June 4, 2012
NEW BRITAIN DELEGATION WELCOMES
STATE BONDING FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
HARTFORD – The State Bond Commission today approved a $200,000 grant for the New Britain Boys & Girls Club on Washington Street that represents the culmination of a four-year, $3 million renovation of the 40-year-old facility.
The New Britain Boys & Girls Club, founded in 1891, moved to its Washington Street location in 1972. With nearly $2 million in private fundraising and some state funding, the Club recently completed a complete renovation of its building, including roofing, HVAC, electrical systems and a new bus turnaround area to improve child safety.
Open every day after school, the Boys & Girls Club’s motto is “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
“The tough social challenges that inner city youth face make organizations like the Boys and Girls Club that much more important to learn about different viewpoints and approaches to life,” state Representative Bobby Sanchez (D-New Britain) said. “I will continue to support this venerable organization for all the great programs and guidance they offer.”
“This is for the children with the least who need it the most, and this funding will allow us to continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for them” Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Todd Czuprinski said today. “It was a 40 year-old building in dire need of repair.”
“The renovation of the Boys & Girls Club has been an ongoing and bipartisan effort in New Britain for many years now, and I am happy to see it come to fruition,” said state Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain). “There’s no doubt that when it comes to the health and safety of our kids, everyone works together for the betterment of our community.”
“The New Britain Boys and Girls Club is, like our city, a place for all people,” said state Representative Rick Lopes (D-New Britain). “It is important to continue to support an organization that throughout the years has given youth the inspiration, confidence, direction and motivation to succeed.”
“The Boys and Girls Club is part of the foundation of New Britain,” said state Representative Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain, Bristol). “For more than 120 years, children and families have been able to depend on the Boys and Girls Club and their important programs.”
“Today is the culmination of four years of hard work,” Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors President Paul D’Addabbo said today. “We are absolutely thrilled that our local legislative delegation saw the benefit of what the Boys and Girls Club does everyday.”