon served as the keynote speaker during the local chapter’s 22nd Annual Friends Breakfast of Champions held at the Bellevue Hilton. Prior to the breakfast he spoke about what it was like growing up in Gary, Ind., and how the John Will Anderson chapter expanded his view of the world, sports and what it takes to be a good citizen.

“I met people from different cultures, backgrounds,” he said. “It helped build my ability to adapt. Before I was a member my entire life was in the inner city. I didn’t know anyone else.”

The club was also where McClendon began his baseball journey, playing for the Anderson Little League. The memories, he said, have stuck with him and continue to guide his decisions in life.

Bellevue chapter president and CEO Kathy Haggart said it’s not an unfamiliar story.

The money raised will go to help fund programs for the roughly 15,000 children and teens who come through the club’s doors each year. Many of whom are underprivileged and often forgotten. But when given a chance, these kids blossom into “amazing human beings,” many of whom were in attendance at the breakfast.

Haggart said what continually impresses her is the group of people who have been coming to the breakfast since its inception 22 years ago. There’s also been a growing group of younger community leaders, many who attended a Boys & Girls Club and know the value it provides, much like the Mariners skipper.

“It’s so great to see a lot of new faces,” she said. “If it wasn’t for this group, the Club’s board, this wouldn’t work. We couldn’t do the work we need to for these kids.”

Mariners Hall-of-Famer Edgar Martinez, who has co-chaired the event along with the team’s chairman and CEO Howard Lincoln for several years, said he got involved with the club because he’s seen firsthand the impact it has on children’s lives.

Martinez’ two daughters go to one of the clubs after school often, and he said its influence is apparent.

“The club is such a great place for kids to go, especially after school,” he said. “It’s such a positive place where kids can be mentored by such great people.”

Frank Marcus, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue board chairman, said the donations will help the club’s 12 locations and help fund the creation of the Foster Family Foundational Fieldhouse at Hidden Valley Park. The location is slated to open in February 2015.

“When you look at the Bellevue community, you don’t think of the pockets of need,” he said. “That’s where the club does its best work.”