McLaughlin to be Inducted to B&G Club Hall of Fame

On Wednesday, May 16, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence will induct Coventry resident Walter F. McLaughlin along with six other local leaders into the Alumni Hall of Fame during a special reception and ceremony at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Each of the inductees was an active Club member during their youth and attributes that experience to helping them succeed in life. 

McLaughlin is the Founder of and retired from the company as its President and CEO. After launching his automotive business in 1974 with $500 of his own money and funds borrowed from friends, McLaughlin was recognized years later as Rhode Island’s Small Business Person of the Year when his company grew to open its twelfth store.

A life-long Rhode Islander, Walter overcame the adversity of the loss of his father at a young age to attend LaSalle Academy and later Bryant College. He is a proud veteran, serving both the United States Air Force and the Rhode Island Air National Guard. Throughout the years, Walter remained active in the community, serving on the Board of Regents for LaSalle Academy, the Coventry Land Trust, as President of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, and the Town of Coventry Charter Review Commission.

 Other members of the Class of 2012 include:

• Joe Baxter, District Manager, Staples, Inc.
• Ed Cooley, Head Coach, Providence College Men’s Basketball
• Richard R. Kohler, Buyer/Planner (Retired)
• Kate McCaughey, Miss Rhode Island USA 2011
• Michael A. Solomon, Providence City Council President
• Matthew J. Soltysiak, Esq., United States Air Force (Posthumously)

The Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Budweiser Lounge (third floor) of the Dunkin Donuts Center, One LaSalle Sq. Providence.

Tickets are priced at $50 per person and directly benefit the Boys & Girls Club. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please contact David Bodah at dbodah@bgcprov.org or by calling (401) 444-0750 x105.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence: Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Date:                Wednesday, May 16

Time:               5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Place:   Dunkin Donuts Center

              Budweiser Lounge (3rd Floor)

  One LaSalle Square, Providence