Champions for Kids Breakfast fundraiser draws capacity crowd, raises over $500K

LACONIA — The 2026 Champions for Kids Breakfast, sponsored by Platinum Group at RE/MAX Bayside, brought together a capacity crowd of dedicated supporters, community leaders, volunteers, and a growing generation of new donors, demonstrating the Lakes Region's shared commitment to investing in local youth and supporting working families on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

This year's event carried the inspiring theme, "Together We Can Do It!" a message that resonated throughout the morning as attendees were welcomed by Boys & Girls Club youth who greeted guests and set an uplifting tone for the program.

The opening moments of the breakfast captured the spirit of the Boys & Girls Clubs' mission. Club members led the audience in a powerful call-and-response affirmation used daily by staff member Nicole Wittenberg in her toddler classroom:

"I am smart. I am kind. I am strong. I can do hard things. I’m a good friend. I’m glad you’re here."

The program featured welcome remarks from Wendy Mills, whose family's story is deeply woven into the history of youth services in the Lakes Region. Mills reflected on the tragic loss of her son, Robbie, whose murder in 1998 became the catalyst for community leaders to establish a teen center in the region. That effort ultimately evolved into an organization that merged with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire in 2015, expanding opportunities and support for local youth.

"Robbie was looking forward to, but never got the chance to participate in, afterschool programming like the Boys & Girls Club. I am a supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs because they have amazing goals and they make it all about the kids," said Mills.

The Champions for Kids Breakfast highlighted the critical role that quality youth development programs play in supporting working families and strengthening the Lakes Region. As demand for affordable, reliable care and enrichment opportunities continues to grow, community support remains essential to ensuring children have safe places to learn, grow, and thrive while their parents work.

The strong turnout of both longtime champions and first-time supporters reflected a growing recognition that investing in young people is an investment in the future of the region. 

“Belmont Early Learning Center staff helped me become a stronger, wiser mother. And because Ana could stay in school, BELC changed my life, too. I could finish my degree, build a career at Companion Insurance, and now provide for my children without state assistance," said parent Jessica McDonald. "That is because of BELC, and because of the understanding and patience they showed both of us.”

Proceeds from the breakfast support the programs and services that help local youth achieve academic success, develop healthy lifestyles, build strong character and leadership skills, and provide working families with the support they need to succeed. This year, the club added two new locations in the Lakes Region by opening the new Sara M. Allen Lakes Region Child Care Services site located at the Gale School in Belmont and assuming management of Plymouth State University’s former Center for Young Children and Families, now the Early Care and Education Center at Plymouth State University.

For more information, visit nhyouth.org.