A special presentation was made this week by ROC Teen Saturday and Steven Virgilio to support North End Against Drugs.
“After working for the last 7 years to keep the ROC program going for the hundreds of teens, we thought we would also start giving back to some agencies that share our mission,” said Steven Virgilio.
Over the last two years, ROC Teen Saturday has contributed to:
- H.O.W. HOUSE, a sober living facility
- Charlestown Boys and Girls Club
- The Gavin Foundation
- NEAA – North End Athletic Association
- NEAD – North End Against Drugs
North End Against Drugs, NEAD, was the biggest donation at $5,000 including $3000 for youth events and $2000 to the NEAD Scholarship Fund. Accepting the contribution was NEAD President John Romano and the entire board.
ROC’s community events are still going strong. ROC jump started summer movies in four different Boston neighborhoods. The Original ROC Movie Night in The North End Gassy Park is in its 9th year highlighted by the special Christmas in July Movie Night. Also last year, Hawaiian Luau Night was held during North End Pride week in a collaboration with NEAD. They fed over 500 people Chinese food under lanterns before the movie.
ROC seeks to give teens a chance to stay off the street. The ROC Teen Saturday trips continue weekly with ski weekends, skating with the Bruins at the Garden, Hershey Park, Jersey Shore and Vermont retreats among other events.
“Seven years ago we made a once in a lifetime dream come true with a trip to Disney for 25 teens who had never been there before,” said Steven Virgilio. “I am proud to say that this July is the 5th trip to Disney and ROC has taken 125 Teens there.”
“What people don’t know is that I did not start this group,” he added. “Nine years ago, I was summoned to a meeting by a group of teenagers who wanted something more, something to do and somewhere to go. I am so proud of each and everyone of them.”
