Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and LAZ Parking Unite to Make Safety a Priority at National Night Out

July 24, 2025

Event to spotlight safety and community partnerships.

On Tuesday, August 5, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford will celebrate more than just National Night Out—we'll celebrate safety, community, and the power of partnerships.

BGCH is hosting a free, family-friendly event. It kicks off at 4:30 PM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling a transformative improvement: a completely renovated parking lot at the Samuel S. Gray, Jr. Boys & Girls Club at Asylum Hill on Sigourney Street. This is more than fresh pavement—it’s peace of mind. For years, traffic congestion and safety concerns during drop-off and pick-up created challenges for families. Thanks to the incredible generosity and vision of LAZ Parking, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s 2026 Champion of Youth, those challenges are now a thing of the past.

“We’re not just cutting a ribbon today—we’re opening the door to safer experiences for our kids, their families, and our entire community,” said Tomeka Cole, Vice President of Development & Communication for Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. “We’re deeply grateful to LAZ Parking for stepping up in such a meaningful way.”

LAZ Parking didn’t just fund this project—they solved a real problem, creating a safer, more efficient environment where children can start and end their Club experience on a positive note. Their investment speaks volumes about their commitment to Hartford’s future.

The ceremony will feature remarks from Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford leadership, LAZ Charitable Foundation, Executive Director Ralph Caldin, and invited dignitaries and supporters.

Following the ribbon-cutting, the celebration continues from 5 PM to 7 PM with a vibrant community gathering filled with fun for all ages—music, food, activities, and local vendors. It’s an evening designed to strengthen the ties that make neighborhoods thrive.

National Night Out is a nationwide movement promoting community and police partnerships that foster trust, safety, and unity. Here in Hartford, thanks to LAZ Parking and our community partners, we’re taking that mission to heart.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend! Join us in celebrating safety, connection, and the spirit of community.

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Scary Good Fun for a Great Cause: 2025 Donny’s Dash Brings Greater Hartford Together

October 28, 2025

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford President & CEO Bruce Jeffery joins UConn legend Donny Marshall, BGCH staff, and Club Kids at the start of the 2025 Donny’s Dash: Scary Good Fall Run at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. Over 400 runners, including 80 Club Kids, participated in this community event in support of Great Futures. Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. Over 400 runners and 80 youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford laced up their sneakers today for the 2025 Donny’s Dash: Scary Good Fall Run, held at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. The event brought together families, community partners, and corporate supporters for a day filled with fitness, fun, and philanthropy—all in support of opening doors to Great Futures for Hartford youth. Among the runners were more than 80 Club Kids r epresenting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, who ran with pride, excitement, and that signature Club energy. Their enthusiasm captured the true spirit of the event—creating opportunities where young people can grow, thrive, and dream big. The celebration featured appearances by Donny Marshall, UConn basketball legend and BGCH Board Member, Morgan Tuck, General Manager of the CT Sun, and Bruce Jeffery, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. "We are incredibly proud to see our community come together to support our Club kids," said Jeffery. "Every mile run today represents a step toward brighter futures for the kids we serve every day." All proceeds from Donny's Dash directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, providing local youth with access to safe spaces, positive mentorship, and programs focused on academic success, character & leadership, wellness and life & workforce readiness.