Boys & Girls Club celebrates 60th anniversary

Boys & Girls Club celebrates 60th anniversary

This year marks the 60th year that the Boys and Girls Club has been serving the Big Island. To celebrate, club officials invite alumni to reunite and spend an afternoon celebrating those six decades from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Hilo Clubhouse.

“Many community leaders of Hilo, such as Barry Taniguchi, Junior Kadota and the Mende brothers, Lester, Riley, and Derrick, all grew up attending the Boys Club of Hilo,” said spokeswoman Vicky Chung. “Their sons Toby, Ryan and Donn also attended and currently serve on the board of directors along with 23 other dedicated board members, many of whom are also alumni.”

Toby Taniguchi, the current board chairman, recalls his years as a Boys Club member: “Thinking back, the club was truly the positive place for kids. It’s my sincere hope we are able to bring the club’s many wonderful programs to as many community youth as possible. I definitely look forward to reconnecting with childhood friends at the reunion.”

This is the first of many events that coordinators hope will bridge generations of Boys and Girls Club members.

“The Boys and Girls Club has an incredibly rich history in Hilo and we want have an opportunity to honor past members and hear their stories,” explained Zavi Brees-Saunders, the chief professional officer.

Games, prizes, old photos and food all will be part of the afternoon activities. To RSVP for the free event, please call 961-5536 or email alumni@bgcbi.com by Oct. 29.