LYNN — The Gregg House welcomed more than 100 guests to the Lynn Museum last Thursday for its “Grow with Gregg House: A Friendraiser,” an evening focused on community, connection, and collective investment in the future. Attendees included members of the state delegation, Lynn city council, nonprofit leaders, and community partners — all united to support the next chapter of Gregg House’s impact.
The evening marked the official launch of a $30 million capital campaign to build a new, state-of-the-art Early Learning Center at 535 Western Ave., a transformative project that will expand access to high-quality early childhood education in the Lynn community.
The campaign was kicked off with a $2.5 million commitment from Tom Demakes, CEO of Thin ‘n Trim, a powerful show of support from local leadership in business and philanthropy.
A highlight of the night was a heartfelt address by Michael Velasquez, Gregg House alumnus and co-owner of Bay State Mechanical. Velasquez shared how Gregg House was a safe, nurturing place where he was able to grow and learn while his mother, a single parent, worked to support their family. His story served as a moving example of the long-term impact Gregg House continues to make across generations.
“Our mission is grounded in the belief that every child deserves a strong start,” said Kelly O’Connor, Executive Director of Gregg House. “With the support of our community, this new center will become a beacon of opportunity, equity, and lifelong learning.”
“Grow with Gregg House” brought together powerful voices, personal stories, and shared purpose — further cementing Gregg House’s role as a trusted anchor in the Lynn community.
For more information on the capital campaign or to get involved, please visit www.gregghouse.org.
