March 28, 2024

Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence Honor Seekonk Residents Lisa and Ed Medeiros, Present Organization’s First Ever Philanthropy Award

From serving as advocates in the community to raising more than $450,000 through an annual golf tournament.

Posted

Providence, R.I. – As the oldest continually-operating Boys & Girls Club in the country, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence (BGC Providence) has relied on the generosity of the community to fulfill its mission for nearly 150-years. On December 7, they surprised two of its most steadfast supporters, presenting Lisa and Ed Medeiros with the organization’s first ever Philanthropy Award during an event held at Massimo Ristorante in Providence.

The owners of East Commerce Solutions, Inc., a merchant services company that provides retail and mobile payment processing solutions, Lisa and Ed are tireless supporters of BGC Providence whose generosity has touched the lives of thousands of Providence youth.

“No matter what our needs are, Lisa and Ed are always the first to step up to ask what they can do to help—and they always go above and beyond,” said Nicole Dufresne, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence. “We have more than 5,000 members, and it is in no way an exaggeration to say that the Medeiros’ generosity has impacted each and every one of them.”

Having come from humble beginnings and growing up in the projects, Ed, the youngest of 12, has vivid memories of attending the Boys & Girls Club as a child. It was there that he learned to swim and built the relationships that would have a positive influence in life.

“My family wasn’t able to take vacations; the Club was my special place to get away to—I didn’t realize how poor we were until I got older,” said Ed. “I owe so much to the Boys & Girls Club for the experiences that taught me respect and helped to mold me into the person I am today. This is my way of paying it forward.”

Among the couple’s efforts to support BGC Providence is their signature East Commerce Solutions Classic, an annual golf tournament held at the prestigious TPC Boston to benefit the organization’s Workforce Development Program. As the tournament’s presenting sponsors, the Medeiros call upon their friends and colleagues to get involved, generating new relationships aimed at helping to sustain BGC Providence’s work into the future. Since its inception in 2014, the tournament has raised more than $450,000.

In addition to the golf tournament, Lisa and Ed organize the annual ECS Turkey Run to provide Thanksgiving dinners to families in need. What began with a goal to feed 500 people in the BGC Providence gymnasium during its first year has doubled each year since. This past Thanksgiving, the effort provided 1,000 turkeys and food baskets to feed 5,000 people, growing to become a caravan that travels the state to distribute meals, along with what’s gifted to BGC Providence families.

“I absolutely love being involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence; to see the local impact we’re able to make brings us more satisfaction than I could ever put into words,” said Lisa Medeiros. “We feel blessed to be in a position to give back—my husband has never forgotten where he came from and this is our chance to provide opportunities for kids that they otherwise may not have.”

Added Ed, “My philosophy is if you make a positive difference in the lives of kids, that’s how you create real change in the world, and that’s exactly what happens at the Boys & Girls Club each and every day. The Club provides its members the tools they need to succeed in life in a safe and nurturing environment, and there’s a great benefit to that for working parents who don’t have to worry about where their children are after school. It’s truly an amazing organization that is strengthening families today, and strengthening lives for the future.”



About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence is “to enable and inspire children and youth, especially those from diverse or difficult circumstances, to reach their full potential as productive and responsible members of their community.” For 145 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence have provided a safe and positive learning environment for youth in the neighborhoods where they live. For more information, visit www.bgcprov.org.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Share!
Truly local news delivered to every home in town