Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Recognizes Black Leaders

February 25, 2025

Celebrating the Contributions of Today's Leaders During Black History Month.

To celebrate Black History Month, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is recognizing the contributions of Black leaders shaping our Clubs and communities.

Tomeka Cole is the organization’s Vice President of Development and Communications. She’s a Hartford native and has dedicated more than 20 years to youth development, philanthropy and community impact. Her fundraising and strategic communication leadership plays a critical role in ensuring that every child who walks through our doors has access to opportunities that can uplift and empower them.

One person who understands the importance of that access is Joseph Bumpers, III. He’s a former Club kid who now helps lead Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s operations team as the Director of Operations. As part of that role, Joe oversees the organization’s facilities ensuring all members have a safe and vibrant place to go after school. Joe has spent more than 20 years with the organization, holding numerous leadership roles, but always continuing to put kids first.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford every day is an opportunity to celebrate Black history, leadership and excellence.

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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.