Former members of the Chi Sigma Chi fraternity at Jamestown High School recently visited the WCD Boys and Girls Club. Pictured back row from left are Ollie Erickson; Dave Chall; Phil Carcione; Robin Lawson, WCD Boys and Girls Club program director; and Al Johnson. Pictured front row from left are WCD Boys and Girls Club members Adrianna H., Zurieal A., and Annalise M. Submitted photo

For nearly 50 years, members of the Chi Sigma Chi fraternity at Jamestown High School spent their free time playing sports at The Boys Club.

Now named the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown, the organization continues to offer youth a safe place to gather while offering programs related to academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

In 2010, decades after the brothers of Chi Sig graduated from Jamestown High School, they established the Chi Sigma Chi Remembrance Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. This designated fund annually grants dollars to the WCD Boys and Girls Club.

“Our involvement at The Boys Club, was so important to the development of our members, we felt that all of our community’s youth should be given the same developmental, social and leadership opportunities,” members of the fraternity wrote in 2010.

According to Jeff Kroon, WCD Boys and Girls Club executive director, these annual dollars are used to promote summer activities for youth members aged 5-18, purchase supplies, sports equipment, and snacks.

“Many of the Chi Sig members have fond memories of coming to the Club in their teenage years,” noted Jeff Kroon, WCD Boys and Girls Club executive director. “They have expressed great satisfaction in being able to help our current youth members continue the tradition of having fun at the Club with their friends.”

On August 6, members of Chi Sig will host a reunion picnic for its members and their families. The picnic will take place at Vikings Lake Park from Noon until 4 p.m. For more information on the event, or to RSVP, please contact Ollie Erickson at (716) 483-1700.

Currently the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowment funds that support emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students furthering their education. At the end of 2021, the Foundation’s asset level was $142.2 million.

To support the Chi Sigma Chi Remembrance Fund, tax deductible donations can be made via credit card by visiting crcfonline.org or by mailing a check to the Foundation’s office at 418 Spring Street in Jamestown.