Club Friends Help Kids Reach for the Stars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Sellers dsellers@newtonbgc.com 617 630-2066 x113

Club Helps Kids Reach For The Stars

The Reach For the Stars Gala Auction was held on Saturday April 1^st at the John M. Barry Boys &

Girls Club of Newton. Auctioneer and Channel 7 Sports Director Joe Amorosino inspired great generosity amongst the crowd and when the last paddle was raised in the air more than $175,000 was raised in support of the children of the Boys & Girls Club. The event was chaired by former State Representative, Secretary of the Commonwealth, CEO and President of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Paul Guzzi and his wife Joanne. Paul is an alum of the Newton Boys Club and credits his time as a “Club kid” in the 1950’s for playing a significant role in his development as a leader, community servant, and husband and father.

Executive Director David Sellers said “This is the highest grossing event of all time for the Club!” Much needed funds were raised to continue and strengthen the Club’s mission to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potential. According to Sellers, the Club never turns away any child due to financial need and all children who attend the Club have equal access to the educational, athletic, artistic, and leadership programs offered within the walls of the Club.

Youth of the Year Caleb Butler addressed the crowd with his inspirational story about overcoming the health difficulties he has faced, keeping a positive attitude, and garnering all of the help, inspiration, mentoring, and friendship he could during his many years of attending the Club. More than $28,000 was raised to support membership scholarships for those in need, which is the most ever for a single auction item. The audience was particularly generous when it comes to funding specific opportunities for children in the form of a planned recording studio and exciting new career exploration offerings for teens and children in the vocational arts.

The Club’s motto is Great Futures Start Here! Thanks to the dedication of the amazing group of volunteers who planned and executed this event and the generosity of the 250 people who attended, many more of Newton’s children are now in a position to Reach For the Stars!

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Photo Caption 1: Past Presidents Frank Crocetti & Victor Colantonio pose with Honorary Chairperson and Club Alum Paul Guzzi and his wife Joanne at the Boys & Girls Club’s Reach for the Stars Gala

Photo Caption 2: Club board member and auctioneer Joe Amorosino works the crowd with 2016 Youth of the Year Caleb Butler at the Boys & Girls Club’s Reach for the Stars Gala