Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Deirdre!

When and how did you first become involved in the Boys & Girls Club?

In 2013, I began participating in various activities for the Club, like running the marathon relay and attending fundraising events. After a few years, I decided to become a committee member of the Club’s annual event, A Most Unusual Evening (MUE). I sat on the committee to help with odds and ends like decorations, entertainment, set up, and video production. In 2016, I was asked to chair the MUE committee. I was honored to be asked, and I am now currently in my 3rd year as committee chair for the Club’s biggest fundraiser. I oversee the subcommittees and work with the BGCM staff to ensure a successful and enjoyable night for our donors. In addition to my work with MUE, I also help facilitate the partnership between the Boys & Girls Club and the Freehold Regional High School District (where I am an administrator) in order to bring the Diplomas to Degrees college readiness program to Freehold students each summer.

What is the most rewarding aspect of volunteering?

By far, it’s hearing about how donor dollars go toward programming for the students. The myriad opportunities that fundraising events afford the children of Red Bank and Asbury is awe inspiring. Dollar to dollar, sponsorship to sponsorship, students’ lives are transformed. The Club’s safe environment to interact, to learn, and to grow through various offerings like STEAM, the arts, college & career prep, and technology open doors for them. They matriculate though Club programs, becoming well-rounded, inspired young ladies and gentlemen eager to become who they were meant to be. The positive effects of the Club’s programs is what makes me want to volunteer. I know that my time and energies as a volunteer are transferred to each and every student in measurable (and immeasurable) ways.

What else can you tell us about you, beyond your involvement with the Club? 

I live in Oceanport and have been married for 18 years to an audio engineer named Andy Bova. Together, we have two lovely daughters, Audrey and Ella, ages 9 & 8. I work as a school administrator at Colts Neck High and was an English teacher prior to that. I am also an active participant in my place of worship, Park Church in Tinton Falls. We love driving around and camping in our pop-up 1972 VW Camper!