BGC Blog – Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield https://bgcwakefield.org Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:48:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://bgcwakefield.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/8F910AFB-9866-4843-8059-231841FD75F9-150x150.png BGC Blog – Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield https://bgcwakefield.org 32 32 Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield Announce Bill Chetwynd Memorial Gala Honorees https://bgcwakefield.org/boys-girls-clubs-of-stoneham-wakefield-announce-bill-chetwynd-memorial-gala-honorees/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:09:31 +0000 https://bgcstoneham.org/?p=6259
Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield announce the Bill Chetwynd Memorial Gala will honor the Coburn Family & AmConCorp, Tracia Family & NBM, and Urbaczewski Family & Dockside Restaurants. Expected to make a major announcement regarding expansion and name.

Stoneham/Wakefield: On October 25th the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield will host their annual Bill Chetwynd Memorial Gala at the Danversport Yacht Club. The annual event has become the organization’s largest fundraiser, hosting business leaders, members of Congress, and attracts hundreds throughout Metro North of Boston. Attendees hear moving testimonials, participate in auctions, and leave inspired to help the next generation.

This year the Clubs will be honoring three local families and their family business. These are: the Coburn family with AmConCorp, the Tracia family with NBM and the Urbaczewski family with Dockside Restaurants. The Clubs’ leadership team has also hinted at a name change and exciting expansion plan updates.

CEO Adam Rodgers of the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield says, “A community’s character is represented by its leaders: its business, civic, and faith leaders. This year we’re honoring a few of those leaders. The Urbaczewski, Coburn, and Tracia families represent the best of our communities and through their business have supported it in so many ways.”

AmConCorp, a family owned and operated construction management firm has literally helped build some of the Clubs. Most recently, they built the new Teen Center located in Saugus at the Square One Mall. Kayla Nassar, Chief Executive Officer said, “Being honored by the Boys & Girls Club is an amazing recognition for our family and our company. As construction managers who built out their Saugus location, this acknowledgment holds a special place in our hearts because Saugus is our hometown. Our family business, deeply rooted in the community, has always prioritized giving back.”

AmConCorp has tirelessly shown their dedication to providing the community with beautiful spaces that ultimately gives youth a safe and supportive place to go. “The Boys & Girls Club’s expansion represents hope and opportunity for countless families, ensuring that children have access to positive role models, educational support, and recreational activities. Being honored by such an impactful organization underscores our dedication to making Saugus a better place for everyone,” said Nassar.

NBM, a local technology company has been instrumental in the growth of the organization, being donors since 2016 and have sponsored countless events. President and founder Bill Tracia says, “We are humbled and so honored to be recognized as an honoree at this year’s gala. Being a good corporate citizen has always been important to us and a core value driving our company’s mission since its inception 40 years ago when I started the company. We believe in supporting local organizations who make an impact in the community that we work and live in, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wakefield & Stoneham does just that.”

Tracia expresses his gratitude for the organization and looks to the future saying, “The work of the Clubs is invaluable to our local community, and we have loved to see their recent growth and expansion, reaching more and more local kids and families in need than ever before.”

For years Dockside Restaurants have been pillars of the community donating to charities in Malden, Wakefield and beyond. They recently became passionate advocates for the clubs’ expansion, hosting meetings with funders, government officials and more. Ceo Jack Urbaczewski says, “Being honored by the Boys and Girls Club, an organization that embodies hope and support in our community, is deeply meaningful to me and my family. This recognition reflects not just what we’ve done, but why we do it—to create positive change where we can.”

Urbaczewski explains a program the business runs to assist those in the community, he says “we launched our Dining for Dollars program at Dockside Restaurants, turning our business into a vehicle for community support. Each event we host and every dollar raised is a testament to our belief that if you have the means to help, you also carry the responsibility to act. Receiving this honor from the Boys and Girls Club reaffirms our commitment and motivates us to keep making a difference in every way we can.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield is ecstatic to honor these donors at this year’s event. Hundreds of guests will gather for a night of moving testimonials, delicious food and drink, a live and silent auction, and the unveiling of a big change coming for the organization.

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7th Annual Dodging for Dollars DodgeBallFundraiser Raises over $56,0000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield https://bgcwakefield.org/7th-annual-dodging-for-dollars-dodgeballfundraiser-raises-over-560000-for-boys-girls-clubs-of-stoneham-wakefield/ Fri, 14 Jun 2024 19:30:36 +0000 https://bgcstoneham.org/?p=6229

Stoneham MA: Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield is proud to
announce that the 7th Annual Dodging for Dollars fundraiser raised over $56,000
to support local youth. The dodgeball tournament held May 18th through the 30th
surpassed its fundraising goal of $50,000. This year’s fundraiser was U.S.A themed
and paid homage to 2024 being an election year.

When asked about the event, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham &
Wakefield said,“this year’s Dodging for Dollars went so well. We are so
appreciative of everyone who came to play dodgeball with us to raise money for
our kids. We absolutely love being able to host community members in our clubs
and hope they get a taste of the spirit and fun that our clubs bring to so many kids,”
says Adam Rodgers, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield. “The
money raised will go directly towards helping vulnerable families and children in
the community.” The funds raised from Dodging for Dollars will help the clubs
continue to develop innovative programs and charitable initiatives.

For the games themselves, twenty five teams participated in games throughout the
month of May. Teams ranged from luxury transportation providers, leaders in law,
healthcare professionals, local families and many more. The team that really stole
the show was Boston Chauffeur. Led by founder Mark Kini the Boston Chauffeur
team raised over $8,000 for the cause. “The Dodgeball tournament is always a lot
of fun,” says Kini. “I am a lifelong Wakefieldian and growing up we did not have a
Boys & Girls Club. I got into a lot of trouble as a younger person. The structure of
the clubs and diverse programs the club offers are making a difference in the kids
today.”

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Boys & Girls Club of Wakefield to Celebrate 10 Years on February 29th https://bgcwakefield.org/boys-girls-club-of-wakefield-to-celebrate-10-years-on-february-29th/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:39:42 +0000 https://bgcstoneham.org/?p=6166

Wakefield, MA – The Boys & Girls Club of Wakefield will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Friday, February 29th. 

Established in 2014, the Club has become a cornerstone of support, mentorship, and empowerment for local youth.

“We are happy to have become part of the town’s social safety net. Whether it is child care, holiday gifts, or recreational activities, our goal is to serve this community to the best of our ability for many more decades to come,” said Adam Rodgers, Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield CEO.

Over the past ten years, The Boys & Girls Club of Wakefield has provided a safe and nurturing environment for children and teenagers in our community. The club’s commitment to fostering positive relationships and creating a sense of belonging has made a lasting impact on countless young lives. The development of specialty programs including STEM workshops, art courses, music production, and the award-winning Esports program led by Wakefield Club specialist John Cordero have established the site as a forward-thinking group dedicated to re-imagining the limits of opportunities for youth to learn and grow.

Adam Rodgers continued, “We are immensely proud of the journey we’ve shared with the community for the past ten years. The success stories and transformations we’ve witnessed inspire us to continue our mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential.”

To commemorate this exciting milestone, the Wakefield Club will be hosting a celebration event that will showcase the achievements of the past decade and also highlight the club’s vision for the future. The anniversary celebration will kick off with a community open house on Friday, February 29th, from 3:30-5:30, inviting local residents, supporters, and alumni to revisit the club’s accomplishments. 

For media inquiries, event details, or information on how to get involved, please contact:

Em Sheeran
Communications Director
[email protected]

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield and SAAV Provide Help Sessions for Seniors https://bgcwakefield.org/the-boys-girls-clubs-of-stoneham-wakefield-and-saav-provide-help-sessions-for-seniors/ https://bgcwakefield.org/the-boys-girls-clubs-of-stoneham-wakefield-and-saav-provide-help-sessions-for-seniors/#respond Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:36:29 +0000 https://bgcstoneham.org/?p=5944

In a collaborative effort to support seniors in our local communities, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield and the Stoneham Alliance Against Violence (SAAV) have partnered with the Stoneham Senior Center to offer monthly workshops focused on offering seniors assistance to enhance their well-being in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world.

Over the next few months the program’s multiple sessions will cover a variety of topics, including wellness through physical activity and mindfulness, protection from financial scams and abuse, and T.E.C.H. (Teen Elder Computer Help) – hour-long open office hours that bring local teens from the Clubs to the Senior Center to assist with technology or social media questions. 

This initiative is also made possible thanks to Mystic Valley Elder Services for funding the Senior Workshop Program over the next few months. “We are so thankful to MVES for funding this project for local seniors,” says Megan Samborski, Chair of the Stoneham Alliance Against Violence. “Bringing youth and seniors together is always an enriching experience as each age group can learn so much from each other. SAAV is happy to partner with the Senior Center to bring important educational programs for the elderly that both protects and empowers them.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield and SAAV are both committed to making a positive impact on the lives of senior citizens through these help sessions. By combining resources, knowledge, and passion for community service, with the help of Mystic Valley Elder Services, the organizations aspire to create a resource that empowers seniors to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

The next TECH session will take place at 10:30 on January 10, and a Tai-Chi Workshop for Seniors will be held January 19 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. For more information about the upcoming help sessions, please call the Stoneham Senior Center at 781-438-1157.

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