Each year the proceeds of Lowell’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner benefit a community organization that works with city youth.
This year’s beneficiary was the Lowell Community Health Center’s Teen BLOCK (Building Leadership Opportunities in the Community), a variety of programs founded in 1988 that provide education, support and leadership opportunities to young people in the community.
On Friday morning, State Sen. Ed Kennedy and City Manager Eileen Donoghue, the co-hosts of the dinner, presented a $12,000 check to Lowell Community Health Center staff and leaders in the Mayor’s reception Room at Lowell City Hall.
“The way to create the next generation of leaders is to guide and empower the youth of the city,” said Kennedy. “Teen BLOCK has done an exemplary job of doing that, as well as providing much needed support, a sense of belonging, and mentorship for young people in the city. I am very proud that we were able to provide this donation to help them to continue this important work.”
Donoghue, who has watched Teen BLOCK evolve over the years during her time as a city councilor. Mayor, state senator, and now city manager, expressed gratitude for the work the program has done and continues doing in Lowell.
“Teen BLOCK has continually responded to a critical area of need in our city by connecting young people with mentorship opportunities and other valuable resources that help them succeed in all aspects of their lives and to contribute as leaders in our community,” Donoghue said. “We are pleased to be able to support their work through this donation.”
Lowell Community Health Center leaders and staff were very happy to receive the donation and that their Teen BLOCK program was recognized as a key resource for the city’s youth.
“Thank you City Manager Eileen Donoghue and State Senator Ed Kennedy for selecting Lowell Community Health Center Teen BLOCK to be the recipient of this year’s 32nd Annual Lowell St. Patrick’s Day Dinner,” said LCHC CEO Susan West Levine. “The funds will help vital youth programs that support the healthy development of young people, ages 13-18, and empower them to become leaders in the community.”
“On behalf of the youth, I thank Senator Kennedy and City Manager Donoghue for hosting the St. Patrick’s Dinner benefiting Teen BLOCK,” said Teen BLOCK Director Ruth Ogembo. “This support not only adds resources but reaffirms the commitment the city has in investing in our youth.”