2025 BGCMW EOY Recap

End of Year Impact A Year in Review Framingham | Hudson | Marlborough

2025

Table of Contents Letter from CEO

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BGCMW By the Numbers

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Youth of The Year

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Member & Staff of the Year

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Club Happenings

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BGCMW Signature Events

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To the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest Family, As we close another year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest, I am proud of what our young people—and this community—have accomplished together.

Every day, our Clubs provide a safe, welcoming place where children and teens can learn, grow, and discover their potential. This year, that meant students gaining confidence in the classroom, building meaningful relationships with caring mentors, and finding a sense of belonging during critical out-of-school hours. For many of our members, these moments are not extras—they are essential.

None of this impact is possible without the generosity of our donors, partners, and volunteers. Your belief in our mission ensures that kids who need us most have access to opportunity, stability, and hope for the future.

As you read this report, I hope you see the difference your support makes—not just in programs delivered, but in lives changed. Thank you for standing with us and for investing in the next generation.

With sincere thanks,

Chris Duane President & CEO

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BGCMW

by the Numbers

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Ages 17-18 3% Ages 14-16 9%

Average # of youth served daily:

Ages 11-13 22%

600

Ages 6-10 66%

6 out of 10

members is considered low to moderate income.

Preparing Youth for the Future Academic Success

Life & Workforce Readiness

Character & Leadership

Health & Well-Being

89%

82%

80%

80%

are on track for graduation.

know what career they want to work toward.

do what's right, even if no one is watching.

take care of their feelings & emotions.

Future-Focused Goals High School Graduation

Ready For College

Academically on Track

Financial Preparedness

98%

92%

98%

79%

believe they will graduate from high school.

plan to go to college.

of members in 5th through 12th grade are performing on grade level.

are prepared to manage their finances (e.g., paying bills, saving money, etc.).

Results are from the annual NYOI Member Survey (Spring 2025), administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help measure youth outcomes and impact.

The survey results provide valuable insights into the progress and aspirations of young individuals within the program. The data serves as a testament to the dedication of Club staff and mentors who strive to equip youth with the skills and knowledge necessary for a bright and promising future.

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Youth

of the Year

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From Club Kid to Club Leader: Meet Yasmin Mendes Andrade “The Club didn’t just change my life. It gave me the power to change others’ lives, too.” These were the moving words of Yasmin Mendes Andrade, our 2025 Youth of the Year, at the Great Futures Night this year.

Yasmin first walked through our doors at age six during a difficult family transition. For over a decade, the Club served as her second home, providing a safe harbor while her mother worked long hours. Today, Yasmin has come full circle: she is now a bilingual staff member, using her own experiences to mentor young immigrant children and support families facing the same challenges she once did.

Yasmin’s journey from a shy young girl to a confident, compassionate leader is a testament to the power of your support. She is no longer just a member. She is the role model she once looked up to.

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Honoring Our Clubhouse Youth of the Year Arron Pridgeon is a junior at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, a passionate basketball player, and a Club Member since he was seven years old. While much of Arron’s time at the Club was spent in the gym perfecting his basketball game, he also had the opportunity to learn life skills including responsibility and communication. He’s used these skills as a part-time staff member where he interacts with youth, parents, and other staff members daily. This year, Arron had the opportunity to help lead basketball skills clinics. This role was incredibly rewarding to Arron as he became a mentor to younger players, just like he received when he was a child.

Karlos Seidel, also known as “Junior” is a junior at Framingham High School, an active member within his Church and faith, and a mentor for all youth at the Framingham Clubhouse. In Jr’s Youth of the Year essay, he states “as a first-generation American citizen, I can proudly say the impact of this Club is undeniable… I aim to be the mentor I needed as a child, a mentor that didn’t make me feel like I blended with the crowd.” Jr. was selected to represent the Framingham Club as the Youth of the Year because he takes his role seriously – he’s more than a babysitter or homework tutor, Jr. empowers the youth in the Club to find their passion and motivates them to do their best. Tammi, the Framingham Club Director, describes Jr. as funny, smart, cheerful, encouraging, thoughtful and considerate.

Yasmin Mendes is a senior at Hudson High School and will be attending Gordon College next fall to study public health and nursing, with the ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA, specializing in pediatric anesthesia. Yasmin first started attending the Hudson Club when she was six years old and quickly found a place where she felt safe, supported, and loved. Yasmin was active in Club programming, including the Keystone Club and easily transferred those skills to being a part-time staff member.

You can often find Yasmin at the front desk, connecting with youth and their caregivers.

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Member & Staff of the Year

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Member of the Year Aidan Matton of the Discovery Club joined the after-school Discovery Club as a kindergartner and has shown remarkable growth as a second grader. He exemplifies the program's goals, with a bright mind and passion for learning, particularly in building.

Staff and peers admire problem-solving skills and sense of humor.

Aidan has formed strong friendships within the Club. His mentors praise his adventurous spirit and significant improvement, highlighting the positive impact Discovery Club has on his development.

Isaac Pessoni of the Hudson Clubhouse is a dedicated, hardworking leader at the Club, known for his helpfulness and determination. He exemplifies strong academic focus and active participation, making him a role model for peers. Isaac leads by example, contributes positively, and supports others while pursuing his goals. He views the Club as a welcoming environment and is described by peers as hardworking and humorous, while staff recognize him as a young leader eager to help.

Arianna Russell of the Marlborough Clubhouse is an active member of the Club, participating in the Torch Club and volunteering at the Keystone Café. Known for her welcoming attitude, she helps new members feel comfortable and stands out for her eagerness to learn and assist others. Arianna eagerly joins new programs and brings enthusiasm to all her activities. Outside the Club, she enjoys horseback riding, walking her dog, and studying math and social studies.

Maria Eduarda Campos Da Cruz of the Framingham Clubhouse recognized as a natural leader in the Club. Known for her kindness, optimism, and support, she enters with a smile and a positive attitude. Maria often helps staff and enjoys STEM activities in the Tech Center. Her peers see her as a loyal and fun friend who spreads joy. Maria describes the Club as family, where she feels safe, supported, and excited, especially during field trips with friends.

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Staff of the Year Jacob DiMarco of the Discovery Club has been a dedicated and dependable part of the team for the past four years, starting as an Assistant Group Leader while still in high school and quickly rising through the ranks. Today, at just 20 years old, Jacob serves as a Part-Time Site Coordinator at two Discovery Club locations— supporting both before-school and after-school programs five days a week, all while pursuing a full-time Business Management degree remotely at Florida Atlantic University. Jacob is known by staff and youth alike for being responsible, collaborative, and supportive.

Izadora de Jesus of the Hudson Clubhouse has been a reliable and friendly presence at the Club since 2023. She excels at welcoming families, assisting in the Tech Room, and providing support wherever needed. Her professionalism and bilingual skills foster strong connections with Club families, making her a favorite among members and staff. Described as “sweet, funny, and always there to help,” Izadora views the Club as more than a job; she is dedicated to guiding youth and contributing to the community as a true team player.

Saige Roach is the Art Room Coordinator at the Marlborough Club, known for her creativity and strong connections with youth. She also contributes as 3rd and 4th grade B-ball Commissioner and ages 5-7 lead summer program staff. Saige provides a safe outlet for young people to express themselves and build confidence. Her dedication to their wellbeing is evident, and she values the learning experiences the Club offers. A junior at Worcester State University studying Early Childhood Education, she balances her studies with her impactful role at the Club, bringing insight and energy to her work.

Camila Bortoleto, the Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant at the Framingham Club, is a vital source of warmth and support, often seen as a mother-figure in the community. She ensures families feel welcome and valued, while innovating efficient systems and helping the Club operate smoothly. A proud Brazilian immigrant, Camila learned English through Elvis Presley movies and continually seeks growth opportunities. She views the Club as a place of opportunity that has significantly impacted her life.

Camila's dedication and belief in the power of opportunity have profoundly influenced the Framingham Club.

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Club

Happenings

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Teens Receive Critical Training Recognizing that the teen staff members employed at Boys & Girls Clubs are part of a successful after-school program, BGCMW invested in relevant and impactful training programs for these youth.

In January, teen and adult staff members at the Marlborough Clubhouse attended the Overdose Prevention & Awareness workshop led by Dr. Sarah Bagley, clinical researcher at Boston Medical Center. Workshop participants discussed substance use prevention and critical steps to take in the event of an overdose.

Dr. Bagley spoke frankly on the subject and the teens in the room had an interactive discussion with her and her colleagues on this topic. Heather Prescott, the Discovery Club Director shared her reaction, “The understanding and realness presented around the topic was enlightening & comforting. Instead of insisting continued ignorance is bliss regarding this uncomfortable topic as most of us were taught this way, they instead presented the material and information in a way of acceptance accompanied by educating safe practices for all involved.”

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Marlborough Club Members Hockey Night Thanks to the office of Mayor Dumas of Marlborough and the Worcester Railers over 40 Club members, families and staff from the Marlborough Club attended a game on January 18. This was a unique chance for a mix of youth and adults from the Marlborough Club to come together for a social event and cheer on the Railers. Every year, the Worcester Railers host a Marlborough Night at their home rink, the DCU Center. The BGCMW family and friends were happy to be included in this special night.

Yawkey Foundation Invests in Tech Center for Framingham Club We are thrilled to announce that the Yawkey Foundation generously invested $50,000 to support the refresh of the Technology Center at our Framingham Club this year! This incredible contribution helped us upgrade our technology resources and overhaul the space with new furniture, ensuring that local youth have access to the tools they need to succeed in school, explore STEM learning, and develop essential digital skills.

This investment provided our members with updated computers, new software, and enhanced digital learning tools to support academic success, STEM programs, and workforce development initiatives. With technology playing a vital role in today’s education and career pathways, this upgrade will ensure our youth have access to the resources they need to build a brighter future.

Thank you Yawkey Foundation for your belief in our mission and dedication to the success of our Club members.

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Celebrating Congresswoman Trahan's Support A special thank you to Congresswoman Lori Trahan for securing $400,000 in federal funding, that enhanced our workforce development programs from March 2024 through August 2025.

This investment was part of a broader $2.2 million allocation benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs across the Third District, aiming to provide teens with exploration opportunities, job skill training, and workbased learning experiences.

Since March 2024, this funding has enabled us to expand our existing workforce development programs including Career Launch and Money Matters. Additionally, we have been able to offer more comprehensive on-the-job experience to our members through counselor and staff training programs as they prepare for their future careers. By participating in these initiatives, our youth will gain valuable skills and experiences, setting them on a path toward successful and fulfilling careers.

Thank you to Congresswoman Trahan for her unwavering support and commitment to empowering the youth in our community. Her dedication ensures that our members have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

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School Year Wrapped Up with Impactful Programs As the school year closed, we reflected on a fantastic year filled with growth, learning, and fun for the youth in the MetroWest area! Our dedicated team and incredible young people made this year one to remember.

We're proud to report that our Clubhouses submitted 412 program reports, accounting for over 826 hours of high-quality programming. These programs served more than 1,150 unique youth, providing them with a safe and engaging environment to learn and thrive.

This past school year also saw the introduction of exciting new initiatives, expanding the horizons for our Club members: Esports Tournaments: Our Clubhouses battled it out in thrilling esports tournaments, even participating in a statewide competition through the MA Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs! This new program fostered teamwork, strategic thinking, and friendly competition.

In-Club Work Experience for Teens: Through our Workforce Development program, teens gained valuable "CIT" (counselor in training) experience right in their Clubhouses throughout the school year. This hands-on program helped them develop essential job readiness skills.

A Reality Fair for Teens: We offered a unique "Reality Fair" designed to give teens a practical glimpse into their financial futures, helping them understand budgeting and real-world expenses.

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Crochet Club: Our new Crochet Club provided a creative outlet for members to learn a new skill, relax, and express themselves.

These new programs complemented our ongoing commitment to academic success, STEM, character and leadership, and healthy lifestyle programming. From tutoring and science experiments to leadership development and sports, our Club members had countless opportunities to explore their interests and build essential life skills.

We successfully wrapped up the school year with vibrant awards ceremonies held across all our Clubhouses. These events were a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work, growth, and dedication of our youth throughout the year. It's always inspiring to see their smiles as they're celebrated by their peers, families, and our dedicated staff.

Beyond our Club walls, our commitment to the MetroWest community continues. Our staff enthusiastically participated in several fantastic end-of-year community events, connecting with families and friends outside of our regular programs. You might have seen us at the lively Hudson Fest and the always-fun Jaworek Block Community Party in Marlborough. These events are invaluable opportunities for us to strengthen our ties within the neighborhoods we serve, share updates about our programs, and simply enjoy the vibrant spirit of our community.

We're so proud of everything our Club members accomplished this school year and deeply appreciate the continued support from our community partners!

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Character, Leadership, & Community Impact The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest's Character & Leadership Programs are fundamental in cultivating responsible, caring citizens and equipping young people with essential skills for adulthood. These programs foster leadership abilities and provide crucial opportunities for planning, decision-making, and contributing meaningfully to both the Club and the community.

Over 50 Club members actively participate in our Keystone Club and Torch Club, demonstrating their dedication by raising over $3,000 to support vital community initiatives and volunteering 50 hours of hands-on volunteer service.

Their strong commitment has made a big difference, bringing people together with a shared purpose and supporting local projects. By participating, members form meaningful connections and feel a sense of belonging and pride in what they achieve. This spirit of volunteering and dedication is central to everything we do, driving positive change and inspiring the next generation to continue the tradition of service and kindness.

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Summer Scholarships Awarded to MetroWest Families We're thrilled to share an incredible update from our summer program, made possible by your unwavering generosity! Thanks to our dedicated supporters and donors, the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest has awarded an astounding $85,000 in summer program scholarships to families right here in the MetroWest area. This isn't just a number. It represents the number of bright young minds gaining access to a summer filled with learning, laughter, and lifelong memories. A summer they might not otherwise have had.

Your investment directly ensures that financial (continued) barriers don't stand in the way of a child's opportunity to thrive. It provides a safe haven, enriching activities, and positive mentorship during critical summer months.

What's truly remarkable is the loyalty and trust we've built within our community. Our registration data reveals that a significant 85% of our summer program participants are returning members. This powerful statistic shows the lasting positive impact of our programs and the deep connection families feel to the Club. They come back year after year because they know the difference BGCMW makes.

Thank you for being such a vital part of our mission. Your commitment transforms lives and builds a stronger, more vibrant and safe community for all.

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Sparking Curiosity with STEM Program This summer Discovery Club summer program members engaged with cutting-edge learning experiences, thanks to partners like Change Is Simple. Their innovative STEM mobile recently visited, bringing hands-on science, technology, engineering and environmental studies directly to our kids!

We know that summer can often lead to learning loss, and that's why we're so committed to providing enriching activities that keep young minds active and engaged. The magic? Our Club members are often having so much fun, they don't even realize how much they're "learning"!

One of the coolest activities members tackled with Change Is Simple was designing and building DIY solar ovens. Using everyday materials like recycled pizza boxes and black construction paper, they mimicked the power of the sun to create delicious s'mores! Talk about creative problem-solving and a tasty reward! These experiences not only build foundational STEM skills but also spark a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.

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Mikey V. and St. Mary’s Credit Union Partner with the Clubs We are excited to announce a powerful new partnership focused on financial empowerment for our youth and families. Mikey V., a proud Framingham High School alum and popular radio personality, has teamed up with St. Mary’s Credit Union to become a spokesperson for financial literacy.

As part of this new initiative, Mikey V. visited our Framingham Clubhouse to kick off a partnership that will provide free financial literacy courses and information to all Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest members and their families.

This program is designed to give our youth a head start on a secure financial future. By learning essential skills like budgeting, saving, and smart spending, our members will be better prepared to navigate the real world.

The incentive for this program is youth who successfully complete the financial literacy program will have the opportunity to open a bank account at St. Mary’s Credit Union and receive a starting deposit of $50. This hands-on experience will turn what they've learned into a real-world asset, helping them begin their journey toward financial independence.

We are incredibly grateful to Mikey V and St. Mary’s Credit Union for their commitment to our mission and their belief in the potential of our youth. This partnership is a significant step toward building a brighter, more financially stable future for the families in our community.

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Club Member Takes the Mound at Polar Park What an incredible day for our community at Polar Park for the Framingham Town Takeover with the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox)! We were thrilled to see so many of our supporters, donors, and community leaders come together to cheer on the team.

The highlight of the day was seeing one of our very own Framingham Club kids, Colton, take the field to throw out the first pitch. Colton did an amazing job, stepping up to the mound with confidence and pride. His moment in the spotlight was a perfect example of the potential and talent our members have. It was a proud moment for our entire Club family, showcasing the confidence and character we work to instill in all of our kids.

We were honored to have key community leaders join us for the event, including Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, City Councilor Leora Mallach, City Councilor George King, District Attorney Marian Ryan, and Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest Board member John Petrin. Their presence showed a powerful commitment to our youth and the vital role the Club plays in our community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. It's because of you that we can provide our members with unique, life-changing experiences like this one!

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Safe Space, Strong Leaders Being a teenager in today's fast-paced world can be challenging. That's why having a safe space to just be yourself to relax, connect, and lead is absolutely essential.

We are proud that the Boys & Girls Club of MetroWest provides this crucial environment for our teens!

Recently, the teens at our Framingham Clubhouse enjoyed a fun Spa Night, where they took a moment for self-care, pampering themselves with face masks and manicures. These stress-free, engaging activities are vital for promoting wellness and building bonds among our older members.

We're even more incredibly proud of our Framingham Clubhouse teens who hosted a successful Friday Fun Night a few weeks ago! This amazing event is a testament to their exceptional leadership and commitment to the Club.

Here’s how it works! Our younger members sign up to stay late for an evening packed with games and fun activities. The entire event is planned, organized, and led by the teens themselves and they even organize dinner for everyone! The best part? This successful initiative raises crucial funds that directly support field trips and enrichment activities chosen by the teens.

It’s a true win-win. Our younger members have a blast in a safe, engaging environment, and our teens develop invaluable leadership, organizational, and entrepreneurial skills while funding their own adventures!

Your support makes it possible for BGCMW to empower teens not only to manage stress but also to step up as confident leaders in their Club and community.

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Framingham Alumni Returns to the Clubhouse The Framingham Clubhouse was thrilled to welcome back one of our own successful alumni, Chibuzor Ogbue, CEO of Jerry’s World Productions, and his project, Jerry Fleece, for a truly inspiring visit.

Chibuzor, who currently lives in Los Angeles, took the powerful initiative to gather a group of highly successful young men from the entertainment and media world and bring them back to the Club to inspire the next generation of leaders. The panel generously shared their personal challenges, gave fantastic career advice, and showed our members that great futures truly start right here within the walls of the Boys & Girls Club of MetroWest.

It meant the world to our kids to hear from someone who walked the same halls and achieved such success. Their visit provided a crucial real-world connection and proof of concept for the potential within every child we serve.

A massive thank you to Chibuzor and his amazing guest panel for taking the time to invest in our youth: Armani Branch: Writer, Producer, and former D1 basketball player (Norfolk State & Virginia Military Institute) Cam Barker: Sports Center Production Coordinator Deji Johnson: Content Associate at ESPN Bruce Abreau: Actor and Producer

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BGCMW Connects with the Community at the Inaugural Framingham Fest We had a blast celebrating the city at the firstever Framingham Fest this year! Our Framingham program staff attended and proudly set up a table, spending the day connecting with so many families, supporters, and new faces from the community.

These opportunities are vital for us to meet families where they are, share the impact of the Boys & Girls Club, and welcome the next generation of members. We enjoyed discussing our programs and showing everyone how the Framingham Clubhouse is a safe, positive place for youth to learn and grow.

Club Staff set up at Solomon Pond Mall teen Health Fair BGCMW Staff participated in the Health Fair at the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough, put together by Youth Connections. It drew a great crowd, including nearly 290 local teens.

Our dedicated staff were there with a key goal in mind: staff recruitment! We know that the best staff members are often found right here in our community, and we were eager to meet enthusiastic, responsible young adults who might want to become mentors at the Clubs.

Our staff set up a table and quickly drew a crowd with a Club favorite: a very competitive cup stacking game! This lively activity was a great way to engage with the attendees, share information about open positions, and demonstrate the fun and positive environment at BGCMW.

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BGCMW

Signature Events

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Patricia Davidson

Ron Young Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Larissa Thurston

2025 Hall of Fame Inductee

Jenny Perez

2025 Hall of Fame Inductee

Gary Violette

2025 Hall of Fame Inductee

Recognizing Inductees at Great Futures Night BGCMW is absolutely thrilled to share the resounding success of our inaugural Great Futures Night, presented by Main Street Bank, which took place on Thursday, June 5th. This truly inspiring evening, held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Marlborough, was a beautiful reimagining of our traditional Hall of Fame Breakfast, and it surpassed all our expectations thanks to your incredible support.

The evening was filled with powerful stories and firsthand accounts of how the Club is shaping lives.

A special highlight of Great Futures Night was the presentation of our highest honors. We were deeply moved to recognize Trish Davidson with the Ron Young Memorial Award for her longstanding and unwavering commitment to our Clubs. We also proudly inducted three exceptional individuals into our Hall of Fame: Larissa Thurston, Gary Violette, and Jenny Perez, whose dedication has as made an immeasurable difference to the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest.

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Jennifer Aldworth

Community Partner for Youth Award

Yarelis E. Garcia

Cary Corkin Memorial Award

Julia Marshall

Michael C. Sullivan Award

Celebrating Community at BGCMW's Annual Gala & Auction For an impressive 19 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest has proudly hosted our Annual Gala & Auction signature event, and this year was truly one for the books. On Thursday, October 30th, at The Verve Hotel in Natick, our dedicated supporters gathered to make a profound difference for the youth in our community. This year’s Gala was a complete sell-out just weeks after tickets went live, a testament to your unwavering commitment!

We extend our deepest appreciation to our generous Presenting Sponsor, TJX Companies, Inc., whose support was vital. Thanks to the generosity of all attendees and participants, we raised an astounding $140,000! This incredible success reaffirms our commitment to providing our youth with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

The gala celebrated individuals and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to the Club's mission. This year’s honorees were The Mass Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and Jennifer Aldworth were awarded the Community Partner for Youth Award, Yarelis E. Garcia awarded the Cary Corkin Memorial Award and Julia Marshall was awarded the Michael C. Sullivan Award.

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To our valued members and their families, staff, volunteers, donors, and all supporters, a heartfelt

Thank You for an incredible year!

www.bgcmetrowest.org