One of the most successful and most active clubs in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Boys & Girls Club of Garfield, will celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to children and youth at a gala at Garfield’s Venetian on November 19.
The community is invited to join the festivities at the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield’s 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration on November 19, 2009 at the Venetian, at 546 River Drive in Garfield. The evening will start with a Pre-Event Hospitality Hour, followed by a general cocktail hour, and will conclude with great food and drink catered by the Venetian’s chefs at a sit-down dinner, live entertainment, and a silent auction. 9 Former New York Jet receiver and Boys & Girls Club of Garfield alumnus Wayne Chrebet, one of several NFL players who came out of the Garfield Club, will be on hand to mingle with guests.
Many outstanding events have taken place during this historical fiftieth year. Jordan Griffin, age16, was named the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield Youth of the Year, while Tom Duch, Esq., Helen Choma, Stanley Cislak, and William Messineo Esq. were honored for their years of service to the Club. A new gymnasium floor was installed, and Garfield Club alumnus Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys was recognized for his outstanding achievements and service to the community.
All of this happened while the Club continued to provide quality programs and services for over 1000 children. Alumni involvement has reached an all-time high and Wayne Chrebet has returned to an institution where he spent much of his 9childhood. "This is more than an anniversary, "explains Club CEO Paul Casey," This is a year the Club is celebrating its past and present, while realizing that to stay alive, we must build for the future."
Three NFL stars nurtured by Club
As the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield looks back, it can brag that it has produced one of only two National Youths of the Year from the state of New Jersey, Dr. Greg Baron. In addition, the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield can brag that it has produced three professional football stars. Wayne Chrebet, NY Jets, Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys and Luis Castillo, San Diego Chargers all started playing football in the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield flag football league.
These are only a few examples of the caliber of alumni the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield has influenced. The Club has saved and changed the lives of many children, making sure that kids stayed in school and avoided dangerous alternatives. "Most of all," says Casey, "the high-visibility names are not our largest claim to fame, but we must acknowledge that over 50,000 boys and girls have passed through our Garfield doors. That’s 50,000 young lives that that our Garfield Club has influenced in a positive and supportive way."
During the celebration, all attendees will be presented with a historical 50th Anniversary Yearbook that honors and celebrates the history of the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield.
How to order tickets
Tickets to the Gala are only $100 while tickets for the special Pre-Event Hospitality Hour are an additional $50. Ticket information and details of advertising in the Yearbook can be found on the Club website, www.bgcgarfield.org, or by calling (973) 478-7662.
Major underwriters of the event include Presidential Sponsor Medco Health, Premier Sponsors Palko Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., Inc. and the Jos. L Muscarelle Foundation Inc., and Silver Sponsor Mazzo Oil. Bulldog Gin and the distributor specializing in Portuguese wines, Aidil Wines and Liquors, are but two of the beverage sponsors scheduled to pour throughout the evening.
Every year, the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield serves over 1000 children of diverse ethnicity and age. The Club has inspired and enabled young people to realize their full potential and has provided opportunity for over 50,000 youths since 1959. The Garfield Club is part of a national network of some 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which serves more than 4.6 million young people annually in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide. For more information on Club programs, call (973) 478-7662 or go to www.bgcgarfield.org