New Message, Same Mission

July 2, 2025

Clubs "Go Blue" to Raise Awareness of Value and Importance of Club Kids

America needs Club kids. Connecticut needs Club kids. Hartford needs Club kids. Club kids represent the best of our country. They are resilient, creative, compassionate and prepared for the future. But Club kids need support. Club kids need you. 


This is the central message behind Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s new messaging campaign: Greater Hartford Needs Club Kids. Club Kids Need You. We’re opening the door for kids and teens because when kids have Clubs, our future is in good hands. 


To celebrate, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford turned blue on July 1. Clubs were decorated in blue, members and staff wore blue and the day was filled with blue-themed treats and activities. In addition, community partners including Bank of America, Comcast and New England Asset Management shared their support and their decision to “go blue for Club kids” on social media. 


Support for Club kids is needed now more than ever. Nationwide, 1 in 2 kids don’t have access to after school programs and 1 in 7 are left alone after school. But, when a community has a Boys & Girls Club, parents and caregivers can work and support their families with the peace of mind that comes with knowing their kids are safe and supported in a place where they are learning, growing and building the skills they need for a great future. 


At a time when our nation faces challenges in education, mental health, workforce readiness and belonging – Clubs are the answer. They’re not only providing safe spaces, caring mentors and healthy meals, but are also creating belonging, belief and possibility. In a Club, kids are learning to code, to serve, to advocate and to dream big. They are becoming the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow and building the futures we all need. 

A group of people are standing in front of a building holding hands.

Go Blue for Club Kids Day was about showing the potential and opportunity in Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and the importance of keeping the doors open for all young people, especially those who need it the most. 

  • A large group of children are posing for a picture in a gym.

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    Southwest Boys & Girls Club Members

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    Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club

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    South End Boys & Girls Club

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  • A group of children are sitting on the floor in a classroom holding a banner.

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    Samuel S. Gray, Jr. Boys & Girls Club at Asylum Hill 

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  • A group of children in a decorated hallway

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    Early Learning Center

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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.
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Together, we’re building great futures—one SMART Girl at a time.
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When caring adults show up, confidence grows. Thank you to Cigna for helping our SMART Girls learn the power of self-love and self-expression. #ClubKids #GreatFutures
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