United Way Awards Record $137,500 to 15 organizations to support summer programming for Greater Lowell youth

Greater Lowell community helped raise funds for Summer Experiences in Greater Lowell initiative

LOWELL — United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and Summer Experiences in Greater Lowell (SEGL) today awarded $137,500 to 15 Lowell area youth organizations to support programs that provide safe, engaging, academic and cultural experiences for local young people during the summer months as well as summer jobs for older youth. The total funding being awarded this year is the highest ever and represents a $7,500 increase over last year. 

“Summer Experiences in Greater Lowell provides a variety of fun and safe summer opportunities for kids,” said SEGL co-chair Kari Reinking, Vice President at TD Bank. “From job experiences to day camps, these adventures ensure that the school off-season is packed with skill-building and social development for kids of all ages.

“We’re so proud of our community’s support for SEGL,” added SEGL co-chair Kerry Pucillo, Assistant Director for Corporate Partnerships at UMASS Lowell. “SEGL not only exposes young people to arts, culture, leadership and academic skills, it also supports summer jobs where older youth can gain critical employment skills, explore careers and become the next generation of Greater Lowell’s workforce.”

The 15 organizations being awarded funds today are:

• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica
• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell
• Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association
• Community Teamwork, Inc.
• Girls Inc, of Greater Lowell
• Greater Lowell Family YMCA
• Lowell Community Health Center
• Merrimack Reperatory Theater
• Merrimack Valley Food Bank
• Mill City Grows
• Project Learn
• The Caleb Group
• The Paul Center for Learning and Recreation
• UTEC
• YWCA of Lowell

Funds for Summer Experiences in Greater Lowell were raised at the 18^th Annual Martini Spring Fling, held last month at Vesper Country Club. Sponsors included Lantheus Medical Imaging, TD Charitable Foundation, Nancy Donahue, Enterprise Bank, Kronos, Lowell Five Bank, Lowell Summer Music Series, UMASS Lowell Athletics, Digital Federal Credit Union, Circle Health, Lowell Sun Charities, National Grid, MEC Companies, Circle Furniture, AFL-CIO Merrimack Valley Central Labor Council, Corning Life Sciences and The Battles Foundation.  Funds for SEGL were also raised earlier this month at an annual golf tournament hosted by Lantheus Medical Imaging as well as support from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation.

Last year, funds raised by Summer Experiences in Greater Lowell and United Way served over 2,800 youth, creating jobs, developing skills, closing the learning gap and providing safe, exciting summer adventures. Over the past 18 years, SEGL has raised over $1 million, helping to reach over 30,000 young people.

For Newsroom inquiries, please contact Brigid Boyd, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, at bboyd@supportunitedway.org or 617-624-8252.

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