April 26, 2024

Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Receives $5.1 Million Bequest

Rhode Island natives, Edward “Ned” and Eleanor Barlow leave lasting legacy.

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Pawtucket, R.I., MARCH 5, 2018 – The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket has received a $5.1 million gift from the estate of longtime Club benefactors, Edward W. “Ned” and Eleanor F. Barlow. The bequest is the largest single philanthropic gift in the Club’s 118-year history. Ned, who passed away in 2010, and Eleanor, in 2016, were deeply committed to the organization’s mission, investing generously in the Club and serving as leaders and visionaries. Although the Barlows did not have children of their own, over the years, their generosity has created hope and opportunity for thousands and thousands of youth.

Ned Barlow was the president of the Seekonk Lace Company in Pawtucket and the Rhode Island Lace Company in Barrington. A 1949 graduate of Brown University, he was a member of the Brown swim team and an active member of the community. Eleanor Barlow was also passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. A registered nurse, she was the Nursing Supervisor of the Operating Rooms at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and a founding member of the Memorial Hospital Corporation. A longtime member of the Club’s Board of Directors and Board President for 20 years, Ned was committed to continuing his uncle, George R. Ramsbottom’s, legacy. Mr. Ramsbottom generously donated the original 65 acres of the scenic 167-acre property in Rehoboth, Massachusetts known today as Camp Ramsbottom that the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket has operated for more than 50 years and which serves up to 1,000 children each day during the summer.

In 2015, the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket opened the doors to its newly renovated and expanded Clubhouse, located at One Moeller Place in Pawtucket. The Building Better Futures Project renovated the existing 42,000 sq. ft. building and added a state-of-the-art 18,000 sq. ft. teen center and gymnasium, doubling the space dedicated to teens. Notably, dedicated space for the visual and performing arts was also added. Through the Club’s Building Better Futures Capital & Endowment Campaign $8 million was raised to support the project, which left just under $1 million to be financed.

Through the incredible generosity of the Barlow’s bequest, the Club will pay off the mortgage, with the balance restricted to Camp Ramsbottom. As a result of the bequest, a full renovation of the Camp’s swimming pool is currently underway, a fitting tribute to Ned and his longtime love of swimming. The remaining use of the Camp funds is currently under consideration. There will be a celebration in June at Camp Ramsbottom, honoring the legacy of Ned and Eleanor Barlow, and officially re-opening the renovated pool. “A bequest like this is something that an organization only dreams of, and we are deeply humbled by the Barlows’ generosity and also their trust in this organization,” said James R. Hoyt, Jr., the Club’s CEO. “Their gift is truly transformational and will have a lasting impact on thousands of Club members and campers, both now and in the future. We cannot wait to celebrate and publicly honor both Ned and Eleanor!”

About the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket
The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket has been changing and saving lives since 1900. With a membership of thousands of youth from Pawtucket, Central Falls, and beyond, the Club’s mission is to inspire and enable young people, especially those with greatest need, to realize their full potential as healthy, productive, responsible and caring citizens. Members achieve success through programs within the Club’s priority areas of: academic success, confident self-expression through the arts, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Charitable donations help the Club’s mission of enhancing the lives of youth and families and providing hope for the future. More information can be found by calling 401.722.8840, or by visiting www.bgcpawt.org, www.facebook.com/bgcpawt or www.twitter.com/bgcpawt.

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