The Merrimack Valley YMCA held a ceremony on Friday, November 17, 2017 to rededicate its Music Clubhouse in honor of two of its founders. An anonymous donor has donated $25,000 to rededicate the Lawrence YMCA Music Clubhouse in honor of Frank Kenneally and David Bickel. Both men were instrumental in the founding of the Lawrence YMCA Music Clubhouse, which opened its doors in 2005. Kenneally is the chief operating officer of the Merrimack Valley YMCA. Bickel is the associate executive director at the Music & Youth Initiative, which sponsors Music Clubhouse programs around the state in collaboration with organizations such as the YMCA.

At the ceremony, which was held at the Lawrence YMCA at 40 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, Music & Youth Initiative Founder Gary Eichhorn unveiled a plaque that will hang in the entrance, naming the Music Clubhouse in honor of the pioneering work and passion of Kenneally and Bickel.

In partnership with the Lawrence Public Schools, the Lawrence YMCA Music Clubhouse provides music instruction to nearly 750 students through the Public School Enrichment Program. The Lawrence Music Clubhouse also provides instruments and free music lessons in an after school program. This program provides teens with a safe place to go after school as well as access to personal, academic, and social growth through the joy of music.

The Lawrence YMCA Music Clubhouse is a part of the Lawrence YMCA’s Here for Good Capital Campaign, which is raising funds to renovate and expand the facility. It was the first music clubhouse to be formed as a result of the Music & Youth Initiative and has served hundreds of young people since opening its doors in 2005.