March 1, 2021: On behalf of the Boys and Girls Club to Harford and Cecil Counties, I regretfully share the passing of our longtime friend and charter member Violet Ripken.
Ms. Vi, as she was known to many, was a founding member of the Harford County chapter of the Boys and Girls Club and remained engaged in the growth of the organization for over 30 years.
Many years ago, Ms. Vi saw a need for children to have a nurturing, learning, and safe environment to gather. It was with these principles in mind that she, along with a small group of business people from the Aberdeen area, engaged the national organization of the Boys and Girls Club to start a chapter here in her hometown of Aberdeen.
Over the years, she remained involved and worked tirelessly to help the Clubs maintain the original vision of not only providing a place for children to gather after school, but be involved in the growth and success of these children and help provide a path forward that would serve them for the rest of their lives.
Through her efforts, she has assisted in the growth of The Boys and Girls Club of Harford and Cecil Counties. Today, the organization serves more than 7,500 children annually throughout both Harford and Cecil Counties.
As a lifelong member of the Aberdeen community who loved to give back, Ms. Vi will be missed by so many people. On behalf of the Boys and Girls Club, we thank Ms. Vi and her family for all they have done to serve the children of Harford county over the years.
May she rest in peace.
