A Look at 2023 from Drew Glassford
We have been asked to join as an advisor and mentoring club for the BGCA’s National Workforce Readiness Program Development Group. Our Sports and Athletics Director, Lluri Coria, was recognized with the Outstanding Volunteer Leader Award by the Village of Carpentersville.
Impactful Highlights: A Year of Inspiring Achievements
Jane Addams Elementary Principal Testimonial – Amy Molinsky
“Boys & Girls Clubs has brought immeasurable joy and positive transformation to our elementary school. Through enhanced leadership, improved attendance, and stronger self-confidence, students thrive both in school and at the Club, fostering a culture of positivity.
With supported homework time and a culture of positivity. With supported homework time, new friendships, and access to diverse activities, Boys & Girls Clubs offers invaluable resources for students’ growth and success. Their collaboration with our school ensures the well-being and success of their members, creating lasting impacts and building character.”
Parent Testimonial – Krystall Guerrero
“As a parent, choosing BGCDT for my three children was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Their time at the Algonquin Club site has been more than just after-school care; it’s a place where they’ve grown in confidence, become more involved, and learned to communicate better with others. The Club has not only nurtured their personalities but also introduced them to new learning experiences outside the regular school curriculum, including sports that benefit our entire community. I wholeheartedly recommend BGCDT to any family looking for a supportive and enriching environment for their children.”
Member Testimonial – Christian V.
“Joining the Impact Crew has been a real eye-opener for me. It’s not just about lawn care; it’s about connecting with others and growing personally. Sure, there are days when it’s tough, but seeing the relief and happiness on the faces of those who can’t tend to their own yards makes it all worthwhile. This job has taught me more than just lawn care skills; it’s about teamwork, responsibility,
“Joining the Impact Crew has been a real eye-opener for me. It’s not just about lawn care; it’s about connecting with others and growing personally. Sure, there are days when it’s tough, but seeing the relief and happiness on the faces of those who can’t tend to their own yards makes it all worthwhile. This job has taught me more than just lawn care skills; it’s about teamwork, responsibility, and making a difference in our community. It’s helped me build real friendships and given me a sense of direction. I’m here not just to work, but to lay the groundwork for my future, learning lessons that go beyond just lawn maintenance.”
Explore, Learn, Grow: Unveiling Our New Outdoors Adventure Program
Celebrating Our Newest Milestone: Welcoming the Rolling Meadows Boys & Girls Club!
This year, we welcomed two new additions to our Executive Leadership Team!
Tammy Kerr – Chief Operating Officer
Tammy Kerr has seamlessly stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer in our Executive Leadership Team. With a successful background in large-scale, multi-site management of youth development programs, including her recent position as General Manager for Canlan Sports Centers in Lake Barrington and Libertyville, Tammy’s strengths lie in Strategic Leadership, Team Management, P&L Oversight, and Customer/Client Acquisition and Retention. In her new role at BGCDT, she has made strides in managing
current operations and future market expansions of our elementary, middle, and high school programs and site staff. Her focus for 2024 is to further develop and improve our school district and community partnerships, enhance staff development, ensure consistent program delivery, and maintain a positive team culture.
Cindy Erwin – Chief Development Officer
Cindy Erwin joined BGCDT in January as our new Chief Development Officer. With her previous roles as Director of Alumni Membership at Alpha Phi International Fraternity and Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Operations at Fenwick High School, Cindy brings extensive experience in donor relationship development and annual giving strategies. She earned her BS and Master of Education from the University of Southern California, serves as Chapter Recruitment Advisor for Chi Omega Fraternity at
Northwestern University, and resides in Westchester with her two children. Cindy has already made a significant impact over the past year, leading our annual Golf Outing and Gala events, and we are excited to see where she takes us in 2024!
Introducing Our New Board President
BGCDT is thrilled to share that Susan Harkin has been named President of our Board of Directors at our November meeting. Susan has been a member of the BGCDT Board of Directors since 2020, most recently serving on our Executive Committee. She is currently the Superintendent of Community Unit School District 300, the 6th largest in the state of Illinois, serving over 23,000 students at 26 school sites.
Pictured left to right (Drew Glassford, Susan Harkin, Wendy Farley)
Meadowdale Club Site Tour
BGCDT is very grateful for the leadership and service of Wendy Farley, who is stepping down after three years as our President. She has served many key roles starting in 2012, including interim CEO, Vice President of our Executive Committee and President. “I am so thankful for Wendy’s extraordinary commitment and leadership for our organization, including navigating the myriad of challenges of the pandemic, as well as our successful expansion of club sites and communities served over the past five years,” said Drew Glassford, CEO. “She has been a great leader through many challenging changes, always keeping our mission and our kids and families first. We will all miss her. I am looking forward to working with Susan Harkin, whose leadership experience in youth education, non-profit governance, experience and relationships with state agencies, and her understanding and relationships with key stakeholders will add significant value to help us move forward to meet the needs of youth in our communities. Susan also brings a passionate commitment to the successful future of our children.”
Celebrating Our Record-Breaking Donor Event Success!
This year’s Great Futures Golf Outing was a resounding triumph! Thanks to our esteemed attendees and sponsors, we were able to raise almost $60,000. In November, we hosted the 2023 BGCDT Masquerade Gala, where we shattered all previous records by raising a remarkable $700,000! We introduced exciting changes this year, including presentations of engaging projects by Club members from each site. It was a wonderful showcase of our collective impact.
The unwavering support we received from such events has enabled us to provide life-changing opportunities and vital support to the young members of our community who rely on us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, sponsored, and supported our mission. Your kindness and commitment fuel our determination to work even harder in fulfilling our mission. Together, we’re making a lasting difference in the lives of our community’s youth.
Looking Ahead to Exciting Opportunities
in 2024
Your support helped our Club members be active and feel valued as we all grew and worked together to serve our children and families in the best way possible. If it sounds like a lot, it was, and we are very grateful and proud to be able to do so much for our communities.
