Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Celebrates Milestone 75th Year
Since 1939, the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) has proudly served the Northern Westchester community by providing children with a safe and nurturing environment that encourages leadership, good character, and personal growth. Now celebrating its 75th year, the Club reflects on the monumental impact it has had on more than 100,000 children over the years across Northern Westchester County.
In the late 1930s concerned Mount Kisco citizens sought a place where young boys could have a positive outlet after school to keep them off the streets and out of trouble. In 1937, the organization opened its doors to 70 boys and on October 3, 1939, “Boys’ Club of Mount Kisco” was officially incorporated.
More than seven decades later, the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester has grown to serve 1,700 boys and girls annually from more than 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has become a staple on Main Street in Mt. Kisco with a 36,000-square-foot facility featuring an eight-lane pool, child care center, gymnasium, game room, two computer labs, and an additional 1,600-square-foot Teen Center facility.
The Club reflects not only on its growth as an organization, but on the impact it has had on the thousands of members who have passed through its doors. Club alumni have gone on to become successful, involvedcitizens who remain active in their community. Its educational programming and community service-minded philosophy has served as a catalyst for launching successful careers. As part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program, BGCNW has seen nearly two dozen young adults grow into well-rounded professionals, earning master’s degrees, and securing positions in some of the nation’s top companies.
“It is truly remarkable to see the impact BGCNW has had on so many lives,” said BGCNW Executive Director Brian Skanes. “We’ve seen these kids grow into extraordinary people who give back to their own community.”
Many former members developed friendships that have lasted well beyond their years at the Club. Skanes, who has been with the Club nearly 20 years, also noted the personal connections made at the Club. “We strive to be more than a place to go after school, but rather a place to make friends that will last a lifetime.” Many former members remain close to BGCNW staff and regularly give back to the Club in a number of ways, including volunteering, making financial donations, and also by serving as mentors for incoming young boys and girls.
In October, the Club kicked off its 75th anniversary with “Tastes of Northern Westchester,” hosted in partnership with the Mt. Kisco Rotary Club. BGCNW will continue to celebrate throughout 2014 with a series of events including a special alumni event on February 9, honoring staff members Barbara Cutri, Dennis Munson and Betty Lou Ostrye; the 20th Annual Humanitarian Award Dinner on June 7, which will honor former Club member and long-time board member Stuart Marwell; a golf tournament at Glen Arbor on September 16; and a Family Fun Day for the entire community on September 28.
“The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester would not be where it is today without the support of our friends and neighbors,” said Skanes. “This is as much their celebration as it is ours. And we are excited to share it with them.”
About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
Celebrating its 75th year, the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester remains dedicated to its mission to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. A non-profit organization established in 1939, the Club has served more than 100,000 youth and welcomed nearly 10,000 volunteers, staff and board members over the years. Located in Mt. Kisco, NY, the Club’s 36,000-square-foot facility features an eight-lane pool, Child Care Center, gymnasium, game room and two computer labs, and an additional 1,600-foot Teen Center facility. The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester currently serves 1,700 boys and girls ages 6 months to 18 years, from more than 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
If you want to join the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester in celebrating its 75th anniversary with a congratulatory ad in the group’s special anniversary supplement Click Here.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
