Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham and Wakefield 2nd Annual Gala Attracts 300+, raises over $100,000.00!

STONEHAM/WAKEFELD MA..-- On September 29th, the Boys & Girls Clubs hosted over 300 attendees including business, civic, and municipal leaders and raised a $103,600.00 at its second annual Gala.

Guests heard powerful testimonials from a variety of individuals who were helped by the Stoneham & Wakefield Clubs. A local grandmother told guests how the Clubs are helping her now that she’s unexpectedly raising her granddaughter. Director of Operations Keith Langlais shared how the Clubs helped him when his mother passed.

However, current club teen, fifteen-year old Ashley Lane, stole the show, reading poetry and explaining the Clubs revealed to her that people did care about her and her three younger siblings. She told the attendees while fighting back tears, “the best part of the Boys & Girls Clubs is the staff. They care. They really care and they refuse to give up on you even if you gave up on everyone else.”

Other than hearing testimonials – guests bid on auction items from vacation homes to sports tickets/memorabilia to cooking lessons with celebrity chefs, enjoyed a gourmet dinner, and heard about the Clubs’ plans for the future. The event also featured a red carpet and was filmed by Wakefield Community Access Television.

Awards were given to the following organizations for their substantial contributions to the Boys and Girls Clubs: Epsilon, Middlesex Investment Partners, and Salem Five Bank. Epsilon received the Great Futures Award for making a significant investment in Stoneham & Wakefield youth to ensure their great futures. The Founders' Award was renamed to the Cameron Bain Founders' Award after Cameron Bain, the man who founded the Boys and Girls Club in Stoneham. Middlesex Investment Partners and the Clivio family received the Cameron Bain Founders' Award for their contributions to the Clubs for over 30 years. Salem Five Bank received the Community Award for their donations to all youth related activities in the communities they serve.

“Whether it’s a donation of time, talent, or treasure, a major reason why we’ve found the success we have recently is because the members of these communities have stepped up to join us in serving youth. These donations are exemplified by our honorees.” Executive Director Adam Rodgers stated after announcing the Clubs were on path to serve 1,500 kids this year.

The money raised will be used to further the Clubs’ mission and expand programming. To see a list of the honorees and sponsors, hear the speeches from honorees and guests, and see photos, visit: www.StonehamWakefieldGala.com.