SHELTON, CT [January 2026 ] Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is proud to announce the 2026 Service to Youth Awards, a milestone celebration marking the Club’s 70th anniversary of service to local youth. The Service to Youth Awards represent the highest honors bestowed by the Club, recognizing individuals, organizations, and foundations whose unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on young lives.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, generously hosted by Il Palio Restaurant in Shelton, CT. As the Club’s most significant fundraising event of the year, the evening will bring together community leaders, supporters, and friends to celebrate seven decades of impact and the partners who have helped make it possible. Tickets for the event will go on sale, Thursday, January 29, 2026.

In recognition of this historic anniversary year, the Club is proud to introduce a first-ever Legacy Award, which will be presented to the Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation. This distinguished honor recognizes a foundation whose long-standing commitment—rooted in the leadership and generosity of Raymond P. Lavietes—has profoundly shaped the mission, culture, and growth of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, creating opportunities for generations of youth.

“It was a natural decision for our organization to recognize the Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation as our inaugural Legacy Award recipient,” said Shaye Roscoe, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. “Ray was an integral part of the foundation, maintenance, and enduring legacy of our Club, and his impact continues to be felt by the youth and families we serve today.”

2026 Honorees

• Christopher Douglas has been selected as the recipient of the Raymond P. Lavietes Service to Youth Award.

• Greco & Haines (Jeanne Connors) will be recognized with the Champion of Youth Award.

• beastie burger (Lisa Nicholas) will be honored with the From the Heart Award.

• Brendan Prutting has been chosen as the Alumni Hall of Fame Award recipient.

• Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation has been chosen as the inaugural Legacy Award recipent.

About the Awards

The Raymond P. Lavietes Service to Youth Award is the highest honor the Club can bestow on an individual. Named after beloved Club supporter Ray Lavietes, the award recognizes outstanding leadership, dedication to youth, and a lasting commitment to serving the young people of our community.

The Champion of Youth Award is the highest honor presented to a company or organization. It recognizes exceptional leadership, volunteerism, and steadfast support of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and its mission.

The From the Heart Award honors an individual or organization who goes above and beyond in contributing time, talent, and/or treasure in ways that directly impact Club members and programs.

The Alumni Hall of Fame Award recognizes former Club members or staff whose achievements, leadership, and dedication to service serve as an inspiration to today’s youth.

For more information about the 2026 Service to Youth Awards, sponsorship opportunities, or tickets, please visit bgc-lnv.org/events/service-to-youth-awards.