Adie and Mamie von Gontard Establish Endowment at Boys and Girls Club Greenwich

A permanent endowment fund to support educational programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich and to provide college scholarships for individuals selected by the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich college scholarship committee, has been established.

The Club announced on Wednesday that the Adalbert and Marie von Gontard Fund has been established by the club’s long-time supporters.

The von Gontards have been supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich for many years and Mr. von Gontard (Adie as he is widely known) has been an active participant on the Club’s college scholarship selection committee and the Board of Directors. Over the years, he also hosted many of Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich members to his farm to learn about animals – especially horses, and to experience country life.

Through its After-School Program during the academic year, the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich offers education classes developed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, homework help, and tutoring services. Children also improve their reading fluency and comprehension through a partnership with the United Way of Greenwich’s Reading Champions program. A specialized academic support program for teens, Bridge to Success, provides intensive tutoring and standardized test prep to help them prepare for college.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich provides scholarship funds to qualified candidates to assist them in their pursuit of secondary education. Applicants must have been a member of the Boys & Girls Club or have been employed by the Club for a minimum of two years. In keeping with the Boys & Girls Club’s commitment to character development, volunteerism and community leadership, all scholarship recipients are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service to the Club during their grant period.

In 2014, the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich awarded $124,000 in scholarships to 35 students. Club CEO Bobby Walker Jr. said in a statement, “By establishing a permanent endowment to fund educational programs and college scholarships, the von Gontards have generously ensured that children in Greenwich who need financial assistance to pursue their educational dreams will have support from the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich for years to come. The von Gontards’ funding of ongoing education initiatives will help us ensure that our After-School Program helps get kids ready to apply for college when the time comes.”

The von Gontards previously created a college scholarship in their name at the club. This new, substantial gift will provide additional funds after their lifetime, allowing the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich to meaningfully expand their contributions to Club members who wish to pursue secondary education while improving its ongoing education programs.

Adie von Gontard said in a statement, “It brings me and my wife Mamie great joy to know that we are helping young people fulfill their educational journey. A college education is another step in meeting the Boys & Girls Club mission to help the children who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” He adds, “I hope our gift inspires others to give back to our community and to support educational initiatives for children of all ages at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.”

Photo Contributed by Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich: Adie von Gontard with Club Members at his farm in 2010.