The Wellesley Community Center (WCC) is the largest common civic organization in town and is gearing up for its annual appeal. As the Wellesley community considers many donation options during the holidays, it is reminded that giving to the WCC is a gift to the whole community.
The WCC is going into its 40th year and this non-profit organization is busier than ever. As part of Wellesley but separately from the Town of Wellesley, the WCC is solely responsible for its own operating budget. Under the leadership of Stephen Beach, Executive Director since 2012, the WCC is home to the largest youth magic guild in the country, hosts a dance company, is scheduled to host the Wellesley Society of Artists Fall Reception, and provides space to the local chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild - to name just a few things.
“We [the WCC] are principally in the business of giving stuff away,” said Beach. Within the traditional civic arena, there are professional development seminars for the Wellesley School District, Knox Trail Council Boy Scouts management training, a Student Home Safety course, the annual Wellesley Hills Woman’s Club jewelry sale, the Wellesley Cancer Prevention Project, the Fund for Metro West. There are also the highly-visible World of Wellesley, Modifers Car Show and The Great Train Show, just to name a few.
The WCC just sponsored a new multicultural program this Fall, adding to the many that they already sponsor; these programs would not be possible without the sponsorship of the Community Center. “Our opportunities for growth are almost endless,” said Beach, “and we give credit to the people who tell us what is important to them and figure out a way to make it happen.”
