To the editor:

On July 27, the Boys & Girls Club of Massena officially kicked off our capital campaign to raise the funds needed to open the doors of our Club with a special event featuring Club Spokesperson Zach Bogosian. The inaugural Backyard BBQ was more of a success than we could have imagined.

The turnout definitely exceeded our expectations -- as did the generous commitments of support.

On behalf of the board, I would like to thank the many guests who joined us and pledged their support. The importance of that support can’t be understated. There is no question that we need to open the doors of this Club and every dollar we raise will help ensure that we can help the kids of our community for decades to come. 

I would also like to recognize the contributions of Zach Bogosian and his family to our efforts. As he shared at the BBQ, the positive support he has had from family and friends has empowered him to achieve his dreams. Having the Boys & Girls Club in Massena will similarly provide the positive place for thousands of other kids to achieve great things.

Special thanks to our guest host Tom Post. Within a few short weeks, we were able to turn an idea into reality thanks to the gracious offers of support from people like Tom. Thank you for your willingness to help however we needed.

A great big thanks to Vino Vidi Vici owners Crista and Tarek Makdouli, and their outstanding staff, really all I can say is, “wow.”  The food, the service, the willingness to work their magic to make this an exceptional event were so very much appreciated.

Thanks to Ben Todd and the Six Foot Midgets for providing the music for the BBQ. Ben’s suggestion a month ago for a fundraising event created the framework for the BBQ -- a great idea that we hope to repeat annually as a way to say thanks to the generous donors who support the Boys & Girls Club.

Finally, I’d like to thank the local vendors who were so willing to help us pull all of the details together: the linen from BC Cleaning, the beautiful centerpieces from Floral Gallery, Max Pelifian for the outstanding event photos, Massena Fire Dept for the use of the tables, AJ Septic and Hurlbut Tent Rentals for both the tent and the chairs.

We are grateful for everyone that helped make the BBQ a success and look forward to additional events in the coming weeks. Please join us and help us meet the fundraising goals to open the Boys & Girls Club of Massena’s doors in May 2014. Contact me or visit www.bgcmassena.org www.bgcmassena.org to learn more and to make a donation.

Regards,

Timmy Currier, Police Chief & 

Boys & Girls Club of Massena Board President