The history of Sullivan Paper Company’s support for West Springfield Boys & Girls Club stretches back for decades. Ed Sullivan recalls that the tradition really began with his grandmother, Elizabeth Sullivan. “She would come down [to the Club] at the end of the week… she’d say ‘how much did you come up short,’ and she would write a check for whatever they were short for that week.” As the Club has grown over the years, providing more services to more and more families, the support from the Sullivan family and Sullivan Paper Company has grown along with it.
On Thursday, October 28th, 2021, the Club’s gymnasium was officially dedicated to Sullivan Paper Company and the Sullivan family in honor of their unwavering support over many decades. The Sullivan Family Gymnasium not only provides a space for basketball and other sports, but functions as a center for community events, an indoor play space for our afterschool programs, and much more. Thousands of youth have been, and continue to be, impacted by the Sullivan family’s generous contributions and support of the Club.
On March 2nd, 2023, West Springfield Boys & Girls Club held an intimate donor event honoring the Sullivan Paper Company and Sullivan family. A glass plaque was presented to the family’s representatives, Ed and Joe George Sullivan, by our Board Chair Mike Moriarty. When Ed Sullivan stepped up to receive the award, he also presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to the Club on behalf of Sullivan Paper. He challenged those present to follow his example in supporting the Club. “Whenever there’s a need at the Boys & Girls Club, it’s up to us to get together and see what we can do to make it work,” was his message to the community. Without the support of the Sullivan Paper Company, the Club would not be where it is today, and we are incredibly grateful for their kindness and generosity.
