PROVIDENCE — Helping an organization that serves so many in the community, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin presented a $5,000 check on June 17 to the Providence Boys and Girls Club’s “Keep the Lights On” campaign.
The bishop’s donation came from the diocesan Emergency Assistance Fund, which was established thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.
“It isn’t every day that someone does this,” said John Brewster, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Providence. “This contribution put us over the top.”
Brewster explained that the electricity for the Fox Point Boys and Girls Club had been shut off by National Grid for 10 hours last month after the facility had fallen behind on it’s electric bill.
According to David M. Bodah, senior director of development and marketing, the organization needed to raise $18,000 to pay the overdue electric bill.
“The bishop’s gift goes a long way to getting us over that amount,” said Bodah.
Brewster said that National Grid will assist the organization by creating a payment plan to help keep the lights on at the facility.
Robert P. Brooks, president of the board of directors, personally thanked Bishop Tobin for the diocese’s generous contribution to the club.
“I think you will find that we try to do as much as we can with what we have,” said Brooks to Bishop Tobin, prior to leading the bishop on a tour of the facilities. During the tour, club officials provided a firsthand glimpse of the many programs and services offered through the organization including a sports and recreation program making use of the on-site gymnasium and swimming pool.
“Bishop Tobin has told us how important he thinks the club is,” said Brooks. “We are really gratified that he took the time out of his day to see the work we are doing.”
With 4,400 Boys and Girls Clubs in the United States, the 141- year-old Fox Point facility is the oldest operating club in America. The Ives Street location serves more than 600 children age 6 to 18.
With four other local facilities, the Boys and Girls Club of Providence has been forced to cut some services because of decreased funding.
In the last five years the annual operating budget has decreased from $5 million to $2.5 million according to Chief Operating Officer Nicole R. Dufresne.
Brewster mentioned that the organization has recently received more than 100 donations after news of the blackout was made public, including one from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 99.
“People send in contributions from $10 to $100,” Brewster added. “Every little bit helps.”
Bishop Tobin told the Boys and Girls Club staff that he hopes that the contribution will help them to continue their good work, especially during the challenging economic times.
“We have the availability of some small funds that we can use to contribute,” said Bishop Tobin. “I had heard about the need here and I hope that this contribution can make a difference for them.”
“The cost to run a facility like this is obviously great,” Brooks added.?“Contributions like this help us to continue to do the work in the community and for the children of Providence.”
None of the funds awarded to the Boys and Girls Club were derived from parish assessments or the Catholic Charity Fund.
