Every summer, we look forward to one of the most anticipated events of the year at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence—and this year’s Summer PB Funfest was truly unforgettable! Sponsored by our generous friends at Alliance Sales & Marketing, the full-day extravaganza brought together fun, education, and community in the most exciting way possible. Thank you, Alliance, for making this incredible day possible for our kids!
Creativity on Display
The day kicked off with a burst of color as kids designed and colored their very own t-shirts! From wild patterns to their favorite summer doodles, every shirt became a walking piece of art. It was amazing to see kids proudly wearing their creations all day long—even while dancing, posing for photos, and playing games.
State Police Takeover
One of the most jaw-dropping parts of the day was the series of demonstrations hosted by the Massachusetts State Police.
Explosive Equipment Demo, Robot Races & Koala the K-9:
A real bomb squad officer showed off the powerful gear officers use in dangerous and hazardous situations—including an actual Explosives Detection Canine named Koala! Not only did kids get to pet Koala, but they also asked thoughtful questions and even raced one of the state police’s high-tech robots.
Seatbelt Safety in Action:
The police brought in a special car crash simulator—complete with mannequins, a car seat, and a baby doll—to show what happens when seatbelts aren’t worn during a rollover crash. It was a powerful, visual reminder of just how important seatbelts are.
Surprise Helicopter Landing:
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get more exciting—a helicopter landed right outside the Club! Kids got to meet the pilots, explore the aircraft up close, and take once-in-a-lifetime photos inside the chopper. Smiles were sky-high!
Indoor Fun Galore
Inside the Club, the energy didn’t slow down for a second. In the gym, kids bounced, slid, and jumped their hearts out on a giant inflatable slide. Over in the computer room, the photobooth station was a hit as friends struck silly poses in their custom t-shirts, choosing from a variety of fun backdrops—including one featuring the official state police logo! And in the dance room, kids kept the fun going with a lively game of musical chairs—filled with laughter, music, and plenty of friendly competition.
Fueling the Fun
No summer event is complete without delicious food! Everyone enjoyed a nutritious lunch of juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, and sweet, refreshing watermelon. It was the perfect way to refuel in between all the action.
Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers
A big thank you to the incredible volunteers who helped prepare and serve lunch during the Funfest! We’re so grateful for your time, care, and helping hands—you made a big difference in the day!
Honoring Paul Bologna
The PB Funfest is more than just a day of excitement—it's a celebration held in loving memory of Paul Bologna, whose legacy of generosity and community spirit continues to inspire us. Paul’s heart for children and his belief in the power of fun, safe, educational spaces lives on through this special day each summer.
Until Next Summer...
From coloring t-shirts to sitting inside a real helicopter, and racing robots, this year’s Summer PB Funfest had it all. We’re so grateful to our incredible sponsors, especially Alliance Sales & Marketing, for helping us create moments our kids will never forget.