Friday 24th April, 2015 - 8:00am
As an organization that empowers local girls to become educated and independent women, we are so fortunate that so many believe in our work and support what we do in the Capital Region. One of our very strong supporters was honored this year for her part in a very important chapter in our agency’s history. Betty Apkarian was named Honorary Chair for our 26th Annual Dinner and Auction fundraising gala on Thursday, April 23 at Glen Sanders Mansion.
In 1984, an explosion and fire completely destroyed our Schenectady center, which stood at 962 Albany Street. Betty was there that evening and witnessed the tragedy. She also led the charge to rebuild the center, which opened just one year later. This year marks 30 years that we have been serving girls from the rebuilt center and today, Girls Inc. is stronger than ever! After-school participation continues to increase every year. That means more girls are learning how to say no to peer pressure, are discovering career interests and strengths, and are becoming better informed to make smart choices for their future.
As part of the evening’s festivities, we honored Betty and all those who stood with her as members of what became known as the Project Rebuild Committee. There were fantastic items and experience packages up for bid in our silent auction. And we all enjoyed our live auction with auctioneer LeGrande Serras!
The attendees showed the community that they continue to believe in the Girls Inc. mission and the promise it holds for girls in the Capital Region. Because of your support, you all enable the organization to continue offering the quality programs that parents say are the #1 reason more of them are bringing their daughters to Girls Inc.