By JANET STOICA

They had a beautiful day on Saturday, May 6, to gather together in their riding group for one of the worthiest causes in our area helping the Webster-Dudley Boys & Girls Club.

This type of fundraiser hadn’t been done in years but with Aaron Peek’s brilliant efforts to put this event together, the charitable ride raised $18,850 that will go a long way to assist with youth summer programs. “The sponsorships we had really made a huge difference,” said Mr. Peek, “and our riders brought in $5,000. This was the first one for the Club put on by Oxford’s American Legion Post 58 and along with Christopher Battista of the Combat Vets group we ended up with 100 cycles and 142 participants. Big thanks go out to our sponsors for their awesome generosity, our riders, volunteers from the Post itself along with the auxiliary, Sons of American Legion Post 58, and the Boys and Girls Club board members. We also have to mention the publicity that The Yankee Xpress gave us which helped tremendously. We can’t thank everyone enough for making this happen. We’re looking forward to another event next May.” 

Liz Hamilton, Executive Director of The Boys & Girls Club of Webster-Dudley, stated “We are grateful for the support we receive every year from our generous community. A great example is Aaron Peek and his friends putting their heart into the bike ride event. The proceeds from the ride will benefit our kids by providing them with discounted or free summer programming, ensuring that cost will not be a barrier for families. The average summer camp or program costs are between $250-$400 per week. Thanks to the support of the community and donations from the bike ride, we will charge $75 per week and provide scholarships to families who may need additional financial support.”

Ms. Hamilton also mentioned that their eight-week summer program for kids, ages 5-13, includes varied activities including STEM, the arts, athletics, games, and other events. In addition they provide free lunch and snacks to all club members and field trips to Canobie Lake Park, Legoland, Mystic Aquarium, and more. For their teens, they will host Teen Nites throughout the summer where they will participate in a job-preparation program, babysitting certification, and financial literacy. The club is also teaming up with a local driving school to provide free driver’s education.

The club is celebrating its 60th year as an organization, are excited about their local impact, and look forward to a future working with a community that truly cares about kids. To learn more about the local club and programs, please visit www.bgcwebsterdudley.org.

"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future." -Franklin Roosevelt

 [email protected]