Club Stories

Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester celebrated a $70,000 grant from the Taco Bell Foundation on September 10, supporting education and career readiness opportunities for local youth.

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Bettina Love, community partners and individual donors, our August 25 Backpack Giveaway helped local youth get ready for the new school year with 377 backpacks filled with school supplies.

For three days, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester partnered with former NBA player John Wallace and MVP Basketball Camp to give young people an unforgettable back-to-school experience. See how the clinic combined basketball, mentorship, and a focus on physical and mental wellness to help participants build confidence on and off the court.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester proudly recognized 26 outstanding Club members during the Eva and Vaughn Morgan Scholarship Luncheon. Joined by families, supporters, and community leaders, recipients were celebrated for their academic achievements and encouraged by inspiring remarks from Dwayne Mahoney, Kevin Morgan, John Rizzo, and 2026 Western New York Youth of the Year Nasir Bicknell. Read more about this special celebration of education, opportunity, and the next generation of leaders.

Our Keystone Club members represented Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester at the 2026 JCI Global Youth Summit, joining youth leaders from around the world to strengthen their leadership skills, explore diplomacy, and collaborate on solutions for a more sustainable future.

More than $100,000 raised to support Rochester’s youth! Our 15th Annual Par-Tee Fore the Kids Golf Tournament brought together golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners for a memorable day at Irondequoit Country Club. Read how one Club alumnus reminded everyone why investing in Club kids changes lives.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester is proud to announce that Bob and Barb Duffy will receive the organization’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their decades of leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to strengthening the Greater Rochester community. The award will be presented during the 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester Gala on Saturday, October 24.

Community partnerships create lasting impact. Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester joined Ross Dress for Less to celebrate the grand openings of its Titus Avenue and Marketplace Drive stores, where each location presented the Club with a $5,000 donation—investing a total of $10,000 in Rochester’s youth and the programs that help them thrive.

Just days after being drafted by the Toronto Raptors, former Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester member Jaden Bradley returned to the Club to inspire the next generation. During his visit, Jaden read with members in the Accelerated Reading Program, signed autographs, and shared how education and perseverance helped shape his journey from Club kid to NBA player.

Awards, reading milestones, and a special visit from New Orleans Pelicans guard and Club alumnus Melvin Council Jr. made our 2026 Accelerated Reading Celebration one to remember.

Club member Elijah Davis is proving that success starts with dedication. From competing in the Rochester City School District’s 24 Game Math Tournament to winning boxing championships at the state, regional, and national levels, Elijah continues to excel in the classroom, in competition, and as a leader among his peers.

Club members experienced an unforgettable day at Greg Rousseau’s charity softball game, meeting Greg Rousseau and Keon Coleman following the Home Run Derby, watching Royal throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and performing the National Anthem before the game. The event showcased the power of community partnerships and the confidence-building opportunities that help Club kids envision great futures.