Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening of New LB Boys & Girls Clubs at Bucky James

Long Branch – September 13, 2022 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County (BGCM) celebrated the grand opening of its newest Clubhouse at the Bucky James Community Center in Long Branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 10th. In attendance were Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ 6th District); Long Branch Mayor John Pallone; State Senator Vin Gopal (District 11); Commissioner Sue Kiley; Long Branch City Council Members Dr. Anita Voogt and Mario Vieira; Long Branch Public Schools (LBPS) Assistant Superintendent of Leadership and Innovation, Frank Riley; LBPS Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Markus Rodriguez; Recreation Leader Kris Parker; Eric Carney, President and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center; other funders and community partners, and staff and trustees of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.

“As the Club approaches our 85th anniversary of providing life-changing programming to Monmouth County’s young people, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate than by opening our doors to the wonderful community of Long Branch,” said Douglas Eagles, Executive Director of BGCM. The Club’s other locations in Asbury Park, Red Bank, and Neptune serve over 1,000 children a year through evidence-based and nationally recognized after-school and summer camp programming.

“With this new Long Branch location, the Boys & Girls Club will be able to serve even more youth across the county,” added Colin Newman, Director of Economic Development for Amazon, which is a lead funder of BGCM’s Long Branch Unit. “With a focus on teen empowerment and employment programming, Amazon is happy to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County’s efforts to inspire, educate, and prepare Monmouth County youth for the jobs of the future.”

The Long Branch Unit, located at 231 Wilbur Ray Ave, offered a 6-week camp this summer for children ages 5-13, featuring academic enrichment, sports, and technology programs. Safe, fun, and affordable after-school programming launched this month. For more information or to enroll your child, please contact Long Branch Site Coordinator, Destiny Smith: destiny@bgcmonmouth.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County empowers all young people—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens Through education, technology skill–building, day care, nutritional and athletic programs, and the arts, the Club has been providing vital services to Monmouth County children and their families since our incorporation in 1938. Learn more at www.bgcmonmouth.org.