During the next two years, they promoted various projects including a city-county basketball game, Front Street Theater ticket parties, rummage sales, and the sale of Greeting cards. The treasury built up very slowly. Most members felt it would be several years before the necessary funds would accumulate, but money came almost over night with "Operation Flag Brag" - the sale of American Flags. This project was envisioned by Judd Williford and was successful beyond even his fondest dreams. It not only brought in money but gave Phoenix members a chance to know each other better while working as an enthusiastic team. It also gave The Phoenix publicity and some identity with the public.

With funds in hand and guidance from the BCA National Office, The Phoenix set out to secure a facility and an executive director. With the help of Mr. Hal Lewis of the Memphis Park Commission, the old Barksdale Police Station was leased to the Boys Club on most generous terms. Concurrently, the BCA furnished a list of trained young men who might be interviewed for the position of Director. One man stood out and eagerly accepted the challenge of moving into a completely disorganized situation from a successful executive directorship in Huntington, West Virginia. Jim Carlile's training at the University of Indiana and his subsequent Boys Club experience in Gary, Indiana and Huntington suited him well for the task ahead.

The old Barksdale Building was in a terrible state of repair. Help in furnishing labor and materials came immediately from The Phoenix members as well as a number of volunteer sources from the ranks of industry, construction, labor, and civic organizations. Walls were torn out, offices and partitions built, new floors laid, and the whole building was painted.

In April 1962, The Phoenix opened the first Memphis Boys Club. An outstanding, active citizens Board of Directors was recruited by The Phoenix and given the responsibility of operating the club. The Phoenix pledged to raise $10,000 per year to help operate the new club. The principal source of operating funds was then secured from Shelby United Neighbors -predecessor of the United Way of Greater Memphis.

The Phoenix continued its support financially and through personal participation. In 1964, The Phoenix committed for $11,000; $12,000 in 1965; $15,000 in 1968. The need for additional sources of income was obvious as the Boys Club program in Memphis began to grow.

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