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Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Virginia Pillar Honored with 2nd Annual Debbie Day

Virginia Beach, Virginia – November 11, 2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia (BGCSEVA) held its 2nd Annual Debbie Day, a day of service, to honor the memory of Debbie McGaughey, pillar of the community, youth advocate, and beloved Boys & Girls Club director.

Debbie passed away on September 18, 2021. Debbie was compelled to help children and people in need. Not only did she give 20+ years to serving the youth at BGCSEVA, but she also supported our local food bank and helped whenever and however she could.

Across BGCSEVA’s 8 Clubs and at several local businesses, canned goods, snacks, toiletries, cleaning products, and other necessities were collected. Volunteers gathered at BGCSEVA’s TowneBank – Rosemont Club to sort all of the donations into bags, which were donated to ForKids, a local non-profit who works to end the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families in Hampton Roads. Over 125 bags were donated.

“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the families that were out on Debbie Day. It was very clear to me that you have an incredible team of people that love Debbie and want to keep her memory alive. To be selected as the recipient of your generosity is such an honor. Thank you for supporting ForKids and the families we serve,” said Karen Sekulski, Special Events Coordinator, ForKids.

Although a day of service and remembrance, Debbie Day was not a somber event. There was a DJ, donated food, a food truck, and lots of laughter as BGCSEVA staff, Club members, Club alumni, and old friends laughed and shared memories. Throughout the day, the music would stop so people would take the microphone to share a memory of Debbie and how she changed their lives. Memories and stories of Debbie adorned the wall volunteers saw as they entered the building.

Debbie Day was spearheaded by Tanisha McGaughey, former Boys & Girls Club kid, BGCSEVA Area Director, and Debbie’s daughter. “The second annual Debbie Day was amazing. In keeping with my mom's life's work of helping those in need, we were also able to come together, see friends we haven't seen in a while, and eat great food… all things my mom would enjoy and would want us to do,” said Tanisha.

Special thanks to our amazing volunteers and the following who helped make Debbie Day possible: McDonald’s, The Tailgate Sports Club, Mona Lisa’s Restaurant & Bar, Mermaid Catering, Herr’s Chips, Cups Up Food Truck, DC Smoothies & Fresh Eats Food Truck, Heavenli Handz Salon, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.

See pictures below from this amazing event, honoring an amazing woman.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia (bgcseva.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, the organization serves 7 cities throughout Southampton Roads and provides services to nearly 2,000 youth organization-wide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,700 Clubs serve over 4.7 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.