FALL RIVER – The Thomas Chew Memorial Boys & Girls Club today announced a $250,000 challenge grant that, if the club can raise $150,000, will effectively conclude its $3.5 million Next Generation Campaign.
The grant, by an anonymous donor from the Boston area, was confirmed late last week, according to club officials.
“Our board and staff are thrilled by the fact that, after years of hard work to fund and build the new Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Youth Building, we are met with such a great response,” said John J. Feitelberg, chairman of the board.
“We’re honored to have been awarded this challenge grant by this true friend,” he added. “We can raise the $150,000 with the help from people and companies in our community.”
The club’s board, having already targeted the Fall River professional communities, is seeking to attract new donors.
Club officials also are planning a “burn the mortgage” event, for after the fund drive is completed.
“This will be a really big celebration because this will be a big accomplishment for us,” said Peter McCarthy, the club’s executive director. “All you have to do is walk into the Club at 4 o’clock and see 400 kids learning and playing and you know they are much happier in this larger, safer and more nurturing environment.”
Companies and individuals interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to help the Thomas Chew Memorial Boys & Girls Club (fallriverbgc.org) to repay the final construction loan expenses for its new building are asked to call the club at (508) 672-6340.
