As things slowly get back to normal with more and more residents being vaccinated, the Salesian Boys & Girls Club staff have decided to move forward with their 12th annual spring fundraiser on June 10.
Last year, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic the Salesian Boys and Girls Club was forced to cancel its annual in-person fundraiser that raises money for the Club through an auction and donations. The event also raises money for Salesian Summer Camp Scholarships.
After a very challenging year, Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Michael Triant said the Salesian are thrilled to have this opportunity to safely celebrate being together while raising funds for Eastie’s youth.
Dubbed “A Celebration of Resiliency” the unique outdoor event will be held on Thursday, June 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. under a tent inside the Club’s parking lot on Byron Street.
“This will be a unique outdoor event taking place under a tent at the Club,” said Triant. “We will come together to enjoy a fun safe evening with good friends, great auction prizes, delicious food, and drinks while raising money for our After School Program and Scholarships for our Summer Camp Program.”
Traint said awards will be presented to the extraordinary frontline healthcare workers at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center for their tremendous sacrifices and service to the Eastie community during the devastating pandemic.
Michael Merullo, a longtime club supporter with a passion for helping Boys & Girls Club members, will also be honored at the event with the Don Bosco Award.
Funds raised will go directly towards scholarships for summer camp and after school programs.
“We have taken a brief break from public fundraisers due to the pandemic, and your assistance is needed now more than ever before,” said Triant. “This is our largest fundraising event of the year, and we appreciate any support. No child will ever be denied Club programs and services due to financial reasons.”
Traint said the Salesian hopes to raise $40,000 in Camp scholarships.
“Your gift will help to ensure our kids have a great summer experience,” he said.
Like years past, the event will be catered by Sammy Carlo’s Catering and Joseph Ruggiero will serve as Master of Ceremonies and auction off many prizes.
“The Salesian Boys & Girls Club has been serving youth ages 6 to 18 from the communities of East Boston, Revere, Chelsea, and Winthrop for over 75 years,” said Triant. “The Club provides children of all ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and religious beliefs a safe, positive, fun learning environment. Our thoughtful and efficient transitioning throughout the pandemic had allowed us to residents in numerous ways, such as providing daily lunch and weekly family dinners, produce, and toiletry distribution, parades for our members where we distributed art kits and outside play equipment during a time when families were close to being trapped at home.”
Last summer, the Club worked closely with health officials to run a safe and fun summer camp for 80 children.
“In September, we transitioned to “Salesian Elementary” and hosted 75 children for a full-day remote learning program,” said Triant. “This program required numerous technology and facility upgrades as well as our staff once again going above and beyond to serve the community’s needs. We are currently transitioning again and accepting applications for our summer program. Family’s needs are currently greater than ever and more and more families will be in need of financial assistance for our summer camp.”
Triant dsaid the Salesian Summer Day Camp has been a family tradition for over 60 years.
“We provide over 200 inner-city kids ages 6 to 14 with a great summer experience,” he said “Campers participate in weekly field trips and several different activities and programs inside and outside the Club and at our neighboring field.”
To purchase tickets, sponsorships, or make donations online, please visit www.SalesianClub.com or contact Michael Triant at 617-913-1531, [email protected], or Anita Belmonte at 617-784-1744, [email protected]