A long-time, beloved volunteer and two exceptional students were honored at the Boys and Girls Club on Nov. 6 ahead of the organization’s Steak and a Burger with a Virtual Concert fundraiser event on Nov. 23.

Jack Coughlan, who has been volunteering at the club for 12 years helping children with their homework and serving on the Board, was given the Robert Chadwick Community Service Award. 

“The lifeblood of any organization is their volunteers,” said Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Robert Mendes. 

Mendes said Coughlan is “very deserving of the award,” and described him as being “instrumental in being able to maintain this unit.”

Coughlan expressed his gratitude for the award, and said that earning it was a lot of fun.

Zackary Murdock and Cheyenne Hersey, two sixth graders, received Academic Achievement Awards. 

Both said they were surprised to find out they were chosen only a few moments before the ceremony began.

Video of the award presentation will be featured in the Steak and Burger with a Virtual Concert fundraiser event on Monday, Nov. 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for guests are still available, as are various sponsorship levels. 

Mendes said that the fundraiser is more important this year than ever as the organization has been forced to cancel several fundraising events due to coronavirus.

For more information, or to purchase a ticket, go to http://www.bgcnewbedford.org/newpagede015291.

Although volunteers can’t spend time in the club in person due to current coronavirus restrictions, the club is looking for volunteers to work with kids over video calls. Contact Shayla Tavares, the program coordinator at the Wareham club, at 774-678-4243 for more information.

The club is also currently hiring several part-time after-school positions.