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Youth of the Year Celebration Highlights Bright Futures
Omar Badr Named 2024 State of Connecticut Youth of the Year
In May, Omar Badr was named the 2024 State of Connecticut Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.
Omar is a senior at Greenwich High School who will attend UCONN Storrs in the fall to study engineering. He was named the 2024 Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich in April and was selected from among eleven outstanding finalists. Now in its 77th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. As the Connecticut Youth of the Year, Omar will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, and received a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Click here to read more.
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$440,000 Awarded in College and Vocational Scholarships
BGCG’s Scholarship Committee recently reviewed applications from dozens of Club members, then met with each applicant to learn about the individuals’ dedication to higher education, involvement with the Club, and future aspirations. For the group of high school seniors and college students, good grades, commitment to character development, volunteerism, and community leadership, has led to a combined reward of $440,000 in scholarship funds, made possible through our BGCG Scholarship endowment.
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Annual Benefit - Friday, September 6
• Cocktails & Seated Dinner
• Live & Silent Auctions
• Tickets are limited
Save the date for our 2024 Annual Benefit, Friday, September 6, 2024 at Belle Haven Club!
Please join us for a sophisticated evening of glamour and elegance featuring cocktails followed by a seated dinner, an amazing DJ accompanied by live musicians, and a highly curated auction.
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Annual Benefit Launch Party
The lovely showroom at ASHA by Ashley McCormick was bursting with excitement as committee members gathered to celebrate the upcoming Black & White Ball!
BGCG and event co-chairs, Mary Garth, Erin Glasebrook, and Ashley McCormick, are extremely grateful for the support of the committee for generously sponsoring the launch party.
Click for photos!
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Isaac Boots Torchd Workout at Camp Simmons
Isaac Boots brought his energy and passion to an energetic workout at beautiful Camp Simmons for over 100 enthusiastic participants at the end of May.
A huge “thank you” to our sponsors: Future Leaders Program presented by the Brewer Foundation; Performance Optimal Health; Laura Mercier; Fairfield County Look; and LoveShackFancy!
Click for photos!
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BGCG Welcomes New Members to 2024-2025 Board of Directors | |
At the final Board meeting of the year, BGCG Board Chair, Eileen Tang, and our organization welcomed five new members to our Board of Directors. The new Directors are Katie Geenberg, Jessica Kleinknecht, Jack Neumark, Mike Parelli, and Richard Park. Welcome to the Board! | |
Highlighting Our Programs | |
Camp BGCG - GREAT Summers Start HERE!
Teen Camp and Camp Simmons both kicked off to a great start, filled with excitement and energy. Campers are enjoying a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to team sports and field trips, fostering creativity and teamwork. Enthusiastic counselors are leading engaging sessions, ensuring every child feels included and motivated to try something new. The opening week set a fantastic tone for the rest of the summer, promising memorable experiences and new friendships.
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Celebrating Excellence: Awards Night
A buzz of excitement filled the air at the 56th annual Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s Awards Night. The event honors club members who are outstanding in their areas of choice.
“Awards Night is my favorite Club event,” said Don Palmer, Vice President of Programs & Youth Development. “It brings together extraordinary Club members, parents, families and community leaders in celebration of great futures. It is the resounding ‘why’ as to why Boys & Girls Clubs are needed in every community giving kids positive outlets during out-of-school time.”
At the 2024 Awards Night, a Program Staff member spoke about each individual winner and their exceptional achievements, as well as giving special recognition to members of the Barracudas Swim Team, and Travel Basketball Team.
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Go Barracudas!
BGCG’s Barracudas competitive swim team participated in the Fairfield County/Westchester Swim League Championships to finish off the 2023-2024 season in Yonkers, NY in March.
A number of team members displayed impressive results with CJ winning first place in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly in the 13/14 division. Neville took second place overall in the 9/10 age group with a first place win in the 50 freestyle, third place in the 50 backstroke, and fourth place in the 50 breaststroke.
Many other swimmers were heat winners, and scored points for the team. Great way to finish the season!
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Staff Professional Development | |
Highlighting the National Conference
In May, a group of BGCA staff members traveled to Atlanta joining thousands of dedicated Boys & Girls Club executives, board members and professional staff from across the country at BGCA’s 2024 National Conference, Infinite Possibilities.
During the conference, staff connected with colleagues from across the nation, sharing best practices and emerging strategies, and engaged in learning sessions with subject matter experts on critical areas of impact, including:
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Trauma-Informed Approach
- Workforce Readiness
- Community Partnerships and Collective Impact
- Advocacy
A highlight of the conference was welcoming alumnus and volunteer Will Reeve to the Alumni Hall of Fame!
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Staff Visit to Madison Square Boys & Girls Club
Our team had an amazing time visiting the Pinkerton Clubhouse at Madison Square Boys & Girls Club in Harlem!
From sharing innovative programs to exploring new ideas, it was a morning filled with inspiration. Together, we’re committed to empowering our youth and creating brighter futures for all. A huge thank you to the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club for their warm welcome and hospitality.
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Hero for Youth Award
BGCG was honored to announce our Club’s status as a “Hero for Youth” as part of the Boys & Girls Club of America’s Club Advocacy Recognition Program.
The Hero for Youth Award is given annually to Clubs who place in the top 40% of Clubs for their Advocacy engagement. By conducting meetings with state, local and federal elected officials, conducting social media outreach, offering Club tours to local leaders, media advocacy and more, we're proud to have earned this status.
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Ways to Support Our Mission | |
Camp Simmons Infrastructure Rehabilitation | |
This spring we experienced a number of unexpected repairs at our 77-acre Camp Simmons facility, namely the well running dry and extensive erosion throughout the camp and trails. These unexpected costs have exceeded our budget, and we need your help to ensure the camp remains a safe and enjoyable place for our kids. Your generous donation will help us cover these unforeseen expenses and continue offering enriching experiences for our community’s youth. Every contribution makes a difference.
Click here to make a donation, or contact Michele Smith for more information.
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Tax-Smart Ways to Give to BGCG
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich continues to be a place that creates opportunities for all youth to explore their passions and learn new skills. None of our work would be possible without the steadfast support of our loyal donors. Your support helps BGCG provide opportunities that shape the futures of thousands of Greenwich youth. Here are some ways to both give and save:
Donate Cryptocurrency
Join the Star Society
Engage in Planned Giving
Participate in Corporate Engagement
Donate Gifts of Stock
Please consult your tax advisor before making your gift. All gifts will count toward the 2023-2024 Annual Fund, which runs through June 30, 2024. Please contact the Development Office with questions. Thank you very much for your support!
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Corporate Volunteer Spotlight | |
Healthy Snack = Healthy Habits | | |
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Our thanks to a team of volunteers from PepsiCo who prepared over 950 healthy snacks for our youth. For three afternoons, our youth enjoyed yogurt and fresh fruit parfaits, turkey and cheese pinwheels, and pizza wraps.
Our after-school program provides a healthy snack to all members each afternoon thanks to a generous funder. Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich knows that increasing kids’ healthy habits will strengthen their ability to make smart choices and form healthy nutrition practices.
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Boys & Girls Club
4 Horseneck Ln
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
(203) 869-3224
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