FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and Great Wolf Lodge Maryland Team Up with Washington Commanders Rookie Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis to Raise funds for Local Club Kids

Perryville, Md. (June 30, 2026) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) and Great Wolf Lodge Maryland joined forces to celebrate teamwork, community, and philanthropy during a special football Rookie Charity Challenge at Great Wolf Lodge Mayland, where BGCGW Club members and Washington Commanders rookie Athan Kaliakmanis earned first place, securing a $13,000 charitable donation to support local youth.

The event featured NFL rookies from the Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles competing alongside youth from their local Boys & Girls Clubs in a series of fun, family-friendly challenges throughout Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park.

Representing the Washington Commanders, three Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington members teamed up with Commanders rookie Athan Kaliakmanis to compete in exciting activities, including shooting hoops in the activity pool, collecting footballs in the wave pool, navigating the lazy river, and participating in interactive football-themed challenges. The Club members also cheered on their teammate and assisted during select competitions, demonstrating teamwork, determination, and enthusiasm throughout the day.

The charity challenge was designed to support youth-serving organizations while fostering meaningful connections between young people and professional athletes. Thanks to their first-place finish, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington received a $13,000 donation from Great Wolf Lodge to further its mission of providing safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing opportunities for young people across the Greater Washington region.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Great Wolf Lodge for creating an event that combines fun, mentorship, and meaningful community impact,” said Eddie Koen, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. “Watching our Club members work alongside a Washington Commanders rookie, build confidence, and ultimately bring home a first-place finish made for an unforgettable experience. The donation will help us continue empowering young people to reach their full potential.”

The approximately three-hour event concluded with a charity check presentation recognizing each participating organization. Following the competition, participating youth enjoyed complimentary access to the resort’s indoor water park, capping off a memorable day of friendly competition and celebration.

Great Wolf Lodge has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs across the country on similar charitable events, creating engaging experiences that combine youth development, community involvement, and philanthropy while giving back to organizations that make a lasting impact in their communities.

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.

BGCGW offers a variety of programs in character and leadership development, education, career development, the arts, health and wellness, sports, and recreation. Find us online at www.bgcgw.org or on social media at @BGCGW.

About Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. owns and operates Noth America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts. Great Wolf Lodge offers a fully integrated resort experience designed specifically for families, with an expansive indoor water park, family-friendly attractions, fun-filled entertainment, delectable eateries and more, all under one roof. The company has locations in: Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash.; Fitchburg, Mass.; Charlotte, N.C.; Garden Grove, Calif.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Bloomington, Minn.; Lagrange, Ga.; Gurnee, Ill.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Manteca, Calif., and Perryville, Md. The company celebrated the grand opening of new resorts in Webster, Texas in August 2024, Naples, Fla. in Sept. 2024, and Mashantucket, Conn. in May 2025.

Media Contacts

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
Robert Anderson
240.729.7597
Randerson@bgcgw.org

Great Wolf Lodge
Lyndsay Goldstein
Public Relations Manager
Lgoldstein@greatwolf.com

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