Club Connection - Newsletter November 2022

Back-to-School

2022

BGC CELEBRATED BACK TO SCHOOL BY LIGHTING UP 4 MAJOR MA BRIDGES BLUE!

On the evening on Sunday, September 4, 2022, four major bridges in Massachusetts, the Zakim Bridge and Longfellow Bridge in Boston, the Fore River Bridge in Quincy/Weymouth, and the Burns Bridge in Worcester, lit up blue in honor of the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the thousands of children, teens, and families that Clubs serve across the Commonwealth.

For over 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs in Massachusetts have worked tirelessly to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. When school is out, Boys & Girls Clubs are there to offer safe, proven, and effective programming ranging from homework help to STEM labs, athletics to leadership training Clubs will continue this commitment to our kids and teens into this new school year. The light on the bridges was a reflection of the light Boys & Girls Club staff bring into children’s lives every day.

The Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs is a group of 39 independent Boys & Girls Club organizations operating throughout the Common

wealth of Massachusetts. The Alliance was formed in 2000 for the purpose of seeking and sharing financial and program opportunities to help better serve Massachusetts children and teens. Through collaboration and cooperation, the Alliance helps to ensure that great futures start right here in the Bay State.

A LOOK BACK AT THE Annual GALA & AUCTION

The Annual Gala & Auction has been a signature event of the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest for the past 16 years. After two years of hosting the event virtually, we gathered in person and it was better than ever!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest hosted the Annual Gala & Auction on Thursday, October 20th at The Verve Hotel in Natick. The event was presented by TJX Companies, Inc.

The goal was to raise critical funds for our community's youth. The event featured a robust cocktail hour with a silent auction, an exclusive dinner (limited to 200 seats), and an exciting after party.

The Gala & Auction supported the work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest in providing the youth of our community a safe space to work on academics, engage with positive role models, and develop into confident leaders. The event consisted of a cocktail hour, dinner, jewelry pull

raffle including a diamond necklace provided by Wright Jewelry & Design, a silent auction, decor sponsored by YG Companies & K&E Dsign, and entertainment by South Shore Sound & Lighting.

The silent auction included approximately 150 items! It had everything from luxury hotel stays, home goods, to sports memorabilia It was a great event even if you were not in the room! Supporters were able to register and participate virtually by bidding on the amazing auction items!

Our goal this year was to Light the Room Blue and we did just that! We would like to thank everyone who helped and participated in our Annual Gala & Auction this year. It was definitely one for the books! We are proud to announce that we raised $110,000! Being that our Gala this year brought a different vibe from new location, new set up and entertainment, we can't wait to see what next year ' s Gala & Auction brings!

Photo (Top): Annual Gala & Auction at the Verve in Natick Photo (Bottom): The Jewelry Pull winner, Michael, receiving the diamond necklace

We are proud to announce that we raised $110,000!

COMMUNITY PARTNER FOR YOUTH AWARD

The Community Partner Award is an opportunity to recognize and thank a company, foundation, or community organization for their commitment to our community and their dedication to our mission.

We are proud to present Walker Development with the Community Partner for Youth Award

Walker Development, a local general contracting business, is community oriented. Not only do they employ a number of Club Alumni, but they truly care about the mission of the Club. Since 2020, Walker Development has helped to renovate the games room, member’s entrance, and the flooring on the main and first floors at the Marlborough Clubhouse This year, Walker Development also completely renovated and transformed Marlborough’s Tech Center and adjoining STEM Room.

THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE

WALKER DEVELOPMENT TEAM!

Gala Award RECIPIENTS

MICHAEL C. SULLIVAN AWARD

The Michael C. Sullivan Memorial Award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates and commits exemplary time, talent, and treasure to the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest

This year, we are honored to present the Michael C. Sullivan Award to Nancy Moscato.

Nancy has been a long time volunteer at the Framingham Clubhouse in the Learning Center. Nancy’s patience, commitment to our youth members, and her ability to show up with delicious treats make her a Club Kid favorite in Framingham.

THANK YOU NANCY!

ALUMNI IMPACT AWARD

The Alumni Impact Award was created in 2021 to honor a former Club Kid or staff member who continues to support the Clubs with their time, passion, and talents. This year, we would like to congratulate and thank Alexis Carvalho, a former Club Kid and present Program Director at the Hudson Clubhouse.

Alexis’s passion and commitment to the Clubs has been evident ever since she was a little girl and now, as a staff member, she continues to model positive behavior for our younger members

THANK YOU ALEXIS!

LIGHT THE ROOM BLUEMember Spotlight

At the night of the Gala we gathered for the same goal, the same purpose to raise the critical dollars needed to keep the Club’s programs running and supporting more youth. Throughout the evening, we shared a series of videos titled, “Behind the Blue Door.” These videos are a look into every day Club life and the important work that happens “behind the blue doors” every afternoon and evening. The goal that evening was to achieve 100% household giving every single dollar counts. During our “Light the Room Blue” portion of the evening, we asked every household to consider making a meaningful gift. This 100% tax deductible gift can be made: via cash/check envelopes on your table, via the online giving site and app, or through other promotions during the event. Every donor received a small token of our appreciation during the evening. It's not too late to give. Please consider making a meaningful gift and in turn, helping us light the room blue using the link below!

YOU CAN STILL SUPPORT OUR CLUBS! Click this link to make a donation!

https://www.bgcmetrowest.org/donate

If you would like to see the series of videos, highlighting our club members, click on the link below!

Yasmin is a sophomore in High School and is a Hudson Clubhouse member.

Samya is a fifth grader and is a Marlborough Clubhouse member.

Lais is in second grade and she is a Framingham Clubhouse member.

LIGHT THE ROOM BLUE: IMPACT AREAS

Our goal was to raise $50,000 in the room the night of the Gala The funds raised through the Light the Room Blue appeal will directly support the programs in Hudson, Marlborough and Framingham.

Every dollar counts, but some meaningful levels to the Club are:

$2,500 The cost per day to bus members from school to all of our Clubhouses

$1,000 – The actual cost per child, per year, to run high quality programming $500 The average cost of admission for every summer camp field trip $165 The cost of one week of summer camp

$25 The annual membership fee, per child

During the Light the Room Blue moment, we asked everyone who has made or committed a gift leading up to or during the event to please stand because together, our lighting the room blue will symbolize the great futures being built every single day at the Club. Thanks to ALL who participated!

Club supporters got a chance to win a stunning 14K White Gold Graduated nd Curved Bar Necklace 2.00cttw) klace valued at almost $4,000!

ngrats to Michael, our ewelry Pull Winner!

MY HAIR, MY CROWN! SELF-ESTEEM WORKSHOP

Our Club members participated in the Dove Self Esteem Project, My Hair, My CROWN in efforts to boost confidence in kids with curls, coils, waves & protective styles. Our workshop facilitators created a safe and open space for our members to discuss how stereotypes and experiences can affect self esteem.

On Thursday, November 3rd we hosted a graduation ceremony for all the girls who participated in this workshop series. Dre Brown, an empowerment speaker,

came to facilitate a talk with the girls about self esteem and being the true you. She was an amazing motivational speaker!

All members received a Dove tote with many Dove products!

DID YOU KNOW?

EACH ONE OF OUR CLUBS RUNS A KEYSTONE CAFE AFTER-SCHOOL!

Keystone Clubs provide leadership development opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and community

One of the ways they keep a positive impact on the Club is by running the Keystone Cafe. The Cafe is managed by Keystone members and run after school for members to purchase snacks. The money raised is used to replenish the Cafe and to purchase items the kids want to see in the Club such as games or even field trips!

MONEY MANAGEMENT

The Members are in charge of keeping inventory & managing the cash box. It is critical that they are organized and keep track of their profits and losses. Members take pride in "working" Keystone. We appreciate Keystone members taking time out of their day to volunteer and make sure all kids are fed after school.

MARLBOROUGH Keystone Cafe FRAMINGHAM Keystone Cafe

It REALLY takes a village.

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to all the volunteer groups that came to our Clubs to volunteer to hang out with our members and help beautify our Clubs! We absolutely cannot have done it without YOU!

MathWorks took time to paint, clean the Hudson Clubhouse and refresh the outdoor area.

Boston Scientific Emerging Leaders Program design and put togther Art Spinner STEM kits for our members.

TJX Companies, Inc. volunteered and spent the day in the Fram. Clubhouse interacting with members creating art projects and playing in the games room with club kids.

INTERESTEDINVOLUNTEERING?

If you are interested in volunteering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest, please email: yarelis.garcia@bgcmetrowest.org

FARRAH GREY VISITS THE FRAMINGHAM CLUBHOUSE

Police and community involvement helps with communication, understanding and trust. It creates opportunities for interactions between them and helps with building healthy relationships.

Our Framingham Clubhouse had a visit from State Trooper Farrah Grey. She facilitated a question and answer session with a large group of Framingham members. At the end of their discussion, Trooper Grey asked members for one safety tip and she handed them a piece of candy!

Thank you State Trooper Grey for the visit and treats!

A wonderful event celebrating those individuals that do so much for our organization. The event includes an induction ceremony into our Hall of Fame as well as recognition of our three Youth of the Year winners Save the Date! The breakfast will be on Thursday, May 18th, 2023 at the Courtyard in Marlborough.

Make your gift a lasting investment by setting up a recurring gift. By setting up a gift on a recurring schedule, charitable giving works on your time and within your budget! Most importantly, it allows you to continually support the needs of our local youth.

To make a contribution over the phone, or to ask for more information, please contact Laura Terzigni, Vice President at 508 485 4912 or laura.terzigni@bgcmetrowest.org

GALA & AUCTION

GALA & AUCTION

GALA & AUCTION