The Boys & Girls Clubs of America national organization has always valued the recognition of local Board and community volunteers. Since the inception of the National Awards Program in 1947, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has encouraged local Club organizations to foster continued support of dedicated volunteers by presenting National Awards at annual Club meetings, functions, and events.
On December 14, 2015, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County last Board meeting of the year, Board Chair Larry Moore and President Ryan Smiley had the privilege to recognize the outstanding dedication of Board members and a community volunteer with three distinguished national Boys & Girls Club of America Awards.
The National Medallion is given to a Board member for outstanding service to boys and girls and for giving exemplary service to a Boys & Girls Club. This award was given to Timothy D. Rice who serves as Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County’s Board Vice-Chair. Additionally, he accepted the position of Capital Campaign General Co-Chair with his wife Shelly and together they have led the efforts to raise approximately $3 million of a $4 million capital campaign goal for a new Duneland Club.
The National Silver Medallion and Service To Youth Recognition awards are given to a Board member for outstanding service to boys and girls, as well as, exemplary service to a Club and to the national Movement in a geographic area or region. The Service To Youth Recognition also is given to a Board member for long-time service to a Boys & Girls Clubs organization. These awards were given to Nick Arnold for his ten years of Board service and his acumen for fundraising on behalf of the organization.
The National Award of Merit is given to individuals outside of Boys & Girls Clubs who have provided outstanding support to local Clubs. This year’s National Award of Merit was given to Gus Olympidis of Family Express for his devoted support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County.
“We are all very proud of the direction Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County is moving and the positive impact our Clubs are having on thousands of children throughout Porter County annually. We could not do what we do without the support of community leaders and dedicated volunteers. I am extremely impressed by the efforts of our Board and community leaders who work tirelessly for the betterment of our members. Each are very deserving of the honors they received,” Ryan Smiley, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County has been opening doors to GREAT FUTURES for Porter County’s youth since 1971. Clubs are open after school and provide a great place for youth in grades K-12 to meet friends and have fun while in a safe, supervised environment. When school is out, our Clubs are in! Clubs are open during holidays and in the summer. Annual membership is only $35.00. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. For information on membership, volunteer opportunities, or to make a tax deductible donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, please contact your local Club, call (219) 464-7282 or visit bgcpoco.org. Great Futures Start HERE.