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 we were able to include technology as a core program, and more recently, were 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 Beyond the Club,” and established an “Artists in Residence” program to bring performing arts to teen members. The Teen Director position at each of BGCB’s five free-standing Clubs are named in honor of the family in recognition of their extraordinary support for BGCB’s teen programming. 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.
JOSEPH E. LOVEJOY TEEN LEADERSHIP FUND supports special teen activities that provide unique opportunities for leadership and recognize the contributions and accomplishments of our 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 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 the Clubs’ 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 by Rodger and Dawn Nordblom, supports BGCB’s members in the College Club program by providing funding for the College Club’s activities now and in the future. Mr. Nordblom has been involved with BGCB for more than 40 years, and always has been an advocate for our 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.
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 that allows 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 the next 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 after serving as an Overseer since 2000, and continues to hold a leadership role in fundraising as the Co-Chair of the 2008 House Party event.
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 Program 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 Program through its Neighbor-to-Neighbor Initiative.