Greylock Federal Donates 100K To Girls Inc.
 Marilyn Sperling handed the display check over to the girls currently enrolled in the program. |
Now, with the help from Greylock Federal Credit Union, local girls will learn those same lessons for the next 100 years.
The credit union donated $100,000 to the organization on Wednesday that will be the base of an endowment the program is hoping to start. Greylock is matched by Berkshire Bank and Nicholas Boraski in donations to the "Go Girl" fundraising campaign the organization started in May to secure its future.
For girls like Eurquhart, who has participated in the program for six years, the organizations provide an array of educational programs ranging from science to media to athletics for ages 5 through 18. The goal is to give young women a "comprehensive" set of life skills, said Gladys Allen Brigham Center CEO Kelly Marion.
On Wednesday, Eurquhart raved about the benefits she learned through the economic literacy classes she had taken.
"Because of this program I will be smarter with my money because saving money is a huge part of success," Eurquhart said before giving a board-breaking demonstration that highlighted her self-defense classes.
Greylock President Marilyn Sperling said the credit union made the donation because the programming is something she "full heartily" believes in. Young women need help to get through life's challenges and the program gives the girls the same type of support that family or friends give, she said.
"There were times in my life and in my career where I wasn't sure where I was going. We walk a path of uncertainty as we grow up and grow in our careers," Sperling said. "Thankfully, we make great people along the way who help us reach our potential. That same kind of support is what Girls Inc. provides young woman every day and we know you are changing lives for the better."
With the gift, Sperling hopes to see some of the young girls succeed and maybe even follow the same path that she has taken.
Champagne Eurquhart has learned a lot of things from Girls Inc., including how to protect herself. Eurquhart showed off what she learned during the announcement. |
While the economy has sunk, the organization has continued to be level funded, according to Marion. The campaign was thought of as a way to celebrate the organization's 100th anniversary and leaders are hoping to reel in $1 million. So far, the group has raised about $426,000, Marion said. Boraski has not only donated but is the chairman of the campaign.
The "big gifts" will serve as the base of the endowment and Marion hopes it will inspire others to contribute.
For a little encourage Sperling added, "Greylock Federal says 'you go girl.'"
Tags: youth programs,
