Youth of the Year, Emani L. Wins State Competition

May 2, 2025

Emani will now represent Connecticut in the New England Regional competition.

A woman stands at a podium in front of a sign that says hollywood

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s Youth of the Year now has a new title, Connecticut Youth of the Year. Southwest Club member, Emani L. won the state competition on May 1.

She competed against 12 other Youth of the Year from Boys & Girls Clubs across Connecticut at the state competition held in Trumbull. As part of the competition, Emani had to deliver a speech and answer interview questions from a panel of judges.

In addition to serving as the youth ambassador for Connecticut, Emani will now represent the state at the New England Regional competition to be held in New York City in June. Winners from the regional competition go on to compete in the National Competition to be named Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

A group of people are posing for a picture on a red carpet.

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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.