January 2021
We hope you enjoy this month's highlights of our impact and mission in action!
Dear Friend, 

Happy New Year! All of us at Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club are excited for a fresh start in 2021, and are especially looking forward to the Grand Reopening of our fully-renovated and expanded Clubhouse. In fact, if you have driven down Forest Avenue lately, you will see that our construction is in its final stages and we are on track to welcome our kids back in early April! 
Our new Clubhouse will feature two art studios, two technology labs, a dance studio, creative movement room, community meeting space, a quiet reading room, a teaching and learning commercial kitchen, and dedicated spaces for elementary school children, adolescents and teens. Plus, we will also have fully renovated athletics fields and refurbished gymnasiums. 
You can come see our finished building for yourself at our Open House and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony that is scheduled for Saturday May 1, 2021! While our building is nearing completion, we are still seeking support for this project. There are several giving and naming opportunities available, and this is a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your local community. If you would like to schedule a private tour or learn more, please reach out to me directly at (516) 759-5437, x217 

The year ahead promises yet more. With vaccines rolling out over the next several months, we are optimistic about our ability to hold some of our traditional (yet modified) events. These functions help us raise the funds we need to keep our kids engaged and on track to meet their full potential and our programs running without interruption or compromise.   

With health and safety top-of-mind, we have moved our Alumni & Friends Golf Outing to May 10, 2021. Our annual Gala will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 under a tent on the grounds of our beautiful new facility!  The Gala will be preceded by a community open house on September 17th and followed by a special Alumni Brunch on Sunday, September 19th.  Please mark your calendars for these events and stay tuned for further details. 

In the meantime, stay well, stay healthy, and stay involved! 

Thank you for all you do to make Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club a place for kids to learn, grow and thrive. 

Warmly, 
Ramon Reyes
Executive Director
Healthy Snacks Bring Joy!

Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club is delighted to have been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation to help enhance its afterschool healthy snacks program. We are very grateful for this gift as we know that good nutrition is integral to children’s well-being and helps them stay on track to reach their full potential.  

Thanks to the owners of Dunkin’ Donuts in Bethpage, Louis Brienza and Bruce Carusi, the Club was recommended to the foundation for consideration.
Alumni Spotlight:
Melissa Rhodes
Once a Club Kid... Always a Club Kid.

Melissa Rhodes joined Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club when she was just 8 years old. Little did she know then that belonging to the Club would come to define her life in so many ways. When she was in the 10th grade, the Club profiled her in its 1994 Annual Appeal Brochure. At that time, she shared that her life goal was to “be able to raise a family with an awareness of the issues facing youth in 2000 and beyond.”  


Today, these many years later, Melissa has done just that as she now serves as Grenville Baker’s Director of Programs and Professional Development.
As a lead architect of the Club’s many enriching, engaging and educational programs, Melissa is indeed ensuring that our whole family of 1200+ youths not only understand the issues of the 2000s, but also comprehend that they have bright futures! 
Are YOU a Grenville Baker Alum? We'd love to hear about your favorite memories. Click Here to submit YOUR story.
Board News!

Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club is pleased to announce new positions to its Board of Directors. John Campbell has been elected to the position of President of the Board. Eric Brook continues to serve as Treasurer and has also accepted the position of President-Elect (to become President of the Board in 2022). We are also thrilled to introduce new Board Members Natalia Good and Sean Simensky. 

Natalia Good
Sean Simensky

Please Help Us Get to the Finish Line!

While we have turned the page on last year, we are still actively fundraising for our 2020 Annual Fund through the end of this month. The funds raised through our annual fund campaign are integral to our ability to meet the needs of our kids THIS year. This is last call for your support of this effort, and we appreciate any contribution you might make.

You can make a gift by clicking here. 
Be In The Know
& Mark Your Calendars
Mark Your Calendars!
May 1: Grand Reopening

May 10: GOLF OUTING!!!

September 17: Open House

September 18: GALA!!!

September 19: Alumni Brunch
Schedule A Tour Of The Club
We are maximizing use of existing space to enhance and expand our ability to serve our children and their families. We'd love to share our vision for a stronger club and stronger community with you!

To Schedule A Tour Contact
Ray Reyes
Keep Up With GBBGC News
Mission Possible
Gain access to all of our Programs, Special Events, Trips, and much more!

Click Here to browse all of our "Mission Possible" blog entries.