BGCB Convened more than 800 business and community leaders for 2025 Annual Dinner.
This article was contributed by the 2025 Annual Dinner Co-chairs: Tom O’Brien, HYM Investment Group and Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, MassBio
Almost one month has passed since Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s 2025 Annual Dinner, and we remain energized by what we experienced. As co-chairs, we were honored to see what happens when companies step beyond philanthropy and into true partnership, aligning their values with a mission that is shaping the future of our dynamic city.
BGCB isn’t just a youth empowerment organization, it brings together Boston’s most influential corporate leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to ensure that every young person, regardless of their zip code, has access to opportunities and mentorship.
During the “Tonight Show”-themed event hosted by Rick Aggeler, BGCB’s Executive Director of Teen Strategy, and Tea, a Mattapan Teen Center Club member, the night was infused with positive energy, humor, and heart. This duo showed us exactly what makes BGCB special, the genuine relationships between staff and members and the confidence that grows when young people are given opportunities to lead. Later we met Club members Jailah and Arleen who shared their stories of resilience, ambition and the power of a single opportunity to change the trajectory of a life.
2025 Annual Dinner Co-chairs Tom O’Brien, HYM Investment Group and Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, MassBio taking the stage at “Tonight Show”-themed event
When the Club House Band took the stage, joined by Club members as special guest stars, they didn’t just perform, they rocked the house and we can only imagine how performing in front of hundreds will build their confidence, and be a moment they will not soon forget. And this is a perfect metaphor for what BGCB does every day – taking young people’s natural talents and giving them a platform to shine.
BGCB Nicholas President and CEO, Robert Lewis, Jr., closed the night with an unforgettable message, one that challenged all of us to not just hope for a better future for our youth, but to demand it.
We were inspired by how many corporate partners stepped forward during the evening to support the funding of summer jobs. This growing recognition that engaging with BGCB isn’t charity, it’s a strategic investment in Boston’s future. For those looking to strengthen their talent pipeline while making a real impact on our city’s future, BGCB offers an unapparelled partnership opportunity.
We also want to take a moment and thank the incredible Annual Dinner Committee – John Boyle (Cushman & Wakefield), Jim Canfield (Newmark, McCall & Almy), John Capone (KPMG LLP), Miceal Chamberlian (Bank of America), Alisha Collins (National Grid), Kerry Collins (Boston Bruins), Bob Coughlin (JLL), Amy Kenyon (MassBio), Grace Lee (M&T Bank), Eustacia MacNaught (Vertex), Makeeba McCreary (New Commonwealth Fund), Aisha Miller (Related Beal), Al Minahan (Minahan Strategic Solutions), Mary Beth Moynihan (Boston Scientific), Ed Palleschi (One Ellis Associates), Gary Prado (Fidelity Investments), Paul Rooney (IMA Financial Group), Dr. Gisele Shorter (Nellie Mae Foundation), Jane Steinmetz (EY), Larry Zabar (New England Council) – who helped make this evening so inspirational and impactful. We’re proud to be part of this vital mission and excited to see what the future holds for these remarkable young leaders.
