As the Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) approaches its 50th anniversary Gala celebration on Oct. 28, 2022, the list of those who have contributed to its success is long. As part of the celebration, the last two executive directors Renee Gaudette and Allen Gallagher, who shepherded the Club for more than 30 years consecutively, recollected some of those who helped make the Club such a welcome resource for the children and teens of Watertown.
The list includes folks who guided the kids every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, and even some of the notable Club kids. The list of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here’s 50 for 50, a by-no-means comprehensive and in-no-particular-order list of those who come to mind for Gaudette and Gallagher.
“We can’t adequately thank all the contributors on this list and so many more individuals and families for their time, philanthropy, and vision for the Club. Their unwavering commitment and dedication to ensure the growth and sustainability of the Club is truly inspirational,” comments, Renee Gaudette, the Club’s most recent Executive Director.
“The generosity of so many individuals and families over the past 50 years reflects their on- going commitment to our community. Their support has provided so many life-changing experiences for the youth of Watertown. Experiences that they otherwise would not have had if not for the Club,” remarks Allen Gallagher, long-time former Executive Director. “Without the commitment and vision of our Contributors, the Club would not be the outstanding leader in youth services that it is today in the Watertown community.”
This week we will be recognizing Contributors – Individuals & Families.
Contributors – in 1972 the Watertown Boys Club opened its doors to the community’s children and teens, putting the Club on a path for over 50 years to becoming the largest non-profit serving children and teens in the community. In 1980 the Club became one of the first in the nation to admit girls and was re-named the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. Here’s some of the Contributors whose time, philanthropy and vision have built the foundation upon which the Club stands half a century later.
CONTRIBUTORS
- Joe & MaryLynn Antonellis
- Paul DerBoghosian & Susan Underwood
- Cindi & Frank Galligan
- Phil Greenough & Jamie Parker
- Jonathan Hecht & Lora Sabin
- Eileen Hsu-Balzer
- The Kilcoyne Family
- Jack & Joan Kilcoyne
- Brendon & Kim Kilcoyne
- Kelley & Donald MacDonald
- Tom & Arlene Manzelli
- The Mugar Family
- David Mugar
- Carolyn Mugar
The WBGC is the largest non-profit serving children and teens in Watertown. The Club annually serves more than 1,400 kids as members and represents a vital part of the community, helping kids strengthen a healthy lifestyle, achieve academic success, and develop strong leadership skills.
The entire community is welcome to celebrate this milestone anniversary at the 50 th Gala on Friday, October 28th at the Hellenic Center in Watertown. It’s a ticketed event with all proceeds going to the Watertown Boys and Girls Club. Go to https://watertownbgc.org for more information. We hope to see you there!
Let’s also keep in mind all the donations every year from the Donohue’s Bar & Grill Annual Turkey Trot in November and the Annual Golf Tournament in August. Great events for a great cause that JD puts together.