LYNN — Numerous local Lynn organizations gathered at La Copa restaurant Thursday evening to receive donations geared toward supporting the city’s youth.
Since 2021, Boston real estate agency A.W. Perry Inc. has distributed a total of $22,500 to the selected organizations. This year marks their fifth year doing so, resulting in $112,000 worth of donations.
“If the community wasn’t here, we wouldn’t have been able to be as successful. So we’re happy to give to the community that gives to us,” Robert King, A.W. Perry vice president of acquisitions said during the celebration.
Although the donations are funded by A.W. Perry, the organizations are chosen by Ward 6 City Councilor Fred Hogan.
The selected organizations include Lynn Rams Youth Football and Cheer, Pathways Lynn, Stop the Violence: Lynn, Lynn Classical High School football, Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, Lynn Boys and Girls Club, Lights Out Shooting Gym, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute track and basketball, Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy, Pine Hill Little League, and Northshore Juneteenth Association.
“These organizations are dear to my heart. They’ve done things for the city for years. We have 200 amazing organizations in Lynn, so it’s hard to decide,” Hogan said.
“But I know the work that these organizations are doing, and I know how hard it is to raise money. All these organizations do something different to help the kids. It’s truly amazing,” he added.
Executive Director of Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy Teresa DiGregorio detailed how the funds will be used to support her organization.
“This donation helps keep the operational needs running, such as providing snacks for our summer jobs program,” she said.
Lights Out Shooting Gym Founder Rob Merryman said A.W. Perry and Councilor Hogan’s efforts help his organization run a free program that teaches basketball skills to kids of all ages.
“When we get checks or help like this donation, more kids have the chance to come in who normally wouldn’t be able to,” Merryman said.
