By John Lynds
On Thursday May 25 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. local businessman Joseph Ruggiero will host the Eighth Annual Salesian Boys & Girls Club Camp Scholarship Breakfast at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club on Byron Street in East Boston. Tickets for the event are still on sale and the Salesians need the community’s help and support.
Ruggiero, owner of the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home will welcome local elected officials and guests to the event.
This year former State Representative and former Chief Secretary for Governor Charles Baker, Carlo Basile, will receive the coveted Don Bosco Award for outstanding service to the community. The Salesians will also also honor Richard Goldberg for his longtime support of the Boys & Girls Club as well as Elaina Psomos as the Youth of the Year.
Fr. John Nazzaro, executive director of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club hopes to raise $40,000 in scholarships for low income families through donations and the live auction.
“This year we are privileged to have Joseph Ruggiero as our live auctioneer,” said Nazzaro. “We are calling out to all community leaders, businesses and friends to celebrate youth by coming together for this worthy event. ”
The Salesian Boys & Girls Club accommodates over 350 young people a day and has over 1,000 youngsters on their active membership. The registration fee for one child is a minimal $20.00 a year.
Each year the Salesian Boys & Girls Club runs a summer camp and this year over 200 young people will take advantage of this fantastic program. The annual breakfast raises money for kids who otherwise would not be able to participate in a safe fun filled summer.
Fr. Nazzaro, who grew up in Eastie and knows the neighborhood, has been running the Salesians Boys and Girls Club inside the former Savio Hall with tremendous success.
The 350 children who show up daily do so primarily for the Boys and Girls Club’s after school program that costs local families a very modest $20 for the entire year.
“The program serves children ages 6 to 19 from 2:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday,” explained Fr. Nazzaro. “We offer computers, after school help, homework help, sports, art and crafts and provide snacks every day at 5:15 p.m.”
Fr. Nazzaro and the board are hoping to raise enough money at the event to help support the programs on Byron Street.
“We invite the entire community to this great event and hope to have a good turnout for this annual fundraiser,” said Fr. Nazzaro.