In Loving Memory of Harriett Burt — A Force of Nature, A Voice for Good

It is with deep respect and heartfelt remembrance that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa honors the life and legacy of Harriett Burt: a beloved community champion, devoted volunteer, and our Club’s first female board president.

Harriett was more than a supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Contra Costa; she was the unmistakable voice and spirit of our events for decades. Whether it was the annual wine fundraiser, a holiday celebration, or the legendary raffle at Marilyn Thelen's, Harriett brought unmatched energy and enthusiasm. She commanded a room without ever needing a microphone. She made sure every guest felt seen, welcomed, and more often than not, walked away with a fistful of raffle tickets they didn’t plan on buying. No one said no to Harriett.

Her connection to people was magnetic. Former students adored her. Even forty years after she retired, they would light up at the chance to share a memory or a laugh. She knew everyone by name, and everyone knew her heart was dedicated to the youth of this community.

Beyond our Club walls, Harriett’s impact was equally profound. She served as Grand Marshal in countless downtown parades, always at the center of the celebration, waving proudly with the same joy and purpose she brought to everything she did.

Harriett wasn’t just part of the Club’s story — she helped write it. Her leadership as the first woman to serve as board president paved the way for future generations. Her presence, her passion, and her powerful voice shaped our organization and lifted the lives of so many young people along the way.

We will miss Harriett dearly, but her legacy will continue to echo through the halls of our Clubs, in the laughter of children, and in the community she helped build. She was, and will always be, a cherished part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa.

A memorial service honoring Harriett Burt will be held on Sunday, July 13th at the Martinez Event Center from 2-5pm. 524 Main Street, Martinez CA 94553.