The Boys & Girls Club is Proud to Announce its Newest Auction Sponsors!

The 16^th Annual Auction Fundraiser to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will be held at the Club’s facility in Milford, NH on Saturday, November 19^th, 2016. This lively community event will be the first event to take place in the Boys & Girls Club’s new gymnasium!  The evening includes an appetizer reception with silent auction, a catered dinner, and a live auction. Proceeds from the evening support needs based scholarship assistance to ensure all kids have access to programs regardless of ability to pay, and support of after-school, vacation time, and theater arts programs for over 750 members from Milford and surrounding towns.

The Boys & Girls Club Souhegan Valley would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors for supporting this fundraiser. We are also proud to announce our newest sponsors for our auction: Jay Steel, Bank of America, Maple Brook Dental, Kincaid Auto Repair & Sales, Apple Therapy Services, Turnstone Corporation, Eaton & Berube Insurance, and Winer & Bennett LLP. We would also like to say a special thank you to our Dream Sponsors: Alene Candles, Edward Jones Investments, Hitchiner Manufacturing Company, and Steven Desmarais Construction for their year-long commitment to our Club and members.  

The Club is actively seeking additional sponsors, advertisers, auction items. This is the Club’s last call for auction item donations! If you have anything you’d like to donate, please send in your item as soon as possible. We’re also selling tickets to our auction! Come and enjoy an evening with us in our new gym! Visit www.svbgc.org/auction for additional information on these opportunities or contact Kate Ratta at kratta@svbgc.org or by calling 603-672-1002 ext. 12. 

About the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley

A nonprofit organization, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley strives to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens tomorrow. Visit www.svbgc.org for more information.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AUCTION FUNDRAISER

The 16^th Annual Auction Fundraiser to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will be held at the Club’s facility in Milford NH on Saturday, November 19^th, 2016. This lively community event will be the first event to take place in the Boys & Girls Club’s new gymnasium!  The evening includes an appetizer reception with silent auction, a catered dinner, and a live auction. Proceeds from the evening support needs based scholarship assistance to ensure all kids have access to programs regardless of ability to pay, and support of after-school, vacation time, and theater arts programs for over 750 members from Milford and surrounding towns.

The Boys & Girls Club Souhegan Valley is proud to announce the following sponsors have already committed their support: Bret Steel Corporation, Flynn Construction, Lake Sunapee Bank, the Law Office of Thomas Quinn, and IPG Employee Benefits. We would also like to say a special thank you to our Dream Sponsors: Alene Candles, Edward Jones Investments, Hitchiner Manufacturing Company, and Steven Desmarais Construction for their year-long commitment to our Club and members.  

The Club is actively seeking additional sponsors, advertisers, auction items. Visit www.svbgc.org/auction for additional information on these opportunities or contact Kate Ratta at kratta@svbgc.org or by calling 603-672-1002 ext. 12. 

The community’s participation is needed to make the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s Annual Auction Fundraiser a success!

Dear Community Members, 

The community’s participation is needed to make the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s Annual Auction Fundraiser a success!  

For over 20 years, the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (the Club) has been in the forefront of youth development in our community with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. On Saturday, November 19th the Boys & Girls Club will hold their 16th Annual Auction Fundraiser at its facility located at 56 Mont Vernon Street in Milford, N.H. This will be the first event held in our brand new gymnasium!  Proceeds from the event support programs to help the Club’s continue our mission:  To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens tomorrow.  You can help by sponsoring the event, donating an auction item or service, advertising in our program, and/or attending the event.   

Your advertisement or sponsorship will reach over 250 influential members of our community attending the event. Sponsors will also be thanked at the event, in donor communications, and future press releases. Donated items or service will be attractively displayed and given appropriate acknowledgement during the evening. Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. This is a wonderful way to publicize your business, be a part of the Souhegan Valley community, and have an impact of the lives of our youth. With the addition of our new gym and teen center for older teens, your support is needed more than ever! Help us provide programs for the children who need us most with your support and donations.  

We sincerely appreciate your support of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley; together we can make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family.  

More information is available on our website at www.svbgc.org/AUCTION or by emailing Kate Ratta at kratta@svbgc.org or by calling Kate at 603-672-1002 X12. 

Sincerely, 

Nancy Amato, Board Member and Auction Co-Chair 

Helen Leach, Board Member and Auction Co-Chair 

Allise de Smet, Board Member and Auction Co-Chair 

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUHEGAN VALLEY EARNS ‘PAINTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE’ GRANT FROM THE COUNTY STORES

Milford, NH – As students across the Souhegan Valley get ready to go back to school, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will begin the painting the walls of its newly expanded facility thanks to a partnership with The County Stores. The Club is one of many across the nation selected to receive ‘Painting a Brighter Future’ grant.  

Every day, 11 million kids are left unsupervised after school. Boys & Girls Clubs are there to provide kids with quality after-school programming to keep them on track to academic success and a great future. More than 4,100 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide serve nearly 4 million kids, providing resources and support after school to help kids graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrate good character and citizenship, and lead a healthy lifestyle. In the Souhegan Valley, over 800 youth a year attend programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley where they interact with caring adult mentors, participate in enriching activities, and have lots of fun.  

“The beginning of school is the start of a new year for our Club. This year our new start will include a new gymnasium and teen center! Thanks our partnership with County Stores, and the support of so many companies, foundations, and individuals in our community, we will soon be able to offer more recreational and social activities for our youth members,” said Susan Taylor, Executive Director. “We are grateful for our local True Value’s support as we help Souhegan Valley-area kids build great futures.”  The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will use the donation to paint interior rooms in its newly expanded facility.  ‘Painting a Brighter Future’ is the signature program of the True Value Foundation, uniting True Value retailers with Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. In total, the True Value retailers will donate more than 3,000 gallons of paint to Clubs across the nation. The program also provides grants to elementary, junior high and high schools in neighborhoods nationwide.  

For over 20 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (the Club) has been in the forefront of youth development in the Souhegan Valley community with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential. 

Golfers and Sponsors Wanted for Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic

The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will host its Charity Golf Classic at Amherst Country Club on Friday August 12th, 2016. All proceeds from this event go directly to the Boys & Girls Club, whose critical mission is to provide a positive programs for children and teens when they are not in school.  Registration and sponsorship information can be found at www.svbgc.org/golf.

Known for its unique games and surprises, this tournament is not to be missed! From an air cannon on hole 6, to Dunkin Donuts coffee and cookies on hole 1, and a BBQ hosted by the Happy Butcher on hole 10, golfers are sure to have a fun day on the links! Consider bringing your clients and employees, the Boys & Girls Club golf tournament is a great opportunity for customer and employee appreciation!

Golf tournament registration starts at 11:30 am with a tee off at 12:15 pm. The scramble format tournament will be followed by a dinner reception and live auction.

Contact Kate Ratta at the Boys & Girls Club at 672-1002 x12 for registration & sponsorship forms, auction item donations, or further information. Visit www.svbgc.org/golf for all the details.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley

For over 20 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (the Club) has been in the forefront of youth development in the Souhegan Valley community with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens tomorrow.  Visit www.svbgc.org for more information.

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY TO THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Last Friday a gentleman stopped by the Boys & Girls Club and placed ten $100 bills in our donation bin. He left without a word and before anyone could thank him. Our security cameras picked up an image of someone who vaguely resembles Santa Claus without his winter beard. Whomever this anonymous supporter is – thank you! Your $1000 gift was matched and helped us get closer to our overall goal. I hope your example of giving spreads and more people join us to help change young people’s lives for generations to come!

An exciting benefit of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s efforts to raise $3 million to build its new gym and teen center is a renewed appreciation about just how important our Club is to the Souhegan Valley community. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters and volunteers as we planned for the expansion and received donations to support our efforts. And the excitement of our youth members, teens, and young alumni is palatable as they eagerly await for the opportunities this expansion will provide them.

As we enter the summer months we are wrapping up our capital campaign with $700,000 left to raise. Critical choices are being made based on our ability to reach our fundraising goals. The Boys & Girls Club is a vital resource to our children and community; we need your help to increase our impact and serve even more young people. An anonymous donor is matching all new gifts up to a total of $100,000, and we’ve only achieved 10% of this matching challenge so far. Please help us take full advantage of this generous offer. Every donation truly makes a difference! Donate now or pledge your support over time. Pledges can be fulfilled over 3 years. Thank you.

For more information about the planned expansion and how you can make a donation visit www.svbgc.org or email Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at staylor@svbgc.org.

Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Receives Donations to Improve Transportation

The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley recently received donations from several local businesses and foundations to improve the safety and reliability of its transportation program. Contemporary Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, the Stuart S. Draper Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, HPM Insurance, and Granite Bank joined together to support the purchase of a new van used to transport children to and from the Club location on Mont Vernon Street in Milford.

“Because of the large geographic area the Club serves, and because many club members have families with two working parents, transportation is increasingly critical to fulfilling the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens tomorrow” stated Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “In addition, with our new gymnasium opening in the winter of this year we will be adding additional recreational sport programs and travel teams. This van will be critical to our ability to safely transport players. Our donors will therefore impact hundreds of children and teens in our community for many years to come.”

Photo Credit: Kevin Salemi

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUHEGAN VALLEY BEGINS CONSTRUCTION

MILFORD, NH –The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has begun construction to expand its facility with a new gym and teen center, and recently installed a ceremonial beam signed by youth members, staff, and board members. This beam will be visible even after the gym is completed, leaving a lasting legacy honoring the youth members the club serves today, and the staff and volunteers who are helping expand the Club to serve more youth members in the future.

“It was exciting having some of our Boys & Girls Club alums back to sign the beam,” stated Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “Many of these alums were members 11 years ago when we moved into our current facility, and never thought our dream of a gym would become a reality. Now their names are next to our Early Education members who will grow up using the new gym and teen center.”

A topping-off ceremony was held on May 23^rd to raise the ceremonial beam in place with a tree and American flag. John Siemienowicz, building committee chair and Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley board member, told those gathered about the significance of tree. “The tree is associated with the raising of a building's highest beam,” stated Siemienowiz. “This tree symbolizes the celebration of the birth of a new structure and offers good luck to future occupants. We expect that this building will be life-changing for our youth and our community.”

The Boys & Girls Club continues to fundraise to meet its $3 million capital campaign goal. Currently an anonymous donor is matching all donations through June 30^th or up to $100,000. “We have started our construction because we are confident the community will step up and support our fundraising efforts,” stated Taylor. “We need the support from all members of the community to make sure this matching opportunity is fully realized and ensure we reach our fundraising goals.” A successful end to the capital campaign will mean that the Club will have the funds needed to fully execute the expansion and facility renovations to increase program impact and security.

For more information about the planned expansion and how you can make a donation visit www.svbgc.org. To learn more about the expansion email Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at staylor@svbgc.org.

For over 20 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (the Club) has been in the forefront of youth development in our community with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens tomorrow.  

Photo Credit: Kevin Salemi

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SOUHEGAN VALLEY RECEIVES $420,000 IN GRANTS FOR EXPANSION

MILFORD, NH - The Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has been awarded $420,000 from twelve foundations to support its capital campaign to build a new gym and teen center to target at-risk children.  

Grants have been made from following foundations: the Bean Foundation, Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation, Cogswell Benevolent Trust, Demoulas Foundation, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Kaley Foundation, Arthur L. Keyes Memorial Trust, Milford Rotary Foundation, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation -Nashua Region, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation - Stuart Draper Fund, and the Putnam Foundation.

With support from individuals, businesses and foundations, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has raised over $2.3 million, more than three quarters of its $3 million capital campaign goal to support the expansion of its Milford, NH facility. The purpose of the expansion is to increase the Club’s capacity to serve more young people by adding a gymnasium and new teen center to its facility.  The Club will also redesign existing program space to increase program impact and improve security.  

John Morison, Chair of Hitchiner Manufacturing and Capital Campaign Chair, asked for the community’s support to reach the remaining $700,000 needed to end the campaign successfully. “A successful end to the capital campaign will mean that the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will have the funds needed to fully execute the expansion and renovations,” Morison said. “We are excited to be at this point in the campaign.  We now ask the community to join those companies, foundations and individuals that got us to this point, and move us to the final goal.” 

In support fundraising efforts, the Boys & Girls Club recently announced an anonymous donor who will match donations up to $100,000 or through June 30th. For more information about the planned expansion and capital campaign, visit www.svbgc.org/buildingforthefuture.  

About the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley: For over 20 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (the Club) has been in the forefront of youth development in our community with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens tomorrow. 

ANONYMOUS DONOR TO MATCH CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUHEGAN VALLEY DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR UP TO $100,000

MILFORD, NH –An anonymous donor has taken the lead to ensure the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (the Club) reaches its $3 million capital campaign goal by offering to match donations through the end of June or up to $100,000.

“Over the past year, the Boys & Girls Club has raised over $2.3 million, or 75% of its $3 million capital campaign goal to support the expansion of its Milford, NH facility,” stated Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “As we work to conclude our fundraising campaign we need help from everyone in the community; this generous offer to match donations is a great boost to our optimism and confidence about our ability to successfully complete this campaign in a timely fashion”.

Eleven years ago the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley built its current facility around the former home of the American Stage Festival. Today the Club serves over 850 young people from Amherst, Milford, Mont Vernon, and other Souhegan Valley communities each year, offering before school, after school, vacation time and performing arts programs. As a result of the expansion and renovations, the Club’s program offerings will increase in quantity and quality. The new gym will provide the space needed to provide more sports and recreational activities for youth of all ages. The Teen Center, with a separate entrance and more contained space, will offer high school aged members a place to gather for social and recreational activities, leadership opportunities, and community involvement. Renovations to the current facility will improve access to academic, STEM-based programs, and performing arts programs, as well as increase building security.

For more information about the planned expansion and how you can support the capital campaign, visit www.svbgc.org/BuildingfortheFuture or email Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at staylor@svbgc.org.

Milford Rotary Club Foundation Donates $100,000 to Support Boys & Girls Club Expansion

MILFORD NH - The Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley recently received $100,000 from the Milford Rotary Club Foundation in support of its $3 million capital campaign to build a new gym and teen center to target at-risk children. The check was presented to Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, by Cynthia Dokmo, Milford Rotary Club President, and David Hammer, Milford Rotary Club Foundation Chair, along with many members of the Milford Rotary Club.


“I am so thankful to all the members of the Milford Rotary Club for their support of our expansion,” stated Susan Taylor. “This investment in the Boys & Girls Club will positively impact generations of children in our community.”

The new gym, located at the rear of the Boys & Girls Club facility located at 56 Mont Vernon Street in Milford, will provide the space needed to provide more sports and recreational activities for youth of all ages. The Teen Center, with a separate entrance, will offer high school aged members a place to gather for social and recreational activities, leadership opportunities, and community involvement. The result will be a growth in services for older teens, an important initiative with the increasing potential for drug and alcohol misuse facing young people in our community today. For more information about the planned expansion, visit www.svbgc.org.


The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has successfully raised almost $2.3 million of its $3 million goal over the past twelve months. To learn how you can support the campaign, email Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at staylor@svbgc.org.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SOUHEGAN VALLEY RECEIVES TAX CREDITS TO SUPPORT EXPANSION

 MILFORD NH - In July, 2015, the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley was awarded $750,000 in tax credits from the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) to help support their capital campaign to build a new gym and teen center to target at-risk children. The award was the largest of the awards presented to 16 nonprofit organizations throughout New Hampshire.

Grants made from CDFA are in the form of credits, not cash. New Hampshire businesses support the projects of the organizations by purchasing tax credits. Rather than contributing cash to a nonprofit and receiving a modest federal tax deduction, CDFA tax credits are an above-the-line, 75% state business tax credit. This allows the nonprofit to receive a donation while allowing the company to get a 75% state tax credit against their contribution.


Since September, 2015, the Boys and Girls Club has completed sales of tax credits to the following: Airmar Technology Corporation, Amherst Orthodontics, Associated Grocers of New England, Coliseum Avenue Entertainment, Ciardelli Fuel Company Inc., Contemporary Automotive Inc., Control Air Inc., Hitchiner Manufacturing Company Inc., Kimball Physics Inc, Lake Sunapee Bank, Subaru of Milford Inc., Thomas F Moran, Inc., and Turnstone Corporation. Several other purchases are pending and should be completed within weeks.


The net $600,000 of the credits is part of the recently announced $3 million Capital Campaign which is currently underway.


For more information about the planned expansion, visit www.svbgc.org. To learn how you can support the campaign, email Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at staylor@svbgc.org.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUHEGAN VALLEY BREAKS GROUND ON EXPANSION PROJECT

4/4/2106 Milford, NH – On Wednesday March 30^th, Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley members and staff eagerly dug golden shovels into the soil behind its Milford facility during a groundbreaking for the Boys & Girls Club’s expansion to include a new gym and teen center. Club members, including 2016 Youth of the Year Marrissa Allen, were joined by Executive Director Susan Taylor, Building Committee Chair John Siemienowicz, Capital Campaign Chair John Morison, Board President Michael Tule, and Community Development Finance Authority Executive Director Taylor Caswell in the groundbreaking ceremony.

The Club moved into its current facility located on Mont Vernon Street in Milford, NH, 10 years ago; adding a gym was always part of its plan. Current facility constraints inhibit membership growth and have begun to create efficiency problems for staff.  “Our challenge is how to attract a larger percentage of school age youth with needs for afterschool, school vacation, and summer programming who otherwise face an empty house and unstructured time as parents work, and also keep older members engaged so they will not quit coming, learning, and exploring their potential at a crucial development phase of life.” stated Susan Taylor, Executive Director. “Building a gym and new teen center and expanded programming designed with specific needs of youth aged 14-18 in mind will be an important step to addressing this challenge”.

The expansion is needed to both retain youth members as they transition from Middle School to High School, as well as attract more members of all ages. The new gym will provide the space needed to provide more sports and recreational activities as well as additional programming for youth of all ages.  The new Teen Center, with a separate entrance and more contained space, will offer high school aged members a place to gather for social and recreational activities, leadership development and community involvement.  The result will be a growth in services for older teens addressing a critical need with the increasing potential for drug and alcohol misuse facing young people today.

Driven by a team of community volunteers and lead by campaign chair John Morison of Hitchiner Manufacturing, the Club has successfully raised $2.2 million of its $3 million goal over the past twelve months. “We’re so thankful for the support we’ve received, but we’re counting on everyone to help us reach our goal. I’m confident our community will realize the importance of this project and make a contribution” said Capital Campaign Chair John Morison.

The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens tomorrow. Serving an average of 180 teens and children daily, with over 850 members in calendar year 2015, the Club operates from a renovated and converted theater building on Mont Vernon Street in Milford, NH, into which it located in 2005. Services include a state-licensed early education program, before school, after school, and vacation time programs for grades 1-8, service and leadership programs for teens age 12-18, theater art programs for youth of all ages, and CAST (Community Action for Safe Teens). The expansion is scheduled for completion by November 2016.

For more information about the planned expansion, visit www.svbgc.org or contact Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at staylor@svbgc.org.

John Morison Chairs $ 3 Million Capital Campaign for Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley

John Morison, Chair of Hitchner Manufacturing, is the leader of a $3 Million Campaign designed to raise necessary funds for the expansion project for the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley.  The purpose of the expansion is to increase the Club’s capacity to serve additional young people by adding a gymnasium and new teen center to its current facility.  The Club will also redesign existing program space to increase program impact and improve security.

Assisting John in the campaign are Paul Amato-Alene Candles, Don Brezinski-Southern New Hampshire University, Marc Chareth-Edward Jones Investments, Allise de Smet-Jay Steel, Jay Dinkel-Enterprise Bank, Lew Dokmo-Independent Defense & Space Professional, Mike Tule-McClane, Middleton, Alan Woolfson-Monarch Instrument and Seth Zeigler-BigPicWellness.

While commenting on the importance of this fundraising effort, Morison said  “a successful campaign will mean that the Club will have the added space to serve more young people in our communities, an outcome that is critically important to all of us.”

While the campaign leadership team has been meeting for almost a year, Morison announced the public phase of the campaign to a group of early donors at a reception in February.  To date the campaign has raised $2.1 million or  70% of its goal.

For more information about the planned expansion, visit www.svbgc.org or contact Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at staylor@svbgc.org.

Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Announces Major Expansion Project

3/14/2106 Milford, NH - The Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has committed to a  $3 million expansion of its Milford, NH facility. The purpose of the 13,700 square foot expansion is to increase the Club’s capacity to serve more young people by adding a gymnasium and new teen center to its current facility. The Club will also redesign existing program space to increase program impact and improve security.

The new gym will provide the space needed to provide more sports and recreational activities as well as additional programming for youth of all ages. The Teen Center, with a separate entrance and more contained space, will offer high school aged members a place to gather for social and recreational activities, leadership development and community involvement. The result will be a growth in services for older teens addressing a critical need with the increasing potential for drug and alcohol misuse facing young people today.

Ten years ago, the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley successfully built its current facility around the former Playhouse 101, home of the American State Festival.  Daily between 170 and 190 young people from Amherst, Milford, Mont Vernon and other Souhegan Valley communities are provided opportunities to develop character and leadership skills, support their academic success and adopt healthy lifestyles by participating in before school, after school, vacation, theatre and early education programs.

Groundbreaking is planned for later this spring with completion projected for sometime in late 2016.

For more information about the planned expansion, visit www.svbgc.org or contact Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at staylor@svbgc.org.

EXCEPTIONAL MILFORD TEEN WINS YOUTH OF THE YEAR HONOR FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUHEGAN VALLEY

Marrissa Allen to Now Vie for State Title and Scholarship

Milford, NH, March 8, 2016 – Selected among several local outstanding youth, Marrissa Allen, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s 2016 Youth of the Year, will compete for the New Hampshire Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. As the new Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, 17-year old Marrissa is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by BGCA for her leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

“Marissa is an excellent role model for the youth we serve,” said Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “She is dedicated to making smart and healthy choices, and passionate about justice and equality.”

A senior at Milford High School, Marrissa has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley since 4th grade. In addition to participating in Club programs, she has been an active volunteer, and now works as a youth counselor at the Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society, We the People team, and the varsity softball team. She has been described by her nominators as “intelligent, compassionate, and an empathetic leader”.  As the 2016 Youth of the Yea,r Marrissa was awarded a $1,500 scholarship from the James D’Amato Scholarship Fund.

Other nominees included Jon Merchant of Milford and Callie Cinque, Katie Osterholz, and Meghan McKnight of Amherst. Both Callie Cinque and Meghan McKnight were awarded $500 scholarships as graduating senior youth of the year candidates.

Other awards presented at the March 3^rd event included recognition for 10 years of service to Robin LaCroix and Robert “Mac” Mcilvaine, and 5 years of service awards to Sean Costello and Rod Rocheleau. The Boys & Girls Club also recognized Ciardelli Fuel for its dedication to the youth the community as the 2016 Civic Supporter, Chuck Barker as volunteer of the year, and Milford Middle School 8^th Grader Abby Forrence was named Community Champion in recognition of her work to improve the health of young people as the Fuel Up to Play 60 Ambassador.

If Marrissa wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2016, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit http://www.youthoftheyear.org.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley

For over 20 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (the Club) has been in the forefront of youth development in the Souhegan Valley community with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to be great today and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens tomorrow. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (http://www.GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

Contact:

Kevin Salemi, Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, ksalemi@svbgc.org, 603-672-1002 x23.

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