Boys & Girls Club needs funds
Every two years, City Councilor Kevin Broderick and his wife Julie open their home to the community and host an elegant fund raiser in support of our local Boys & Girls Club. This year the theme was Hawaiian and as you can see from the photo, many guests got into the spirit of the event, which was held poolside on a balmy August evening and featured the most incredibly delicious appetizers, including my particular favorite: coconut shrimp. The Brodericks support the club because they know how important the organization is, not only to the youngsters who have a safe place to play and learn after school, but also to our community. Ask anyone about programs serving at-risk youth and the organization most people immediately think of is the Boys and Girls Club. Yet in Lowell, the club is hurting financially. In the last six years, the number of youngsters using its programs and facilities has increased from 1,000 to 4,000, yet its operating budget has remained the same—this funding crisis has resulted in the recent layoff of three key staff members. We can’t all be super heroes saving the world one troubled teen at a time, and we can’t all be like the Brodericks opening our homes to the community in support of a great cause; We can, however, all open our wallets and give something to make sure these vital programs continue to help our youth and our community. And in doing that, we help ourselves. Mail donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, 657 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01851 or check their website for more information.