The Olivet Boys and Girls Club scored big during its 2025 Leaders & Legends Dinner April 30th, hosting a Q&A conversation with Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham and raising almost $500,000 to help send local children to summer camp.
Graham, a now-retired Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, served as the evening’s keynote speaker and shared stories about his life and all-star football career with an audience of nearly 700 at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Reading. He smiled often as attendees chanted “E-A-G-L-E-S” or loudly sang “Fly, Eagles, Fly” throughout the night.
The event benefitted Olivet Boys & Girls Club summer camps, which provide life-changing moments like sunny days by the pool and hikes in the great outdoors to children and teens who might not experience them otherwise. Those are the memories that last a lifetime, said event co-chairs Rachel and Pete Rowley.
“Great futures start at Olivet Boys & Girls Club, and this incredible event helps us to continue to invest in the activities that our phenomenal club members love,” they added. “With your support, the next Brandon Graham – or maybe engineer or musician or chef – will get the opportunity to explore their interests and achieve their wildest dreams.”
The Leaders & Legends Dinner also celebrates the organization’s exceptional youth members and steadfast supporters. Zahavah Oliveras from the Center for the Arts Club was announced as the 2025 Youth of the Year. In addition, Angel Helm received the Champion of Youth Award, and Ethosource received the Partners for a Great Future Award (founder John Gallen accepted the award).
The annual event exceeded both attendance and fundraising expectations, but more importantly, it helped to shine a positive light on the non-profit’s resilience and winning spirit, CEO Rick Perez said. “We owe so much of our success to the unconditional support from our amazing community. This is our come-back story, and this event is a tremendous reminder of the lasting impact of our organization,” he said.
To learn more about Olivet Boys and Girls Club, and additional ways you can support the organization or sign up for a summer camp, visit www.olivetbgc.org
