Annual Awards Dinner
Recognizing Outstanding Individuals
The 40th Annual Dinner of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield took place at Tekoa Country Club on September 30th, and was largely attended. "Be Great" was the key message communicated at this special event that recognized individuals and corporations who have gone above and beyond to help the Club carry out its mission. The "Be Great" marketing campaign coincides with the Annual Dinner's theme indicating there is the potential for greatness within every child and that every adult plays a vital role in helping youth realize their dreams.
The Board President, Bo Sullivan, started the evening off by welcoming Jim Irwin, Joe Marullo, Jim Wiggs, and Joe Young as new board members to the organization.
James R. Adams received the Man and Youth Award for his commitment to make lasting impacts on the lives of children in the greater Westfield community. Adams humbly accepted the award stating the real heroes of the night were the kids and staff of the Club. When addressing the crowd Adams said he stays involved with the Club because he believes, "When you write a check to the Boys & Girls Club or spend a few hours volunteering you know it's going to go a long way, you're going to making an impact in these children's lives."
After a buffet style dinner the awards presentation resumed with President Bush's Volunteer Service Awards presented to Robert Blondin, Alexis Godden, Robert Heisler and Darren Yvon for their spirit of volunteerism and service to youth. To be honored in this capacity each recipient had to volunteer a minimum of 100 hours.
Kellie Brown, program director, treated attendees to an inspirational overview of events and programs that took place at the Club this past year. She introduced the "exceptional staff who make our organization so successful" and presented Blair Wilkinson, education coordinator, with the MVP Award for her dedication to running and implementing numerous successful youth education programs.
The Champion of Youth Award was presented to Home Depot for the $61,000 grant they contributed to the building of a 2,500 square foot playground. More than 100 volunteers from The Home Depot teamed up with the Club and organizers from the nonprofit organization KaBOOM! this past July to construct the playground in a single day.
"Without the time, commitment and resources donated by Home Depot this playground would never have become a reality. Thanks to Home Depot the children of our community now have a safe and fun environment to play in every day," stated Bill Parks, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club.
Michael D. Coffey stated, "it is a privilege to be involved with the Club" when accepting the Presidents Award for the unique ways he has helped make a lasting impact on the Club. Columbia Manufacturing received the "Helping Hands" award in appreciation of their generous commitment to the guiding principals of the Boys & Girls Club's movement and for their belief that a helping hand can make a positive difference in the lives of young people, the community and the Club.
Three outstanding individuals were inducted into the Wall of Fame including:
Joseph B. DeLeo for his service since 1974 as a building committee member, board member, corporator, and his involvement in numerous capital and annual campaigns.
Andrew T. Oleksak III for his strong affiliation with the KeyClub service projects and the financial and volunteer support he has generously donated to the Club's annual half marathon since 1997.
Dick Roos for the countless times he has been called upon over the last 16 years to ensure the Club's pool stays open for the numerous children who look forward to swimming in it every day.
The Boys and Girls Club would like to thank its many supporters and volunteers who helped make this past year a successful one. If you'd like to know more about supporting the Boys and Girls Club through the Annual One Campaign or other events, please contact Bill Parks, Executive Director, at 562-2301 or visit www.bgcwestfield.org.