Watertown Boys & Girls Club A photo taken at the foundation of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club in 1972.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:
The Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a Gala event, “Celebrating Gold” on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Watertown.
This special evening marks a half-century of dedication and commitment to the youth of Watertown and will honor the accomplishments of Club members, staff, volunteers and everyone in the community who have inspired and empowered youth to build great futures.
The evening program will recognize community members, Mr. John Airasian and Mrs. Kelley MacDonald with two special awards for their instrumental roles in the growth and sustainability of the Club. Recipient of the Founders/Distinguished Service Award is Mr. Airasian, President, Eastern Clothing of Watertown and the recipient of the Bernadette Corbett Trailblazer Award is Mrs. MacDonald, longtime WBGC Board Member and retired State Street executive. Both Mrs. MacDonald and Mr. Airasian are being honored for their long and dedicated efforts to support the Club.
“We’re delighted to honor those who had the vision, commitment, and fortitude to bring the WBGC to life and sustain it for 50 years,” said Alan Medville, president of the Board of Directors. “We love our club. It has been a haven of care, fun, friendship, and learning for our kids, a support to our families, and an enormous asset for our community for a half-century. We are proud of the Club’s past and very excited as we move ahead into the next 50 years.”
In 1972 Watertown community leaders established the Watertown Boys Club. Eight years later, the Club became one of the first in the nation to offer membership to girls. Today, the Watertown Boys & Girls Club is the largest non-profit serving youth in the community; it is supported entirely by grants, donations and community volunteers in order to provide life enhancing programs each year to 1,400 youth from diverse backgrounds.
“For five decades, the WBGC has served as the community’s best resource for children and teens who are thirsting for meaningful and supportive relationships with adults and their peers,” said Phil Greenough, chairman of the Board of Directors. “For every generation passing through its doors, the Club provides access to opportunities, supports academic success and helps kids to develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed and flourish. The Club is a source of stability and a community jewel.”
Looking to the future, the Club is developing plans for expansion dubbed the ‘New Foundations’ that is focused on a new childcare program, as well as a new STEAM education program called ‘Vision 2030’ that will connect the Club members with the resources and local business community to enhance science and technology programming. The STEAM program will offer an integrated approach that develops critical thinking, encourages children and teens to think more broadly about real-world problems and stimulates a passion for innovation.
The Watertown Boys & Girls Club Celebrating Gold 50th Anniversary Gala is open to the community and will be held at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Watertown on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 at 6 p.m. The evening will include video and photo nostalgia and stories from the past 50 years as well as hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dancing and socializing. Tickets are available for $100 per person with all proceeds supporting Club programs. The event is supported by Presenting the Future sponsors: Arbella Insurance, Phil Greenough and Jamie Parker, and the Family of Malcolm Hecht, Jr., and Alan Medville and Roberta Miller. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For ticket purchase and sponsorship information, please visit: https://watertownbgc.org/
About the Watertown Boys & Girls Club
The Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) was founded in 1972 and serves children and teens from the town and nearby communities by providing them a safe and fun place to grow and learn. With more than 1,400 members, the Club plays a pivotal role in the academic success, character building, and wellness of its youth members.
The Club mission is “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” The Club is entirely funded by the generous donations of the community. https://watertownbgc.org/