Youth and volunteers recognized at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club banquet
by March 17, 2011 7:32 am 333 views
story and photos by Ruby Dean
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Approximately 225 people attended the the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs 2011 Awards Banquet recipients on Wednesday (Mar. 16) to acknowledge accomplishments.
Before dinner, a moment of silence was observed on behalf of the late former Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker who was a strong supporter of the Boys and Girls Club and an active member of the Alumni Association. Baker died Mar. 4 at the age of 71.
The crowd was served dinner compliments of FSBGC Alumni and Friends Association catered by Golden Corral.
After dinner, KFSM TV-5 News Anchor Daren Bobb greeted the audience and announced a few of the items that were up for bid in the silent auction before introducing George McGill. McGill, FSBGC board member, recognized FSBGC board members and alumni board members. Hall of Fame members that were in attendance were also recognized. A big thank you was also extended to all the volunteers for their service to the club.
Bobb then helped present the Youth of the Year Finalists and winners of each club.
• 2011 Youth of the Year Finalists: David Orick, Charles Foster, and Grant Needham
• Champion of Youth Award: JCPenney and Jeff Fenwick.
• Volunteer of the Year: Thomas “Boo” Williams (posthumously), Jeffrey Unit; Nick Yarbrough, Evans Unit; Mitch Parker, Stephens Unit; and Wilson Ward, Goldtrap-Gardner Unit.
• 2011 Youth of the Year Award: Michelle Buford, Jeffrey Unit; Matt Hornung, Evans Unit; Fa’Timah Jones, Stephens Unit; and Chelsea Young, Goldtrap-Gardner Unit.
After all presentations and awards were given, Brett Goode, a member of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers and former football player at Evans Boys and Girls Club, emphasized to the audience the importance of providing positive opportunities for young people and how volunteers can make a profound difference in the life of a child.
Goode, who is the deep snapper for the Packers, discussed the importance of “don’t be a dream killer,” stressing positive impact on young people by allowing them to try and live out their dreams. Being able to play football has taught Goode life skills — “show up to work everyday, learning responsibility, and having to work out on his own without being told or reminded.”
Goode tried to quit football twice when he was in junior high at Darby due to “blisters on his feet.” He laughs about it now how silly it sounds. He didn’t give up on his dream and now his name will forever be written down in history as one of the Super Bowl Champions.
