38th Annual Evening of the Stars: Once Upon A Dream
Send 10 of our Teen Members to BGCA's National Keystone Conference in 2026!
Presented by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark
- When: Thursday, May 7, 2026
- Where: Park Avenue Club, Florham Park, NJ
- Time: Cocktail Hour begins at 6:00 PM (time subject to final confirmation)
Step into an evening where books come alive, dreams take flight, and Newark’s youth stand at the center of their own unfolding stories. This year’s Evening of the Stars embraces the theme Once Upon A Dream, highlighting the power of literacy, imagination, and academic enrichment to shape bold and brilliant futures.
Why Your Support Matters
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark provides safe spaces, trusted mentors, and transformative academic and literacy programs every day after school and all summer long. With your partnership, young people gain the tools to thrive in the classroom, in their communities, and throughout their lives.
Literacy & Academic Excellence
Daily tutoring, reading intervention, writing support, culturally affirming books, and expanded academic programming that strengthens confidence and closes learning gaps.
Leadership & Character Development
Programs that build responsibility, emotional resilience, and youth voice.
Creativity & Imagination
Arts, STEM, digital literacy, storytelling, and hands-on enrichment that help youth explore passions and develop new skills.
Wellness & Belonging
Supportive relationships, mental health resources, and caring adults who ensure every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
Our fundraising goal for 2026 is $500,000 to sustain and expand these vital youth development programs, with a special focus on literacy and academic success.
A gift of:
At the 38th Annual Evening of the Stars Gala, we proudly recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations who uplift Newark’s children and demonstrate exceptional commitment to our mission:
Cynthia M. Banks Award for Caring
Honoring individuals whose compassion, dedication, and service elevate opportunities for Newark youth. This year's honorees:
Jonathan Pearson and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, for their steadfast partnership and commitment to expanding access, equity, and wellness for the young people and families we serve.
Kevin Goodsir, recognized for his years of dedicated service and his exceptional leadership supporting our annual Toy Drive, ensuring hundreds of Newark children experience joy and dignity during the holiday season.
William “Jazz” Jones Brightest Star Award
Celebrating partners who champion initiatives that strengthen youth, families, and holistic well-being. This year's honoree:
The Devils Youth Foundation, whose long-standing support, especially through our wellness clinic initiatives, continues to transform the lives of Newark youth in powerful and lasting ways.
Youth of the Year Award
Honoring an outstanding Club member who exemplifies leadership, resilience, academic excellence, and service. They will be announced prior to the Gala.
Support the event with an ad in our program journal (ad placement does not include event access)
- Full Page Ad (5'"h x 10"w): $2,500.00
- Half Page Ad (5"h x 5"w): $1,250.00
Format: PNG or JPEG
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Submit files to: [email protected]
Stay connected for event updates and highlights of this year’s honorees.
- Facebook: Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark
- Twitter: @BoysGirlsNewark
- Instagram: @bgcnewark
- YouTube: Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark
We cannot wait to welcome you into this year’s storybook gala experience.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #22-1515405). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
READER
Individual Gala Ticket
Dress for an evening of elegance and imagination and join us for the 38th Annual Evening of the Stars.
QUILL
Two Gala Tickets
Share an unforgettable night celebrating literacy, learning, and youth achievement.
CHAPTER
Half-Page Ad Placement
A half-page advertisement in the Evening of the Stars Ad Journal
MOTIF
Full-Page Ad Placement
A full-page advertisement in the Evening of the Stars Ad Journal
(Ad size: 10"h x 5"w)
BOOK CLUB
Table for 10 Guests
Supports literacy supplies, tutoring, and academic enrichment programs across Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark.
STORY TELLER
Table for 10 Guests
Recognition at the event
Supports reading engagement, writing development, and academic mentoring.
BINDING
Table for 10 Guests
Event recognition
Full-page journal ad
Supports the systems and staff that strengthen daily learning experiences.
MILESTONE
Table for 10 Guests
Event and online recognition
Full-page journal ad
Helps create pivotal academic moments for Club youth.
AUTHOR
Tables for 20 Guests
Event and online recognition
Step & repeat branding
Full-page journal ad
Advances reading confidence, tutoring, and academic achievement.
NARRATIVE
Tables for 25 Guests
Exclusive event branding
Website and social recognition
Step & repeat branding
Inside cover full-page journal ad
One group volunteer opportunity
STORYCRAFT
Tables for 30 Guests
Permanent recognition inside the Main Clubhouse
All Narrative benefits
One group volunteer opportunity
Supports expanded literacy and academic initiatives.
LEGACY
Tables for 40 Guests
Premier recognition inside the Main Clubhouse
All Storycraft benefits
Private group volunteer opportunity
Expands high-impact literacy and academic programs across Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark.