Dress for an evening of elegance and imagination and join us for the 38th Annual Evening of the Stars.

Share an unforgettable night celebrating literacy, learning, and youth achievement.

A half-page advertisement in the Evening of the Stars Ad Journal

A full-page advertisement in the Evening of the Stars Ad Journal

Supports literacy supplies, tutoring, and academic enrichment programs across Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark.

Supports reading engagement, writing development, and academic mentoring.

Supports the systems and staff that strengthen daily learning experiences.

Helps create pivotal academic moments for Club youth.

Advances reading confidence, tutoring, and academic achievement.

Permanent recognition inside the Main Clubhouse

Supports expanded literacy and academic initiatives.

Premier recognition inside the Main Clubhouse

Expands high-impact literacy and academic programs across Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark.

Fundraisers

Send 10 of our Teen Members to BGCA's National Keystone Conference in 2026!

Strengthen Daily Literacy & Academic Success Programs

A gift of $100,000 will provide staffing and academic support for our expanded literacy initiative — including tutoring, reading intervention, high-interest books, and curriculum resources.

Full-Year Scholarships for 40 Club Members

Reaching $200,000 provides one full year of afterschool programming for 40 Newark youth — giving them access to literacy support, STEM, arts, athletics, leadership clubs, and a safe space every day.

Fund Our Wellness Program for an Entire Year

A $300,000 milestone supports BGCN’s comprehensive Wellness Program, ensuring youth have access to licensed therapists, mental health counseling, nutrition support and health education throughout the year

Expand STEM & Creative Learning Across All Sites

Achieving this goal funds our Upward Creative Studio and STEM programs — allowing us to increase staffing, robotics offerings, hands-on engineering projects, and digital literacy learning.

Sustain Our READY Wellness Clinic & Learn to Swim Program

A $500,000 achievement ensures two full years of our READY Wellness Clinic services including on-site Lifeguards, clinical support, and nutrition programming.

Boys & Girls Club of Newark

Celebrate the Magic of Imagination at the 38th Annual Evening of the Stars Gala

Presented by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark

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 

, highlighting the power of literacy, imagination, and academic enrichment to shape bold and brilliant futures.

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.

Daily tutoring, reading intervention, writing support, culturally affirming books, and expanded academic programming that strengthens confidence and closes learning gaps.

Programs that build responsibility, emotional resilience, and youth voice.

Arts, STEM, digital literacy, storytelling, and hands-on enrichment that help youth explore passions and develop new skills.

Supportive relationships, mental health resources, and caring adults who ensure every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

 to sustain and expand these vital youth development programs, with a special focus on literacy and academic success.

$50 provides two days of literacy tutoring per week.

$155 sponsors a session of swimming lessons.

$15,000 supports registration for 300 members to join our Robotics Club through the STEM Center.

$30,000 expands our literacy intervention program—providing evidence-based reading supports, literacy coaches, and new high-interest books for 100+ Club members.

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:

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.  

, 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: 

, whose long-standing support, especially through our wellness clinic initiatives, continues to transform the lives of Newark youth in powerful and lasting ways.

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) 

Stay connected for event updates and highlights of this year’s honorees.

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.