Afterschool Program Raises $100,000 at Gala
For Kids Only Afterschool's annual Helping Families Gala raised money for its scholarship fund and honored co-founder Deborah Kneeland Keegan.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy
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For Kids Only Afterschool raised more than $100,000 at its annual Helping Families Gala, held Friday, October 23, at the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor, and exceeded its fundraising goal. Proceeds benefit the organization's Helping Families scholarship fund.
Why it matters
More than 80% of children enrolled in FKO programs receive some form of financial assistance, and nearly 500 children across its communities are awaiting financial support. The gala's proceeds aim to narrow that gap for families across Massachusetts' North Shore and Boston areas.
The gala raised more than $100,000 and exceeded its goal, while more than 80% of enrolled children receive financial assistance and nearly 500 children remain on the waiting list for support. How the remaining funding gap will be closed was not stated.
The players
For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO)
A nonprofit afterschool program that serves more than 1,800 children annually across 18 school- and community-based locations in Chelsea, Everett, Peabody, Revere, and Winthrop, Massachusetts.
Deborah Kneeland Keegan
Co-founder of FKO who was honored at the gala for more than 40 years of leadership and now serves as the organization's Strategic Advisor.
The details
The event featured dinner, drinks, raffles, a silent auction, and a live auction, along with a performance by children from the Lafayette School in Everett. The proceeds support FKO's Helping Families scholarship fund, which assists families in its after-school programs.
Timeline
Co-founded in 1984 by Deborah Kneeland Keegan and Connie Grayson, beginning with five children in a basement of an American Legion.
In January 2026, Keegan transitioned from Executive Director to Strategic Advisor.
The Helping Families Gala was held Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor.
Market Landscape
Community-based afterschool organizations across Massachusetts increasingly depend on philanthropic scholarship funds to keep programs accessible to lower-income families. FKO's gala results show how such events are used to close the gap between enrollment demand and available financial aid.
Families enrolled in FKO programs across Chelsea, Everett, Peabody, Revere, and Winthrop may see scholarship support expand as gala proceeds are deployed. Residents interested in supporting the nearly 500 children on the waiting list can contribute through the organization's donation page.
The takeaway
Afterschool access in Massachusetts often depends on philanthropic scholarship funding rather than program fees alone. Readers who want to help can donate to scholarship funds that directly support enrolled families.
Further reading
Explore more Massachusetts philanthropy coverage for context on how local nonprofits fund youth programs.
More information
Support the children on FKO's waitlist through the FKO Helping Families scholarship donation page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Reverejournal.
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