Friends of Chevalier Auditorium and Gene Mack Gymnasium Inc.

Overview

Friends of Chevalier Auditorium and Gene Mack Gymnasium Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering financial and community support for the historic Chevalier Auditorium and the Gene Mack Gymnasium in Medford, Massachusetts. Founded in 1993, the organization aims to enrich the quality of life in the community by promoting cultural, theatrical, civic, and youth programs.

Purpose and Activities

The Friends of Chevalier Auditorium and Gene Mack Gymnasium focus on raising funds to support the maintenance and improvement of both facilities. They have undertaken various physical improvements to the auditorium and gym, sponsored free community concerts, and supported the establishment of the Medford Youth Center, which is now housed in the Gene Mack Gym.

Key Achievements

• Fundraising: Over the past 25 years, the organization has raised nearly $600,000 to support these facilities. They have also secured significant grants, including a $100,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation in 2014 to expand programs at the Medford Boys & Girls Club (now the Medford Youth Center) and a $250,000 Sustaining Grant in 2018 to support a Literacy Initiative at the youth center.
• Community Engagement: They promote arts and cultural programs at Chevalier Theatre, which is recognized as a historic landmark and cultural treasure in Medford Square.

Financial Profile

As of recent reports, Friends of Chevalier Auditorium and Gene Mack Gymnasium Inc. has a total revenue of approximately $36,700 and disburses around $55,000 in giving, with total assets valued at $18,317.

Gene Mack Gymnasium

The Gene Mack Gymnasium, located on the lower level of the auditorium building, serves as the centerpiece of the Medford Youth Center. It offers recreational and educational programs for children aged 6-14, including sports activities, tutoring, computer training, homework help, and mentoring. The gym is named in honor of Eugene McGillicuddy (known as Gene Mack), a renowned sports cartoonist who had a long career at the Boston Globe and was passionate about the achievements of Medford High School teams.

Chevalier Auditorium

Chevalier Theatre is a historic building with a Greek Revival style exterior and Art Deco interior details. It features a double elliptical ceiling that provides excellent acoustics, making it a popular venue for concerts, comedy shows, and other events. The theatre has a seating capacity of 1,856 and is currently operated by Bill Blumenreich Presents. It was dedicated to Medford High School graduate Godfrey Chevalier, a pioneering aviator from World War I, on March 7, 1940, which would have been his 51st birthday.