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GALA HONORING OUTSTANDING ALUMNI NETS OVER
$1.2 MILLION FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER WASHINGTON
Fundraiser highlights long-term positive impact of organization on youth in the D.C. Metropolitan area
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9, 2025 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) netted over $1.2 million to support the empowerment and growth of youth in the D.C. metropolitan area at its 8th Annual BlueFest gala. The event, held May 8 at the Ronald Reagan Building and Trade Center, honored alumni of BGCGW, including University of Maryland Head Coach Michael Locksley and DC Metropolitan Police Dept. Executive Assistant Chief of Police Andre Wright. Chaired by Viyas Sundaram and Jaya Saxena, the 8th Annual BlueFest featured both a silent and live auction, offering coveted items such as four suite tickets to a Washington Commanders home game, and a vacation getaway to Bordeaux, France.
The gala was attended by over 500 guests who experienced the inner workings of BGCGW’s Clubhouses, known for delivering award-winning programming in STEM, performing arts, financial literacy, and career readiness. Through these immersive interactions with current BGCGW youth and staff, as well as testimonials from alumni and current Club members, guests were inspired to contribute to the organization.
Event chairs Jaya Saxena and Viyas Sundaram had this to say, “This event proved that Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington is a beacon of hope for youth and a necessity in the D.C. community. The testimonials from outstanding alumni in their various industries and endeavors highlight the organization’s pivotal role in their success. It is an honor to chair this event and support the growth and empowerment of youth as they become the leaders of tomorrow.”
President & CEO Gabrielle Webster commented, “The value of our organization is rooted in the success and talent of our youth, past and present. By supporting BGCGW, the D.C. community is not just validating but actively shaping the great futures that start at our Clubs.”
Incumbent DC/Virginia State Youth of the Year, Vera, noted, “I began my journey at BGCGW when I was a shy little girl attempting to find my own light in the shadow of my older sisters. Through the mentorship at BGCGW, I was able to nurture my unique talents and foster my own identity rooted in compassion, leadership, and community. I am honored to represent BGCGW in the upcoming regional Youth of the Year competition because it is my haven and my home.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington is to help boys and girls of all backgrounds, especially those who need us most, build confidence, develop character and acquire the skills needed to become productive, civic-minded and responsible adults.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington empowers youth through programs rooted in Academic Success, Character & Leadership, Health & Well-Being, and Life & Workforce Readiness—the pillars that shape its life-changing programming. By offering opportunities in character and leadership development, education, career readiness, the arts, health and wellness, and sports and recreation, BGCGW equips young people with the confidence, skills, and sense of responsibility needed to become productive, civic-minded adults.
Find us online at www.bgcgw.org or on social media at @BGCGW.
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