NBM, a local technology company has been instrumental in the growth of the organization, being donors since 2016 and have sponsored countless events. President and founder Bill Tracia says, “We are humbled and so honored to be recognized as an honoree at this year’s gala. Being a good corporate citizen has always been important to us and a core value driving our company’s mission since its inception 40 years ago when I started the company. We believe in supporting local organizations who make an impact in the community that we work and live in, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wakefield & Stoneham does just that.”

Tracia expresses his gratitude for the organization and looks to the future saying, “The work of the Clubs is invaluable to our local community, and we have loved to see their recent growth and expansion, reaching more and more local kids and families in need than ever before.”

For years Dockside Restaurants have been pillars of the community donating to charities in Malden, Wakefield and beyond. They recently became passionate advocates for the clubs’ expansion, hosting meetings with funders, government officials and more. Ceo Jack Urbaczewski says, “Being honored by the Boys and Girls Club, an organization that embodies hope and support in our community, is deeply meaningful to me and my family. This recognition reflects not just what we’ve done, but why we do it—to create positive change where we can.”

Urbaczewski explains a program the business runs to assist those in the community, he says “we launched our Dining for Dollars program at Dockside Restaurants, turning our business into a vehicle for community support. Each event we host and every dollar raised is a testament to our belief that if you have the means to help, you also carry the responsibility to act. Receiving this honor from the Boys and Girls Club reaffirms our commitment and motivates us to keep making a difference in every way we can.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield is ecstatic to honor these donors at this year’s event. Hundreds of guests will gather for a night of moving testimonials, delicious food and drink, a live and silent auction, and the unveiling of a big change coming for the organization.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield or for tickets and sponsorships, visit BGCGala.org.

Stoneham MA: Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield is proud to
announce that the 7th Annual Dodging for Dollars fundraiser raised over $56,000
to support local youth. The dodgeball tournament held May 18th through the 30th
surpassed its fundraising goal of $50,000. This year’s fundraiser was U.S.A themed
and paid homage to 2024 being an election year.

When asked about the event, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham &
Wakefield said,“this year’s Dodging for Dollars went so well. We are so
appreciative of everyone who came to play dodgeball with us to raise money for
our kids. We absolutely love being able to host community members in our clubs
and hope they get a taste of the spirit and fun that our clubs bring to so many kids,”
says Adam Rodgers, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield. “The
money raised will go directly towards helping vulnerable families and children in
the community.” The funds raised from Dodging for Dollars will help the clubs
continue to develop innovative programs and charitable initiatives.

For the games themselves, twenty five teams participated in games throughout the
month of May. Teams ranged from luxury transportation providers, leaders in law,
healthcare professionals, local families and many more. The team that really stole
the show was Boston Chauffeur. Led by founder Mark Kini the Boston Chauffeur
team raised over $8,000 for the cause. “The Dodgeball tournament is always a lot
of fun,” says Kini. “I am a lifelong Wakefieldian and growing up we did not have a
Boys & Girls Club. I got into a lot of trouble as a younger person. The structure of
the clubs and diverse programs the club offers are making a difference in the kids
today.”

Other teams that participated in the event included: Calabrese & Getty Unholy
Alliance, Colonial Park Ballers, Cinch IT, Team Regan (Facilico), Team Stromski,
Team Saugus, Team Reppucci, C-4 Analytics, NBM Inc, Alumni,Team Fiore &
Guillaume,Team Rizzuto, AmConCorp, SV Design, Insperity, Northern Bank,
Boston Chauffeur, Mass Pay, Fitzgerald Physical Therapy, HDPT Physical
Therapy, Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Middlesex County Sheriff’s
Office, Evergreen Financial Partners, CM&B.

To donate to your favorite team and players please visit: bgcdodgeball.com

To see pictures from the entire event, click here: Dodging for Dollars Facebook
Album

In a collaborative effort to support seniors in our local communities, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield and the Stoneham Alliance Against Violence (SAAV) have partnered with the Stoneham Senior Center to offer monthly workshops focused on offering seniors assistance to enhance their well-being in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world.

Over the next few months the program’s multiple sessions will cover a variety of topics, including wellness through physical activity and mindfulness, protection from financial scams and abuse, and T.E.C.H. (Teen Elder Computer Help) – hour-long open office hours that bring local teens from the Clubs to the Senior Center to assist with technology or social media questions. 

This initiative is also made possible thanks to Mystic Valley Elder Services for funding the Senior Workshop Program over the next few months. “We are so thankful to MVES for funding this project for local seniors,” says Megan Samborski, Chair of the Stoneham Alliance Against Violence. “Bringing youth and seniors together is always an enriching experience as each age group can learn so much from each other. SAAV is happy to partner with the Senior Center to bring important educational programs for the elderly that both protects and empowers them.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield and SAAV are both committed to making a positive impact on the lives of senior citizens through these help sessions. By combining resources, knowledge, and passion for community service, with the help of Mystic Valley Elder Services, the organizations aspire to create a resource that empowers seniors to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

The next TECH session will take place at 10:30 on January 10, and a Tai-Chi Workshop for Seniors will be held January 19 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. For more information about the upcoming help sessions, please call the Stoneham Senior Center at 781-438-1157.

Looking for a good way to support the Clubs this holiday season? Raffle tickets are now available, with the chance to win some incredible prizes. And for every ticket you buy, you’re helping to support a child in need. $20 gives one child a healthy snack every day, or a local parent a chance to give their child a gift, and our Clubs the chance to serve more kids than ever. Click below to learn more, purchase some tickets, and help do #whatever it takes to help us provide for children and families this year!

Prize packages include:

Army-Navy Tickets:
On December 9, 2023, America’s Game will come to New England for the first time in the 124-year series history. The 2023 instalment of Army-Navy will mark only the third time the historic match-up has taken place outside of the mid-Atlantic region. Enter to win two tickets in the Army section of this historical sporting event taking place at Gillette Stadium!

New England Sports Enthusiast Package:
An incredible collection of unique items for anyone passionate about New England sports. Enter the raffle to win a signed David Ortiz batting glove, a signed Mac Jones football, Bruins and Red Sox memorabilia, Happy Hour Package tickets in association with Boston Crawling’s History Tour Pub Crawls, and more!

Buy Raffle Tickets Now!

As of this month, a key aspect of the initiative is now underway as the Clubs welcome new full-time clinician Jaelani Henderson onto the staff. This position and its invaluable services were made possible through a partnership with Eliot Community Human Services. The Clubs can now offer access to critical therapeutic services, and Club staff will be provided with enhanced training on Trauma Informed Care. Individual and group therapy sessions for youth will be offered at no out-of-pocket cost to families, removing financial barriers to providing services.

“We are excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Club to increase access to mental health services for youth by bringing services directly to youth in families in community settings,” says Aaron Katz, Senior Vice President for Eliot.  “We are in awe of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ leadership for having the vision to embed such needed services in their programming.”

Rooted in the communities of Stoneham and Wakefield and with future expansion planned into surrounding towns, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield has been continuously recognized for its health and wellness efforts and awarded a number of grants to help further the organization’s outreach and education. Recently awarded grants for program development and expansion include the federal Drug Free Communities Grant in Stoneham and funding from the Cummings Foundation. The Clubs have recently run successful community yoga experiences in both Stoneham & Wakefield, free for everyone in the community to enjoy. The Clubs will also be offering free Youth Mental Health First Aid certification classes for community members.

“Our Clubs strive to make a lasting, positive impact on our communities. The commitment we are making with ‘Here & Now’ shows that our Clubs are invested in facing the mental health crisis head on,” says John Brinkman, COO for the Boys & Girls Clubs. “With the continued support of our communities, we will strive to prove that when people who truly care come together, great futures can be built for every individual.” For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield programs, amenities, and more visit bgcstoneham.org or bgcwakefield.org.

On August 4th, the premier annual fundraising event of Greater Boston brought together 500+ for an evening that celebrated the past and looked towards the future. The event which took place at the Danversport Yacht Club was attended by a variety of supporters including community members, businesses, club alumni, and more. The evening featured moving testimonials from club members, the honoring of longstanding club supporters, a raffle and auctions to fund future programs, and the reveal of future plans for the clubs. 

The event honored one of the Boys & Girls Club’s most dedicated supporters, Marc Trachtenberg.  The tech entrepreneur and Chairman & CEO of Silk Title Co. inspired the hall with his passionate speech which received multiple ovations. He shared his own inspirational story and connected that to the mission of the Clubs.

Sharing “there are many charities out there that do incredible work, but this place is special. This is a place that provides kids with not only the necessary resources for success, but the opportunities to use those resources and grow as individuals. It is why I wanted to get involved on a level more than just writing a check.” He concluded his speech saying : “What you provide today in money and time, is an investment into the success of a child and the entire Boys & Girls Clubs of the future. The need is there for these kids, the drive is there for this organization, but it will take an investment from all of us to deliver on these lofty goals.” Watch Marc’s entire speech HERE. 

During the event, a long standing supporter, Su Mansur was awarded the Cameron Bain lifetime achievement award for her years of invaluable support for the clubs. From music education to water safety training, Susan’s efforts have empowered the organization to launch enriching youth development programs that help members and their families thrive. 

While the evening also featured special messages from former New England Patriot Devin McCourty,  Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Minority Whip of the United States House of Representatives, and Congressman Seth Moulton, the real stars of the show were the club members who shared their moving testimonials. 

The club’s youth of the year, Alanis, courageously shared an inspiring and emotional story about her journey to the clubs and what the clubs mean to her. “Like many kids, I came to the Boys & Girls Clubs as a young teenager. But I was not looking for a membership. I came looking for a job. I needed the job because I needed to help my family pay their bills. . .I was new to Stoneham. I didn’t fit in. I was Hispanic. I wore the same clothes multiple days in a row. I didn’t have a phone. I shared a bedroom with all my siblings.. . I was not accepted by anyone until I got to the Clubs. . . I finally felt like I had a home. Somewhere I felt safe, accepted, and loved. . .The best part was that for a few hours, I thought of nothing but the kids I was working with. When they were happy, I was happy.” Watch the full speech HERE.

The next testimonial was shared by Damon and Mia Kruppa from INspire Cafe. A few months ago, nearly 30 people were left unemployed and emotionally devastated when a local cafe that focused on providing meaningful work opportunities to adults of all ability levels closed. Determined to recreate an inclusive and empowering space, employees and their families joined forces with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield. 

The pair shared their story about the importance of empowering and inclusive work spaces for people with varying abilities. The cafe and current pop-up slush stand “not only provides job relief but also serves as a platform for our amazing employees to shine. Here they can showcase their talents, engage with the community, and gain valuable customer service experience.” Watch the rest of Damon and Mia’s speech HERE.

The final testimonial was shared by Kylie, a club teen. She also bravely shared her story with the crowd. When she was younger, family troubles led her grandparents to step in and raise Kylie and her siblings. She shared how crucial the support the clubs have provided has been to her family. Kylie emphasized the positive impact made by relationships between club staff and youth. She shared “I love what the Clubs do for me. I love the staff. . .But do you know what I love the most? What I love the most is what they do for my little brother Georgie. My brother never touched an instrument and now he is obsessed because of Ricky. Ricky taught him guitar and drums. But Georgie loves Ricky and not because of the music he teaches, but because of the bond they have. And that bond is more important than any program.” Watch the rest of Kylie’s speech HERE. 

The night emphasized the success of the past 50 years while looking towards the future. Some of the exciting future plans that were shared at the event include the club’s expansion into the Melrose and Saugus communities, the new partnership with INspire Cafe, and the plans for building the new Stoneham Club building. To stay in the loop with updates regarding these projects, follow the clubs on social media! 

Quick links to follow our social media here.

Special thanks to Wakefield Community Access TV for all their hard work!

Watch the recording of the event HERE 

View photos from the event HERE

View a full list of event sponsors HERE 

View a full list of auction donors HERE 

To continue her impact, the M.E.L.D Advisory board committed the remaining funds to a scholarship in her honor. One recipient per year will be awarded a one-time $2300 scholarship to be used to further their education in the arts at an accredited college or university. This year, M.E.L.D is excited to announce Sydney Vallone as the winner. 

“It is with great pleasure that we have chosen to award the Doreen Moore Scholarship in the Arts to Stoneham High School Senior, Sydney Vallone. She has not only met all the requirements requested, but has gone above and beyond our expectations of a deserving and well qualified candidate. Sydney has not only demonstrated her talents and abilities in her choral and dramatic pursuits as a budding artist, but also has weathered the demands of the pandemic. Through her perseverance, devotion, and dedication she helped to keep the dramatic arts alive at school and in the greater community during such trying times. We present this award with no doubt that she will pursue her dream with great success” commented the MELD Advisory group. 

For Sydney, the Arts transformed her life and shaped her middle and high school experience. Through chorus and drama club, she built skills, grew her passion, and developed confidence that helped her to thrive. As the president of the Stoneham High School Drama Club, she used her skills and confidence to lead her peers as performance expectations continued to change as a result of the pandemic. Beyond the walls of Stoneham High School, Sydney contributed to the local arts community by working with the Greater Boston Stage Company, Broken Leg Productions, and the Theater Company of Saugus. 

In the fall Sydney is attending the University of Connecticut to pursue a degree in the dramatic arts. She plans on continuing to hone her skills by joining the campus acapella group, choir, and theater group.

 “This scholarship means so much to me and I am incredibly excited to use this for my continued education with the arts. The arts are a huge part of my life with both music and theater and this scholarship will allow me to keep pursuing my love of performing. I used to be shy and introverted until I found theater and singing so I owe it to the arts for who I am today. I am so grateful to have received the Doreen Moore Scholarship Award and I can’t wait to keep performing!” commented Sydney. 

If you are interested, you can read more about the scholarship and Doreen’s accomplishments here. 

Damon Kruppa, Director of Business Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs for INspire Cafe, expresses excitement, saying, “Getting jobs back is the number one priority, and we are so excited to utilize this space to create a thriving and inclusive environment.”

Adam Rodgers, Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield CEO, stated “We embrace the abilities of every individual, regardless of their developmental challenges. Our Clubs are about fostering a society where diversity and inclusivity thrive. Providing meaningful employment opportunities for developmentally disabled individuals is not just a gesture of kindness; it’s an investment in their potential and the enrichment of our communities.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the pop-up slush stand was attended by distinguished guests, including:

Jonathan Chines, Chair of Wakefield Town Council
Edward Dombrowski, Wakefield Town Council 
Erin Kokinda, Community and Economic Development Director
Steve Maio, Wakefield Town Administrator
Jennifer McDoanld, Wakefield Communications Director
Bob Santinelli, Property Owner
John Smolinsky, Wakefield Chamber of Commerce President

INspire Cafe extends gratitude to these attendees and acknowledges their support in making this venture possible.

Financial contributions, made possible through the support of generous donors, play a crucial role in enabling INspire Cafe to create an inclusive workplace that embraces the abilities of all individuals. INspire Cafe invites supporters and donors to stay connected with their progress, milestones, upcoming events, and initiatives by visiting their website at www.inspirecafe.org and following them on social media @INspireCafeOrg.

Hours of operation : 

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12pm-8pm
Wednesday: 12pm-8pm
Thursday: 12pm-8pm
Friday: 12pm-8pm
Saturday: 11am-5pm
Sunday: Closed

For media inquiries, please contact: info@inspirecafe.org

###

About INspire Cafe

INspire Cafe is a nonprofit organization through its fiscal and managerial sponsorship from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Stoneham and Wakfield. They are dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. Through their various initiatives and ventures, such as the upcoming pop-up slush stand, INspire Cafe aims to empower their employees and showcase their talents to the community. For more information, visit www.inspirecafe.org.

“I’m humbled to be given this award for collaborative programming. I believe that what we’re doing here will pave the way for the future of Youth Esports – not only for our members here in Wakefield and Stoneham, but for kids across the Northeast,” says John. “It’s been a pleasure to work with the Clubs to ignite the passion of competition and learning for Esports that these kids have.” 

“John’s hard work breaking ground into a field where few youth development professionals have dared to go has paid off and we are all be proud of him and his accomplishments,” said Evan Reppert, Wakefield Teen Center Director.

John introduced the Esports program in September of 2022 at the Clubs’ Wakefield location, and the newly designed “Esports Arena” has been a favorite space and after-school activity for many youth members. In addition, he launched the Boys & Girls Clubs Northeast Esports League and just this month, held the inaugural Northeast Esports League Championship competition at Southern New Hampshire University, which gathered teams from Clubs in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire for an exciting, fun, and friendly video gaming competition. 

“It’s a dream come true,” he adds. “My favorite part of the day is watching the kids come into the Arena and share a strategy they were thinking of, or ask me for advice on how to improve.”

The launch of the Esports program is further proof of the Clubs’ dedication to delivering innovative programming that makes a lasting impact on the lives of local youth.

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield’s mission to build great futures for members and their families visit bgcstoneham.com or bgcwakefield.org.

###

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield is a proud affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s most effective youth development organization in the United States. We are proud to work with young people from a wide range of economic, social and family circumstances, regardless of their gender, ethnic and racial background.

Our Clubs are open when kids need us most – after school, on most school holidays, and all day during the summer. Clubs offer safe places where young people can learn, grow, and succeed.

Being recognized for decades of dedication to local causes, Susan and her husband, “Team Mansur,” have provided invaluable support for the Clubs. From music education to water safety training, Susan’s efforts have empowered the organization to launch enriching youth development programs that help members and their families thrive and build great futures.

Other than a trustee for Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation, Susan has held a number of notable positions throughout her career, including former member of the National Association of Female Executives, former Stoneham Library Chairman of the Board of Trustees, President of the Women’s Guild at the First Church in Malden, member of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras Board of Directors,  and much more. It is her drive to provide opportunities for local youth that has earned her continuous recognition. Over the last fifty years, Susan and her husband, Dick, who have been affectionately referred to as “Team Mansur”, have dedicated themselves to public service and proved to be Inspiring forces in the community.

“My interest in providing opportunities for youth, beginning at an early age, is to provide a personal focus on activity that allows a young person to develop as a goal-oriented, self-confident, and uniquely successful individual,” says Susan. “Mentoring young people in a positive way, during the stages of their growth and development, has the potential for achieving a bright and satisfying future for themselves and those with whom they associate,” she adds.

This year’s 50th Anniversary Gala will bring together supporters, community leaders, and friends to celebrate in style. The event will gather hundreds of guests for an unforgettable evening filled with moving testimonials from current and alumni members, the unveiling of future plans, delicious food and drink, an award ceremony, and silent and live auctions.

“For the past five decades, our Clubs have helped build great futures by providing safe and supportive places and programs that empower our community’s young people to grow and thrive,” says Adam Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield. “It is the ongoing support from such supporters as Susan Mansur and her family that has helped us expand our local footprint and launch innovative initiatives around mental health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, professional development and workforce readiness, financial assistance, free childcare and food programs, and more,” he adds. “We’re excited to share all of our exciting accomplishments and future plans with our gala guests.”

The Gala will also be honoring tech entrepreneur and Silk Title CEO Marc Trachtenberg and recognize Congresswoman and Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Congressman Seth Moulton. Sponsorship opportunities at all levels, from a $500 Benefactor to $25,000 Title sponsor, are still available.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield or for tickets and sponsorships, visit BGCGala.org.