Club Connection - Newsletter November 2023

CLUB The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest NEWSLETTER

CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2023

NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS Annual Gala & Auction 2023

Building Confidence

My Hair, My Crown Program

Generous Donation

Corporate Volunteers

ANNUAL GALA & AUCTION 2023 20243202323

NOVEMBER 2023

A LOOK BACK AT THE ANNUAL GALA & AUCTION For an impressive 17 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest have proudly hosted our Annual Gala & Auction, and this year was no exception.

On Thursday, October 19th, at The Verve Hotel in Natick, with the generous support of our presenting sponsor, TJX Companies, Inc., we gathered to make a difference for our community's youth. The event featured a vibrant cocktail hour, an exclusive dinner for 197 guests in attendance, and an exciting after-party.

Our Annual Gala & Auction provides crucial support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest's mission, offering a safe space for youth to excel academically, engage with positive role models, and develop into confident leaders. Because of supporters like you, we are able to address a significant challenge. For many of the children we serve, reliable transportation can be the difference between accessing these life-changing programs or missing out. It's a barrier that stands between their potential and the opportunities we offer contributing to our transportation fund, you play a direct role in breaking down these barriers and creating equal access for every child in our

community. Your support ensures that no child is left behind and that they can excel academically, engage with positive role models, and grow into confident leaders just like their peers. The event was a spectacular affair featuring a cocktail hour, a delectable dinner, an enticing jewelry pull raffle with a stunning diamond necklace provided by Wright Jewelry & Design, a captivating silent auction, and elegant decor sponsored by YG Companies & K&E Design. The event's AV, photography, videography, and entertainment were expertly handled by South Shore Sound & Lighting.

Our silent auction was a true highlight, boasting over 100 items ranging from luxury getaways to unforgettable experiences and coveted sports memorabilia. Even if you couldn't join us in person, you could still be part of the excitement, as supporters had the opportunity to register and participate virtually, bidding on these incredible auction items.

This year's Annual Gala & Auction was an outstanding success thanks to the unwavering support of our community and sponsors. It reaffirms our commitment to providing youth with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in making this event a resounding achievement!

Michael C. Sullivan Award

Community Partner for Youth Award

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

The Community Partner for Youth 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.

This year, we are honored to present the Michael C. Sullivan Award to John and Pam Narahara.

The Narahara’s have been part of the Club family for almost 25 years. Both of their sons, Nick and Kyle, attended the Club when they were little and Kyle spent many afternoons and summers working at the Marlborough Club. In addition to supporting the Clubs financially, the Narahara’s show their appreciation to our staff each holiday season by supporting a staff appreciation luncheon. We are so lucky to have people like the Narahara’s on team BGCMW who believe in and advocate for the mission and impact.

CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN AND PAM!

We are proud to present Rail Trail Flatbread Co. with the 2023 Community Partner for Youth Award.

Rail Trail Flatbread Co. is a community oriented business in downtown Hudson that continues to support the Club and greater community! Every year, Rail Trail Flatbread Co. hosts their “Flapjacks and Flatbreads” event on Father’s Day, where they raise funds for the Club. This event has raised more than $30,000 for the Club. We are lucky enough to have Jason Kleinerman, a co-owner of the restaurant group, on our operations committee. Thank you to the entire Rail Trail Flatbread Co. team for all of their support!

CONGRATULATIONS!

ANNUAL GALA & AUCTION 2023

2023 GALA AWARD RECIPIENTS

ANNUAL GALA & AUCTION 2023 20243202323

NOVEMBER 2023

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’s award goes to an incredibly deserving alumni of the Framingham Clubhouse, Clarabelle Valcin.

Clarabelle graduated from UMass Dartmouth 2021 with a degree in Psychology and most recently graduated from Boston College with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Social Work.

Clarabelle’s journey has been supported by the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest since she was a little girl and we couldn’t ask for a better role model for our younger members.

Congratulations, Clarabelle!

In our sports and fitness areas across all three clubs, we've been dedicating our efforts to the exciting and transformative Triple Play program.

This program is designed to empower our youth by focusing on building confidence, improving abilities, and fostering motivation through a range of new physical education activities.

At the heart of the Triple Play program is the mission to instill healthy habits, both physically and mentally, among our young members.

Through engaging activities, we aim to teach them how to create positive changes in their everyday lives, particularly when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle.

The activities within this program are not only fun but also deeply meaningful. They highlight crucial life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, effective decision-making, and the regulation of both emotions and physical well-being. By participating in these activities, our youth are gaining valuable tools and knowledge to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

We are excited to see our members benefit from the Triple Play program, and we look forward to witnessing their growth in confidence, abilities, and motivation as they continue to embrace healthy habits both inside and outside our clubs.

SPORTS & FITNESS PROGRAMMING

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND HEALTHY HABITS AT OUR CLUBS

PARTNERSHIPS

NOVEMBER 2023

EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH DOVE’S MY HAIR, MY CROWN PROGRAM In an effort to boost self-confidence and foster inclusivity, the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest recently provided an extraordinary opportunity for female members. Through the Dove My Hair, My CROWN program, children aged 11 to 14 were empowered to embrace their unique hair types, from coils to curls, waves, and protective styles.

This innovative initiative also sought to promote allyship and create a world that respects and celebrates natural hair.

Mona Dixon's journey is an inspiration for young individuals everywhere. She was honored as the 64th National Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), representing the voices and aspirations of over 4 million young people around the globe. At the age of 17, she had the extraordinary privilege of meeting President Barack Obama in the Oval Office.

Additionally, her exceptional contributions led to her being named one of the 28 Most Influential African-American Women in America by Essence Magazine when she was just 18 years old.

The program was specifically designed to address a significant source of appearancerelated pressure that young individuals often face: their hair and the associated culture. One of the highlights of this initiative was the guest appearance of Mona Dixon, a remarkable advocate for youth empowerment. Not only has she been an integral part of the My Hair, My CROWN program, but she has also achieved outstanding recognition.

This program not only provided valuable insights and inspiration to the young members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest but also reinforced the importance of embracing one's unique identity and the power of allyship in creating an inclusive world for all. We look forward to more initiatives like this that empower our youth and celebrate their individuality.

We are thrilled to announce a remarkable act of generosity from Good Sports and GEICO, who have jointly contributed an impressive assortment of sports equipment valued at an astounding $15,000 to our Framingham Clubhouse. This significant donation encompasses a wide range of sporting essentials, benefiting our members in countless ways.

The donated equipment spans a diverse array of sports and activities, ensuring our members have access to a wealth of recreational opportunities. This includes brand-new flag football gear, soccer equipment, a wide array of general recreational supplies, engaging playground equipment, tennis, basketball, and volleyball essentials, as well as top-quality fitness gear and athletic apparel.

This remarkable gift from Good Sports and GEICO not only enriches the lives of our members by providing them with the tools to engage in physical activity and team sports but also emphasizes the importance of fostering a healthy and active lifestyle. We are deeply grateful for this incredible gesture of support, and we look forward to seeing our members benefit from these valuable resources for years to come.

DONATIONS

GENEROUS DONATIONS FROM GOOD SPORTS AND GEICO ENRICH OUR FRAMINGHAM CLUBHOUSE

VOLUNTEERISM

NOVEMBER 2023

It REALLY takes a village.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? If you are an individual who is looking to volunteer, we encourage you to connect with a Club near you to find out what volunteer opportunities they have and where your time can make the biggest impact.

JOIN OUR MONTHLY GIVING NETWORK

THE GREAT FUTURES CLUB 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.

For more info visit:

www.bgcmetrowest.org/donate

Marlborough Clubhouse: (508) 485-4912 Hudson Clubhouse: (978) 562-9924 Framingham Clubhouse: (508) 620-7145

Groups who are interested in volunteering can reach out to Laura Terzigni at 508-485-4912 or email laura.terzigni@bgcmetrowest.org

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS!

YOU CAN STILL SUPPORT OUR CLUBS BY VISITING THE LINK BELOW OR SCANNING THE QR CODE !

www.bgcmetrowest.org/donate

We are deeply grateful to the Greater Boston Association of Realtors for their generous dedication of time and support during the fall clean-up at the Framingham Clubhouse.

Their tireless efforts have been truly exceptional, and the results are nothing short of remarkable

Eversource volunteers recently undertook a remarkable project at our Hudson Clubhouse. They dedicated their time and skills to refresh and paint the games room, leaving it revitalized and more inviting than ever. This thoughtful initiative has created a wonderful space for our members to enjoy and make lasting memories.

Celebrating the power of volunteerism by extending gratitude to the dedicated volunteer groups who brightened our clubs and enriched our members lives.

WE THANK YOU!

Volunteers from BJ's Wholesale joined us for a special reading session with our Happy Hours Preschoolers. Their visit was not only about sharing enchanting stories but also about spreading joy through surprise goodie bags filled with delightful treats. This heartwarming celebration marked Read for the Record Day, and it left our young readers with smiles that will last a lifetime.

TJX Companies, Inc. volunteers joined at the Hudson Clubhouse this Fall. Together, they rolled up their sleeves and dedicated their time to transform our space. From cleaning baseboards and closets to enhancing the kitchen and beautifying our outdoor areas, your efforts have left an indelible mark, creating a welcoming and vibrant environment for our members. Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and we look forward to more opportunities to work together in the future.

VOLUNTEERISM

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS

TOWN TAKEOVER NIGHT

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT POLAR PARK TOWN TAKEOVER NIGHT

We are filled with immense gratitude and a deep sense of honor as we reflect on our recent experience as the featured nonprofit at Polar Park's Town Takeover Night.

The City of Marlborough, Mayor Arthur Vigeant, and Mayor-Elect Christian Dumais donated tickets to youth members and their families to attend the game.

Club kids Danica and Owen were invited on the field with the Club’s Director of Operations, Barbara Tolland, and Vice President, Laura Terzigni.

Thank you to the Worcester Red Sox and the City of Marlborough for hosting us!

EVENTS

Save the Date for BGCMW’s 80th Anniversary

2024 Celebrations!

Exciting times are ahead as we gear up to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest in 2024! To be a part of this momentous occasion, stay connected with us and mark your calendars for our special events throughout the year. It's going to be a year filled with meaningful memories, and we can't wait to share it with you!

HALL OF FAME Thurs, May 16 , 2024

GALA Thurs, Oct, 17, 2024

Mark your calendars for our Annual events - Hall of Fame and Gala & Auction!

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