The gift will provide a range of services to families in need including stabilization services and childcare to recently homeless families. It will also provide the Clubs with an upgraded computer system.
To celebrate the gift, Marc Trachtenberg invited 20+ local children and Club staff to his private suite at Fenway Park for a Red Sox game. They were welcomed on the scoreboard, provided catering, and had a chance to see the World Series trophy.
Stoneham/Wakefield – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield has recently received a series of additional donations from the Trachtenberg Family of Wakefield. This is in addition to a previous donation of $65,000.00 made by the family. This increases their commitment to the Clubs to over $125,000.00 in a single year. These donations have helped the Clubs provide more services, fund staff appreciation efforts, as well as make capital upgrades across their facilities.
“Our family believes that making strategic investments into our community which will have the biggest and best social impact is the greatest use of resources. The desired return on that investment is to see a positive change in the trajectory of the many lives that will benefit from the tremendous resources the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield offers. It is an honor for us to partner with such a world-class organization to hopefully make a meaningful, long-term difference in our neighborhoods.”
“This most recent donation will have an immediate impact both in terms of the human costs related to the pandemic and our capital infrastructure. Our staff hear concerns from families daily about bills, food, daycare coverage, and all of the uncertainty around what the next weeks and months will bring. The Trachtenberg family’s generosity has allowed us to be able to continue to meet those needs and support families through this last year. In practical terms, we’ve needed to expand our hours, almost double our staff, upgrade our technology, and invest in safeguards such as plexiglass, extra cleaning, and more space. All of these things strain our budget. Marc and his family’s continued support is a lifeline to the Clubs and local families so that we can continue fulfill our commitment to local children,” commented Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield CEO Adam Rodgers.
Adam also noted that Marc was recently voted onto the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield. “Beyond his financial generosity, his commitment of time, energy, and the access to his impressive personal and professional network has allowed our Clubs to consider projects that were not possible before he joined the team.”
Included in this network is the Boston Red Sox. On August 22, Marc donated his suite/box at Fenway Park to members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield for the Red Sox game. They were welcomed by the scoreboard, treated to catering, and even had a chance to take a picture with the World Series trophy.
Director of Development Anthony Guardia commented that for many of these kids, this would be the highlight of their year, if not their entire childhood. He continued; “When Marc heard about some of the concerns of the families we serve, he requested a meeting with staff, came up with a plan, and made an investment. His response was immediate and his impact was resounding.” Anthony continued, “it’s not just the donation. It’s the time, energy, and leadership he brings with his investment. Marc and his family are looking to do the most good for the most people possible. Our Clubs and the towns we serve are very lucky to have him in it. We are very fortunate to consider him a friend.”
“We can all do something positive to contribute in our community. Personally, I would love to connect with any other philanthropists, business owners, or individuals that want to join us to further the mission of the Boys & Girls club. We have a real opportunity to help those most in need,” commented Trachtenberg.
The Trachtenberg family lives in Wakefield and has children in Wakefield public schools.
Since 1973 the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield have offered daily access to a broad range of programs developed and tested by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Clubs serve over 300 children a day. They operate 2 clubhouses, 3 licensed afterschool programs, 2 teen centers, and an outdoor pool.
Video of children entering the suite & photos from the game:
