SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Boys & Girls Club is officially kicking off its year-long 125th Anniversary celebration on Friday, March 11.
In an effort to showcase the influence the Springfield Boys & Girls Club has had on the many accomplishments of the kids who have walked through its doors, the Club is launching the “I am a Club Kid!” campaign, where they will pair up alumni from all different eras and professions, with a current Club member in a series of podcasts. The alums will talk about how the Club influenced them through their childhood, how the Club directly impacted their career paths, and how the Club remains the same today – a place where kids discover their talents and passions, make lifelong friends, and begin their great futures. The podcasts will be released bi-monthly via the Club’s Web site, Facebook and YouTube pages, and monthly e-blasts. The first podcast, released March 11, features Springfield Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick, who was a “Club kid” in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s 125th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Thursday, Sept. 22. The event will take place at the Springfield Boys & Girls Club on Carew Street and will be celebrated with alumni, corporate and community partners, staff, Club members, donors and friends who have supported the mission throughout the Club’s 125-year history. Jim Clark, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, will be the night’s keynote speaker. The event will also give guests the opportunity to take a look at the facility and programs offered at the Club. Ticket prices and additional event details will follow.
In anticipation of the 125th Anniversary Celebration in September, the Springfield Boys & Girls Club will host “friend-raisers” throughout 2016 to help the community, volunteers, alumni, Club members’ families and the public become actively engaged with the Club and its mission. Old and new friends are welcome to attend any and events. The first “friend-raiser” will coincide with the Club’s annual Playa’s Ball on Friday, April 1. This tournament includes all of the best basketball players – both boys and girls – from high schools across the region. During halftime of the boys’ game, the Club will hold its 125th Anniversary three-point contest. Club friends are welcome to participate in the contest as they will compete against current Club members. Additional “friend-raiser” details will be released on www.sbgc.org and the Club’s Facebook page throughout the year.
For more information on Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s 125th Anniversary plans and events, contact Bevin Peters at 413.785.5266 or peters@sbgc.org.