John M Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton 22nd Annual Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2018

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

Newton Club Helps Kids Reach for the Stars

The 22^nd annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction presented by The Village Bank was held on Saturday March 24th at the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton. Auctioneer, Channel 7 Sports Director, and former Club kid Joe Amorosino inspired great generosity from the more than 225 guests. When the last paddle was raised in the air more than $185,000 was raised in support of the children and youth of the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller gave welcoming remarks from the City and spoke to the important role the Club plays in the lives of all Newton residents. By executive order, March 24, 2018 was declared “John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton Day” in Newton. She was joined at the event by City Councilors Emily Norton, Jake Auchincloss, Christopher Markiewicz, Lenny Gentile, Brenda Noel, Victoria Danberg, Susan Albright, and Rebecca Walker Grossman.

“The kids were amazing,” said Board President Mark Dorfman. He continued, “We are very grateful for the support we received at the Gala; but the stories the kids told about their growth and development while at the Club were truly moving.” Club members Hex Love (14 years old), 2017 Youth of the Year award recipient Olivia Tocci (16 years old), alumnus Steven Cronis, 2002 Youth of the Year award recipient, shared with the guests why they were and still are grateful to the Club for the values and security they found. “I would be in a very different place today if it were not for what I got at the Club when I was a kid.

“I had no idea how much the Club does for kids across Newton-this place is a great find,” said one first time attendee to Executive Director David Sellers. “It was a great night-not just because this was the “highest grossing event of all time for the Club!” He continued, “It was great to see so many long-term supporters and first time visitors to the Club as well.” 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. Next year’s Auction Gala will take place on Saturday night, April 6, 2019.

The John M Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton is a registered 501(C)3 not-for-profit.