Since 1899, the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton has been fighting to give children enriching programs, and that spirit continues as its next fundraiser is a boxing tournament.
Director David Sellers said the Watertown Street nonprofit hopes to raise $5,000 from its Joe DeNucci Fight Night on November 8, although in past years the event has raised as much as $10,000. All proceeds will be used for the Club’s operating funds and several innovative initiatives developed over the past year, including mental health and career programs.
“The health of the Club is strong … [but] this is an environment that is becoming increasingly difficult for families,” said Sellers. “The Club has continued to be there, as we always are.”
Students from elementary school to high school have been enjoying an array of activities at the Newton club for more than 125 years. In addition to athletics, arts, and leadership programs, children and teens can now access newer offerings to meet their needs.
After raising funds at the Club’s annual gala, Sellers said the nonprofit launched partnerships with the Samaritans, JED Foundation (mental health nonprofit), and the Newton Health and Human Services Department, to name a few. Staff members were then trained to help parents connect with outside mental health resources and children’s programs.
Through the Club’s therapy partnership with Art Relief in Waltham, children in second to sixth grade facing crises can access activities designed to help them make sense of their feelings.
“We have brought in animal therapy visits,” said Sellers, including Officer Leo, the Newton Police Department’s community resource/comfort dog.
Another initiative this year is introducing children and teens to careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.
Preparing youth for the future has always been part of the club’s mission, said Sellers, which is why the nonprofit launched a STEM career mentorship program. Adults in those fields give presentations about their jobs, aiming to open kids’ eyes to expand their career options.
The latest of the Club initiatives starts at the end of the month, when the organization will begin serving dinner on Tuesday nights to all members. This coincides with the nonprofit’s efforts to act as a resource for those with food insecurity as the fate of SNAP benefits remains in limbo, according to multiple news sources.
Entertainment for a good cause
The Joe DeNucci Fight Night fundraiser, named for Newton’s former middleweight boxer and state auditor, started in 2009 and is co-sponsored by the Nonantum Boxing Club.
The USA Boxing-sanctioned event, set for November 8, will feature men and women, but the precise number of three-round bouts will not be known until the final qualifying weigh-ins. During previous fight nights, there were 7-10 matches, some with knockouts.
“This is the real deal,” said Sellers, who expects 300-400 attendees.
DeNucci and the Nonantum Boxing Club have strong connections to the Boys & Girls Club, according to Sellers. The boxing club owners and several teachers got their start in the sport at Newton’s Boys & Girls Club.
DeNucci himself used to referee bouts and was a volunteer teacher in the Club’s boxing program in the 1970s and 1980s, and he was later a member of the Club’s board of directors.
The fight night was named after DeNucci when he retired as state auditor.
“Joe helped to make it a success,” said Sellers.
The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton is located at 675 Watertown Street.
The Joe DeNucci Fight Night will take place on Saturday, November 8, in the Boys & Girls Club’s gymnasium. Tickets are available online.
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