One of the joys of the season is the opportunity to say thank you.

We are grateful for your business and trust, and look forward to many more years together. In warm appreciation of our association, best wishes for a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year from everyone here at McGrory Glass!

In a time of gratitude for all we have, giving back is the best way to express our thanks. This holiday season, McGrory Glass would like to spotlight The Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia.

A Storied History with Family Roots

With roots dating back all the way to 1860, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a national organization dedicated to enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. BCGA’s vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters the doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future. Local clubs across America are community-based and led by professional staff.

The Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, a pillar of the City of Brotherly Love’s community since its inception in 1887, serves urban youth and provides a variety of services for preschoolers to teens. “Our support for the BGCA began many years ago when our sister Clare McGrory joined the Philadelphia Club’s board,” says Gary McGrory, Vice President of Operations and Part-Owner at McGrory Glass. “She encouraged us to help out with the valuable work they were doing for the kids.’

President and CEO Chris McGrory agrees that Clare’s work with the nonprofit was the impetus to get involved. He sees McGrory’s commitment to giving back as a continuation of the principles his parents, John and Mary McGrory, founded the company on in 1984.

“We’re 10 kids in the McGrory tribe, five boys and five girls, so child-related charities are always at the top of our list, no ifs, ands or buts about it,” Chris says. “We try to pull our weight helping young people in the area.”

Gary emphasizes the role organizations like these play in giving guidance and hope to children in difficult situations, so they enjoy brighter futures.

“Making kids’ lives better is pretty special,” Gary says. “We’re on board with the BGC’s goal of getting them out of harmful situations at home or on the streets, and into safe spaces where they can learn and grow. I don’t want to sound cliché, but children are literally our future. The Club’s programs help shape the leaders of tomorrow.”

Community Involvement Makes a Difference

When husband-and-wife duo Joe and Lisabeth Marsziello came on board as co-CEOs of the organization in 2012, they breathed new life and vigor into it. In 2019 alone, the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia events raised more than $2.2 million to make a difference in local young people’s lives. McGrory Glass’ involvement is multi-faceted, from sponsoring and attending the Club’s events, to donating prizes for the fundraising-focused silent auctions.

The Philly Showcase of Wine and Cheese is one of the Boys & Girls Club’s most successful soirées. This huge event, attended by the Philadelphia Eagles, honors the BGC Kids of the Year. At the ceremony, the children speak about the impact the Club has had on their lives.

For the McGrorys, attending these local events solidifies why the company is such an ardent supporter of the BGC.

“A lot of people attending serve on the BGC Board of Directors, and work in executive positions for big law firms and pharmaceutical companies,” Gary says. “You learn that they went through the Boys & Girls Club when they were younger. You can really see the long-term impact on people, and our local community.”

In addition to raising funds for the organization, McGrory Glass also has a hand in helping renovate local Club facilities. “We partner up with A&E Construction and donate the glass for the building’s windows and entrances,” Gary explains. “This helps keep the Club up-to-date and safe for kids attending the programs.”

Giving Back Changes Lives

Throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season, McGrory Glass is committed to giving back to the next generation.

“Any time you work with a kids’ charity it always hits home,” Gary says. “We’re still very much a family business – that’s why it’s so special when we get involved with organizations that benefit young people, like this one and SPARK.”

A few years ago at a Club event, Chris remembers watching a 14-year-old Club kid stand up and share his story about going through the program.

“It was jaw-dropping in that this teenager could have been a professional speaker,” he recalls. “I’d have offered him a job right there if he wasn’t 14.”

If you would like to get involved, find your local club, donate or learn more, click the links below to:

• Visit the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia
• Visit the National Boys & Girls Club