LYNN — With the help of two former New England Patriots, the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn will honor four individuals and one company at its annual gala that will raise critical funding to support programming at the club.
The fundraising goal for the club’s seventh annual gala, to be held October 17 at Danversport, is $250,000, according to Executive Director Brian Therrien.
“We need to bridge the gap between the cost of running our programs and what we can charge families for dues, while maintaining a level of excellence, ” Therrien said. “We appreciate those who support us with sponsorships, tickets, and other fundraising.”
Former Patriot Jermaine Wiggins will be a special guest, while Patriots Hall of Famer Ty Law will serve as guest emcee, along with Brendan Ward of Cherry Tree Legal.
The Boys & Girls Club will induct two new members into its Hall of Fame at the event, board members Tim Demakes and Adriana Moschella. Demakes has been instrumental in the club’s fundraising efforts. Moschella serves on multiple committees, including finance and fundraising, and has provided valuable assistance to the club in balancing its budget, Therrien said.
The Commitment to Youth Award will be presented to Lynn English High School Principal Rardy Pena and Jonas Sison, a board member and business owner who provides financial support to the club’s initiatives throughout the year, including sending kids to summer camp.
Commonwealth Payroll will receive the Helping Hands Business of the Year Award. The company does volunteer work with the Boys & Girls Club, as well as sponsoring a summer cookout and Thanksgiving meals.
The keynote speaker will be Jim Clark, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. State Rep. Dan Cahill will assist with the fundraising component of the program.
The funds raised at the gala will support the club’s Kids Club child care program for children ages 5-10, which is currently full, the after-school drop-in center for ages 8-12 and the teen center for ages 13-18. Programs run for 10 weeks at a time.
“We offer a wide range of activities,” Therrien said, “from cooking to sports to the arts, as well as academic assistance. The money raised at the gala is critical to maintaining all of our programming.”
For information tickets and sponsorship, visit bgcl.org.
