Longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick board of governors’ member Thomas O. Sweeney is the recipient of the Boys & Girls Club of America 2020 Roy McBean Memorial State Alliance Board Member of the Year Award.
Sweeney, who is owner of Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal, is being recognized for the honor at BGCA’s National Conference being held virtually this year on May 27.
“We are so proud, but not surprised, that Tom was selected from a nation-wide group of remarkable competitors,” said BGCW executive director Lara D’Antuono. “Tom’s efforts on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Rhode Island resulted in targeted planning for financial growth, which in turn generates greater opportunity for thousands of children. With opportunity,” she continued, “kids get real chances to improve skills, explore life-enhancing interests and receive positive mentoring that stimulates greater individual achievements while guiding development toward becoming contributing, productive citizens.”
Beginning in 2017, Sweeney led the Rhode Island alliance through a three-year strategic planning process that produced a 27 percent increase in funding and saw every club across the state increase their year-round advocacy engagement from 2018 to 2019.
“This is a great honor,” said Sweeney. “But more important than being recognized for my efforts, I’m truly grateful for being in a position that helps Rhode Island’s Boys & Girls Clubs increase support that is essential for continuous growth. The clubs must always be expanding resources to ensure every child is able to access meaningful activities outside of school where they can learn, explore, and develop interests and skills that will not only improve their own lives, but contribute to the advancement of their community and our state.”
According to BGCA, in addition to leading the R.I. Alliance through a three-year strategic planning process that produced significant results, Sweeney is being honored as a diligent advocate on behalf of the clubs, ‘opening doors to help establish relationships and leveraging personal resources to further the alliance’s efforts.’
Every year, BGCA recognizes state alliances, government relations professionals, board members and legislative champions as part of their state alliance awards at BGCA’s National Conference.