Courtesy Photos
A capacity crowd of 275 guests attended the Salesian Boys & Girls Club’s 80th Anniversary Gala June 26 at the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor.
of the gala.
The event was a significant milestone for the popular club that is known for nurturing and supporting youth in the community. The Club has more than 1,000 members and the average daily attendance is 180 youths per day.
Former Gov. Charlie Baker, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, served as the distinguished chairperson for the evening.
Mayor Michelle Wu, City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Adrian Madaro, Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, and Revere City Councilor and Board Member Anthony Zambuto were among the dignitaries in attendance.
During the program, the Club recognized award recipients Joseph Ruggiero (Don Bosco Award), David Modica (Community Award) Jill Shah (Champion for Kids) and David Arinella (Champion for Kids).
Former state representative Carlo Basile, an alumnus of the Club, received the inaugural Alumnus Hall of Fame Award. The Stanley J. DeMartinis Sr. Scholarships were presented to Teagan Scarpa, Robin Cartagena, and Juliana Conte. Scarpa was also honored as the Salesian Boys & Girls Club’s Youth of the Year.
Mike Triant, who has been the executive director since January, 2018, said the Club’s growth and ongoing success has been the result of a team effort.
“Since I started, my administrative team of James Geraci (Director of Operations) and Anita Belmonte (Director of Development) has been tremendous,” lauded Triant. “Also, my board of directors have helped guide the ship very well.”
Triant said the Club prides itself on having programming staff who are former Salesian members themselves. “Elizabeth Yepes and Justin Baldassari came to the Club as kids, as did other staff who work with our youths every day,” said Triant.
Triant said he is proud of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club’s outstanding reputation and its 80-year history of providing youths with productive, after-school programming that helps build lives in a positive way.
“We’re proud to be a resource for the community,” Triant said humbly.