The Rotary Club of Brookline and Robert “Bo” Winiker will present a free community concert on May 15 at 3PM in the Brookline High School auditorium. This event is a thank you to the many Brookline residents and community members who have acted so generously to support the Brookline Rotary and the Brookline Community Foundation’s new scholarship for Brookline High School. All of the money donated towards this fundraising effort will go directly to help deserving BHS students who lack the financial resources to attend a two- or four-year college or university after high school.
The Brookline Rotary has long provided scholarships to BHS seniors, but the current Rotary president had a dream to increase the amount of funding available to support the many deserving Brookline graduates. Enter Bo Winiker: musician, bandleader and long-time Brookline Rotarian. He is known throughout the community for his many high-profile performances, including conducting the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra at Symphony Hall on New Year’s Eve and playing at the White House for two presidential inaugurations. Though he loves his professional work, Winiker cherishes his volunteer performances equally. In his 38 years as a Rotarian, he has never said no when asked to help support a community fundraiser or function.
Winiker has performed at 22 pancake breakfasts, led the Baker School Jazz Band for 10 years, played at innumerable library galas, celebrated years of Brookline/Newton Annual Rotary Thanksgiving Football Luncheons, played for VFW/American Legion fundraisers, and much more. Winiker cares deeply about music, community, family and friends, and above all, giving back to others. Over the last several months, he brought together these areas of his life to single-handedly raise over $50,000 from those friends and fellow community members who have experienced his friendship and support over the years. Sunday’s free concert is his thank you to the community that has acted so generously to help Brookline’s deserving youth.
Brookline neighbors can give online and write in the comments box gift: “In honor of Bo Winiker/Rotary”.
