The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest NEWSLETTER
FRAMINGHAM CLUBHOUSE
In December, the Framingham Clubhouse hosted a special event for the younger Club members on a Friday night. Parents were invited to drop off their young children at the Club for an activity-filled evening. Relay races, donut decorating, dancing and creating string popcorn were just a few of the things that the kids participated in. The teen Club members, with the support of Club staff, led the activities for almost 50 kids who came for this entertaining evening. In addition, the Club members collected canned goods from the parents when they dropped off their kids. The Framingham Clubhouse was able to help restock the shelves at area food pantries with 9 bags of food that were donated to the United Way of Tri-County following the event.
MARLBOROUGH CLUBHOUSE
Members of the SMART Girls planned and hosted a spaghetti dinner at the Marlborough Club in November to benefit hurricane relief efforts in Florida. Moved by the loss and devastation caused by back-to-back hurricanes, the girls at the Marlborough Club knew they wanted to do something to help families impacted by these natural disasters.
To make the spaghetti dinner a success, the Club members marketed the event to all the families who come to Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest including Discovery Club participants and the Happy Hours Preschool. The girls prepared and served a hearty meal of pasta, meatballs and salad to over 40 people. In addition to serving the meal at the Club, they also packaged orders to go (but no delivery!) The pasta dinner was a great way for the members of SMART Girls to give back to their community and raise $320 for hurricane relief efforts!
HUDSON CLUBHOUSE
The Hudson Clubhouse was transformed into Jingle Bell Junction for a special night in December. As part of the annual Downtown Hudson Holiday Stroll, the Clubhouse was a destination for families to come by to enjoy kids' games, grab a snack, do a little shopping at the White Elephant table, or get a photo with The Grinch. The event, which attracted about 300 participants, served as a fundraiser for the Club and helped illustrate the role that BGCMW plays in Hudson. To add to the festive spirit, members of the Keystone Club hosted a bake sale for the holiday strollers and the Jingle Bell Junction was a big success!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: CIDA ARAUJO
Cida Araujo, a valuable asset to the Framingham Clubhouse program staff, brings a wealth of experience to the team. With a teaching career spanning back to 1993 in Brazil, Cida has a deep passion for working with children.
"Cida goes above and beyond what she is asked to do," says Tammi Pudlo, Framingham Club Director. "She's incredibly proactive and confident in implementing engaging activities for the kids."
Cida currently works at Cameron Middle School and after-school at the Clubhouse. Her dedication to fostering positive character development is evident in her work. She strives to instill important principles in children, such as respect, love for others, and a strong work ethic, encouraging them to excel in their studies.
Cida's connection to the Club runs deep. She joined the staff as a way to give back to the organization that provided invaluable support to her daughter when she needed it most.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest is fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced educator as Cida Araujo on its team.
MEET MARLBOROUGH MEMBER & STAFF, ARRON P.
Arron Pridgeon, a junior at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, has spent nine years at the Marlborough Boys & Girls Club. This isn't just a membership; it's a home court advantage. The Club's basketball court has been his playground, a place where he's honed his skills and forged lifelong friendships.
INTERVIEW WITH ARRON
What is your favorite Club activity or program?
My favorite Club activity is playing basketball and dodge ball in the gym.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Boys & Girls Club?
What I enjoy the most about being a member is playing basketball in the gym. I get to interact with different kids too.
Can you share a favorite memory or experience at the Club?
An experience that I can think of is when me and my friends would play basketball like it was the NBA finals. That's fun.
What are your goals for the future, and how do you think the Club can help you achieve them?
The Club can help me achieve my goals by helping me get out of my comfort zone. They can help me and guide me in uncomfortable situations to help me feel comfortable.
What advice would you give to a new member?
Have fun and enjoy yourself while you're here. Go out of your way and make friends.
A MEMBER'S PERSPECTIVE
As a member, Arron particularly enjoys the basketball court, where he can engage with other kids. The Club has not only provided him with a fun and supportive environment but has
also helped him develop valuable life skills, such as patience and empathy.
Arron's advice to new members is simple yet profound: "Have fun and enjoy yourself while you're here. Go out of your way and make friends."
What inspired you to work at the Boys & Girls Club?
What inspired me is that I wanted to find a job that I enjoy and make a positive impact.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is being able to interact and play with kids in the gym.
Can you share a story about a time when you made a positive impact on a member’s life? I remember when I introduced two kids that didn't know each other and now they are friends.
What do you think is the most important quality for a Boys & Girls Club staff member to have?
The most important quality in a club staff is patience and control.
How has the Club helped you in school and/ or in your personal life?
As a staff, the Club has helped me be more patient with people.
What do you hope to achieve in your role at the Club?
I would hope to have kids trust in me and see them come up to me if they have a problem.
How has working at the Club impacted your own life?
The Club has provided me with more opportunities. I want to go to college after high school. I know the Club will help me with that.
ARRON'S COMMITMENT TO THE CLUB
Arron's commitment to the Club extends beyond his membership. He works as a staff member, where he finds joy in interacting with the kids and creating positive experiences. A highlight of his work has been introducing two previously unfamiliar kids, who have since become good friends.
Arron Pridgeon's story is a testament to the impact the Boys & Girls Clubs can have on young people's lives. His dedication, both as a youth member and a staff member, makes him a valuable asset to our community.
YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE SPONSORSHIPS
For the youth in Marlborough, Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest is the place to go if you play basketball! This season, BGCMW has 370 players registered from grades 1 – 12 who have been practicing their dribbling and shooting skills since December.
Staff at BGCMW work with over 45 volunteer coaches and local business sponsors to deliver a league that is focused on teamwork, equal opportunity to play and having fun.
Providing this robust league would not be possible without the commitment of our generous business sponsors and the coaches who volunteer their time to mentor our young athletes. Thank you!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Walker Development & Construction
Management
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Ken's Foods
AMBASSADORS
VMA Electric
CPS Corporation
3 POINT SPONSORS
MetroWest Subaru
FREE THROW SPONSORS
Acton Ford
Chaves Heating and Air Conditioning
Classic Pizza.com
Dancing Orchid Soapworks
Fitts Insurance Agency Inc.
Juniper Farms Ice Cream
Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company
The Cottage Childrens Center
JUMP BALL SPONSORS
Acorn Self Storage
Al Brodeur's Auto Body
Align Credit Union
Avian Sciences
Construction Material Service
Dental Associates of Marlborough
Fraternal Order of Eagles #3565
Marlborough Chamber of Commerce
Marlborough Junior Woman's Club
Marshall Insurance Agency
Megabyte Solutions
Patricia Murray, Realtor LAER Realty
Partners
Simply Dental
Team Vigeant
The Karate School
Ultra Shine Collision
Waldron's Auto Body CARSTAR
UMass Marlborough Hospital
Knight Fuel Company
CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS
WALKER DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERS THEIR TIME AND THEIR RESOURCES
Walker Development and Construction Management, a long-standing supporter of BGCMW, visited the Marlborough Clubhouse one evening in December to work alongside some of the Club members to assemble festive gingerbread houses. As experts in construction management, they are well qualified to assist the kids with their gingerbread construction. The collaboration between the youth and staff from Walker Development resulted in some amazing creations.
We had another visit from Walker Development a few weeks later when they dropped off new toys and gym equipment. They hosted a toy collection at their office in Southborough and provided the Marlborough Clubhouse with new dodgeballs, soccer balls, games and craft kits. Steve Zepf, Marlborough Club Director, was thrilled to receive the gift. “This donation from the team at Walker Development has helped fill a need at the Marlborough Clubhouse. We are grateful for all the time and the resources that Walker has shared with us. We couldn’t do our work without them!”
Walker Development is also a presenting sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest youth basketball league and partners with the Club throughout the year. Thank you Walker Development for all your support.
It REALLY takes a village.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
If you are an individual who is looking to volunteer, we encourage you to apply.
Pleasevisitourwebsite: www.bgcmetrowest.org/volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while also gaining valuable experience. By volunteering at one of our Clubhouses, you can help make a positive impact on the lives of young people in MetroWest. Whether you are interested in mentoring, coaching, or simply lending a helping hand, there are many opportunities available. If you are part of a group or organization that is interested in volunteering, you can contact Marisa Lutz to discuss potential options and opportunities.
Groups who are interested in volunteering can reach out to Marisa Lutz at 508-485-4912 or email marisa.lutz@bgcmetrowest.org.
YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR CLUBS BY VISITING THE LINK BELOW OR SCANNING THE QR CODE!
Your Donation Makes a Real Difference.
The generous support of our donors is what truly fuels our programs and allows us to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. No matter the size, your donation makes a difference.
Here are some ways you can contribute:
Make a Secure Online Donation: Visit our website at www.bgcmetrowest.org to donate quickly and easily.
Become a Monthly Donor: Your ongoing support provides a dependable foundation for our programs.
Organize a Fundraising Event: Get creative and rally your community to support BGCMW.
In-Kind Donations
If you'd prefer to donate specific items, please contact our individual Clubs directly to inquire about current needs.
WWW.BGCMETROWEST.ORG/DONATE
At BGCMW, we are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our donors. Your generosity allows us to create a safe and enriching space where kids can learn, grow, and thrive.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless children. Donate today and help shape a brighter future for the youth of MetroWest!
GREAT FUTURES NIGHT
FORMALLY HALL OF FAME INDUCTION BREAKFAST
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Courtyard by Marriott
Marlborough
NEW TIME! 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Join us on June 5 as we reimagine the Hall of Fame Breakfast to be an inspirational evening that celebrates our youth members and community leaders! Great Futures Night will offer guests the opportunity to network with our youth members to hear their stories; learn more about our impactful programs; and celebrate the presentation of our highest honors, including: the Ron Young Lifetime Achievement Award, Hall of Fame Inductions, Staff of the Year, and Youth of the Year. These awards highlight the extraordinary achievements and bright futures made possible by the support of our Club and its’ community. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration!
ANNUAL GALA & AUCTION
Thursday, October 30, 2025
The Verve Hotel, Natick
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 30, 2025, as we cordially invite you to our Annual Auction & Gala, the grandest event supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest! Gathering MetroWest’s influential professionals, the Gala is a celebration of our Club members. This event includes an extensive silent auction, three-course dinner, as well as a Fund-ANeed portion. We also present the Michael C. Sullivan Memorial Award and the Community Partner for Youth Award. Save the Date!
THANK YOU DONORS!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest extends a heartful thanks to all the people who made a contribution in 2024. Because of you, we were able to meet our financial goals and pave the way for more youth to access our Clubs and all the great after-school programming. The outpouring of support from members of our community is what insures that we can continue to provide social, educational, physical and cultural programming for boys and girls in the MetroWest area.
