NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., March 10, 2026 – The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle was honored on February 21 by the Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. at its gala in recognition of the Club’s longstanding commitment to supporting and expanding opportunities for young people and families in the community.
The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle was recognized for its comprehensive youth development programs, commitment to providing inclusive and equitable opportunities for all young people, and its lasting impact on the lives and futures of local youth. The festive evening brought together community leaders, supporters and families for an inspiring night of dinner and recognition of organizations making a meaningful difference across Westchester County. Held at The Opus Westchester in White Plains, N.Y., the event celebrated organizations whose work is strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for young people and families.
“We graciously thank and are honored to partner with the Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in support of our shared missions,” said Becky Mazzanobile, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “Collaborations like this strengthen our collective ability to support young people and families throughout our community.”
From left to right, Club Board of Directors member Jessica Nelson-Clark; Club Board Treasurer Nicole Bell-Simon; New Rochelle City Council Member David Peters; Club CFOO Rinku Bhattacharya; Club CEO Becky Mazzanobile; and Club Remington Clubhouse Director Yolanda Roberson.
The Jack and Jill fundraiser’s proceeds will support several organizations dedicated to improving opportunities for children and families. The organizations include the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, Feeding Westchester, the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and The College Gap Fund. Feeding Westchester also was recognized as a co-honoree during the evening.
“The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has long been a cornerstone for young people and families across our community,” said Janelle Bradshaw, Chapter President of the Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. “Its commitment to mentorship, opportunity and youth development reflects the same values that guide our work as a chapter. We are proud to partner with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club that create meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive.”
In addition to celebrating the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impact, attendees viewed a video played during the event featuring 2025 Youth of the Year winner Sean Merlo and Club member Kamya Jackson. In the video, the two youths shared powerful personal stories about what the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle means to them and why the Club is vital to their growth and future success. To view the full video, please visit https://bit.ly/4aQUN8w.
“I’ve been going to the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle for over a decade, and during that time the Club has truly become my second home,” said Merlo. “It has given me opportunities to give back to my community in ways I never would have been able to without the Club.”
The partnership is further reflected through shared leadership connections, including several members of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s Board of Directors who are also affiliated with the Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., including Nicole Bell-Simon, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Board Treasurer; Jamie Edwards and Jessica Nelson-Clark. Earlier this year, members of the Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. also organized a teen clothing drive for Club youth at the Remington Clubhouse in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.’s Westchester County Chapter works to advance opportunity and equity for children and families by addressing key drivers of long-term success, including education, housing stability and family well-being. Through initiatives and partnerships like this gala, the organization helps break down systemic barriers and create pathways to generational success for historically underserved communities.
The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle expressed gratitude for the recognition and the partnership, emphasizing that community collaborations remain essential to expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening families across the region.
For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 12,000 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses.
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impactful before-school, after-school, elective, and summer offerings empower members to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States. Learn more at BGCNR.org.