prSPEAK | charitable giving

PAN Communications recently had the privilege of working with a tremendous team of volunteers from the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. The club provides support to over 3,500 youths. Over 500 kids stream through the doors of the club each day looking for friendship, a hot meal, mentors and support.
At their annual auction I was reminded once again how the efforts of one person can change lives. The featured speaker was Roylan Nolberto, one of the Club’s many examples of success.
Roylan moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts from the Dominican Republic when he was in the sixth grade. He and his family did not speak any English and did not know a soul. Roylan joined the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence and worked hard to learn the language and to excel in school. He was lucky enough to have the support of kind mentors from the club who worked closely with him on his application to a private Catholic high school in Lawrence.
Roylan received a full scholarship to Central Catholic High School at the same time his parents decided it was too difficult to make ends meet in the States. He was devastated but not defeated. He asked his mentors if he could remain in the United States and live with them and they generously agreed.
His family eventually returned to the States in time to see him graduate high school with honors, receive the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year award and head off to the University of Massachusetts to study business. Now graduated, Roylan works for a small company you may have heard of -Raytheon!
Roylan is proud of where he came from and has never forgotten the support he received from the Club. You will find Roylan two or three evenings a week at the Club in the science room.
One of the Club’s key educational initiatives is introducing and promoting math and science to members. Under Roylan’s guidance a team from the club recently competed in a Science & Sports program jointly sponsored by Raytheon and the New England Patriots. His team came in first place!
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to hear Roylan’s inspirational message. He reminded me to be thankful for all of the support and encouragement I have received throughout my own life and that there is never a time to be complacent. He provided a real world example of the difference that a fine program like the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, its volunteers and supporters can make in someone’s life.
Be a mentor. Be a friend. Give back!