Thursday morning, community leaders, mentors, donors and volunteers gathered in Port City Community Church for a fundraiser and celebration of the Brigade Boys & Girls Club’s 120th anniversary.
According to the club’s website, it has been working to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens since 1896. Today, the club serves more than 2,400 youth in New Hanover County, Onslow County and Pender County by offering afterschool programs and summer camps focusing on character and leadership, education and career, health and life skills, the arts and fitness.
During Thursday morning’s event, the 9th annual Breakfast at the Kids’ Table, former Brigade Boys & Girls Club member and 2016 Youth of the Year Caroline Parks shared how the club had changed her life growing up. She opened up to the audience about her experiences being bullied and subsequent depression, saying, “The only thing I looked forward to was going to the Brigade Boys & Girls Club at the end of the day.”
The club fought for her, she said, adding, “The club saved my life.”
District Attorney Ben David also spoke at the event, specifically addressing his words to the Brigade Boys & Girls Club members in the audience. He encouraged them to surround themselves with the right people and to not let other people or their own difficult circumstances define them.
He also spoke about the variety of ways the club prepares them for success in life, including helping them transition into a four-year institution and, eventually, a career.
“We’re with you for life,” he said.
