BGCB Newsletter
Volume 2 | Number 1 | March 2010

Josh Kraft

Nicholas President

and CEO

Message from the CEO


A recent poll by Parade Magazine revealed that there is a “compassion boom” in this country, with 94% of Americans believing that it’s important to be involved in a community cause. At BGCB, we have benefitted from the increased interest in volunteering. In 2009, BGCB hosted more than 600 volunteers who completed nearly 5,000 hours of service, valued at close to $100,000! If you’d like to have an enriching experience working with kids, we hope you will apply to be a volunteer when BGCB’s volunteer and mentoring programs resume in the fall, following summer camp. And despite the economy, 87% of the Parade poll respondents also said they continue to provide financial support to worthwhile causes, with “youth programs” listed as the 5th highest priority (out of a possible 16). Whether you support BGCB as a volunteer or a donor, we know that you have made the youth we serve a priority. Thank you for helping us keep our commitment to the children and teens of Boston and Chelsea.

 

Follow @joshkraft on Twitter!


A standing ovation for Club member 'Kiki'

During the 2010 Annual Dinner, Yawkey Club of Roxbury member 'Kiki' showed courage and dedication by performing Stevie Wonder's "Living in the City" for a packed room of more than 600 corporate and business leaders. She received a standing ovation for her performance. Watch her inspiring rendition on YouTube!

owater label brings Blue Hill Club to your local grocer

A new owater label celebrates the inspiring story of Blue Hill Club Berkshire Partners Executive Director Scott McLellan and three Club members who learn life lessons on the Club’s basketball court. Meet Scott, Joseph, Kareem and Asante.

 

The best of both worlds...meet the Rochelles

Members, parents and staff representing our Yawkey Club of Roxbury, now celebrating its 100th year of serving the community, inspired our audience of more than 600 at the Annual Dinner on February 3rd. Get to know the Rochelle family - following is the transcript of Tinea Rochelle's speech from the event.


 

Yawkey Club celebrates 100 years of service to Roxbury

“The Club is as essential a part of this vibrant community today as it was when I was a Club kid from 1945-1959," said Fred Fairfield, Club Advisory Board Chair. “It’s a precious resource for hard-working families, a gathering place for community leaders, and a safe haven for our community’s young people. We have a responsibility to ensure that the Club is here to serve youth for the next 100 years.” Learn more about the Club’s Centennial Celebration!

Alumnus Phillip McIntosh's road to success

“One night, I was hanging on the streets about 11:30,” wrote Phillip McIntosh in his college essay. “I heard gunshots...I was only ten years old.”  Phillip credits his eight years at the Club with giving him a second chance at life. “There was a time in my life when I didn’t care about what the next day would bring, now I am excited and anxious to see what is in store for my future."

 

BGCB staff lace up to benefit their Clubs

For many runners, crossing the finish line of a marathon is about achieving an athletic goal. For BGCB staff members Derek Gallagher and Harry Duvall, it’s about inspiring the youth they work with every day and giving back to Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.