THE RICHARD AND SUSAN SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION – combined with the personal support of Robert and Dana Smith, Brian Knez and Debra Knez – has helped to seed many of BGCB’s most effective programs for teens. It was with the Foundation’s support that BGCB?was able to include technology as a core program, and more recently, was able to develop digital music studios within our Computer Clubhouses. The Smith Family Foundation and its trustees (Richard and Susan Smith; John, Amy, Jennifer and James Berylson; Robert and Dana Smith; Brian Knez and Debra Knez) also have supported the launch of “Life After the Club,” and established an “Artists in Residence” program to bring performing arts to teen members. In recognition of their extraordinary support for BGCB’s teen programming, the teen director position at each of BGCB’s free-standing Clubs is named in honor of the family. Additionally, the Yawkey and Blue Hill Clubs house the Smith Family Teen Centers. Dana Smith and Brian Knez are members of BGCB’s Board of Directors.

THE BRIAN J. KNEZ EDUCATION FUND was established in 2008 through the generosity of the Knez family to honor Brian and his commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. Brian has served on BGCB’s Board of Directors since 1991 and has been instrumental in shaping the vision of the organization through his active volunteer participation. This fund provides BGCB’s members with financial assistance for higher education in areas that scholarships typically don’t cover, e.g., application fees, standardized test fees, registration fees, transportation costs and textbooks.

JOSEPH E. LOVEJOY TEEN LEADERSHIP FUND supports special teen activities that provide unique opportunities for leadership and recognize the contributions and accomplishments of BGCB’s teens, including the Teen Recognition Awards Dinner, CyberSummit and Unity Events. The fund was established through the generosity of The Ensign-Bickford Foundation, Inc. in memory of Joseph E. Lovejoy. Mr. Lovejoy served on BGCB’s Board of Directors for 20 years and was also a Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. During his tenure as Chair of the Board at BGCB from 1976-1980, Mr. Lovejoy oversaw the expansion of BGCB’s mission and programs to include girls. He cared deeply about his family, his work and his community and brought excellence, balance and integrity to his volunteer leadership.

  

NORDBLOM COLLEGE FUND, endowed in 2005 by Rodger and Dawn Nordblom as part of their generous commitment to BGCB’s Comprehensive Campaign, supports BGCB’s members in the College Club program. This endowment gift provides funding for Club staff to organize trips to visit college campuses, helps members prepare for entrance exams and guides members through the complex process of completing admission and financial aid applications. Mr. Nordblom has been involved with BGCB for more than 40 years, and always has been an advocate for BGCB’s teen members.

J.C. KELLOGG FOUNDATION has been a generous supporter of BGCB’s core Education Program, most recently funding education programming at the Blue Hill and Jordan Clubs. The diverse educational programming available to members, and the comprehensive support services that Clubs provide – supported by the J.C. Kellogg Foundation – are essential components of this success, and are achievable due to the experienced, creative and dedicated education staff who lead them.

THE MATTHEW VERNON MEMORIAL LIFE AFTER THE CLUB FUND is an endowed fund that supports activities of the Life After the Club program, including field trips, speakers and workshops that prepare teens for college or their careers.

  

STATE STREET FOUNDATION is among a select group of corporations that have forged significant and strategic partnerships with BGCB to build a stronger, safer community for the youth of Boston and Chelsea.  State Street Foundation awarded BGCB a major grant to support the Life After the Club program, allowing us to provide teens with programs that enrich their lives, complement their academic experiences, keep them safe and prepare them for the future.

TOM AND ELENA MATLACK designated a portion of their Comprehensive Campaign gift to underwrite teen programming at our Blue Hill Club for five years. Their funding provides support for the Teen Advocate/Outreach position at the Club. Mrs. Matlack was elected to the Board of Directors in November 2008 after serving as an Overseer since 2000.

THE LYNCH FOUNDATION provides support that strengthens BGCB’s continuum of educational and leadership programming for youth in their critical middle school years, providing them with a solid foundation for success in high school, college and, ultimately, in the workforce.

THE KRUPP FAMILY FOUNDATION has made an annual gift this year to support the teen leadership programs at the South Boston Club, as an investment in the future of the South Boston community. 

THE BOSTON GLOBE FOUNDATION has designated an annual gift to the Blue Hill teen leadership programs through its Neighbor-to-Neighbor Initiative.