One of the best parts of the annual Angels Help Our Kids Take Flight dinner is that guests have the opportunity to actually meet and interact with a few of the delightful children enrolled in the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Youth Volunteer Corps.
As in the past several years, the annual dinner took place inside the large Sun Aviation Hangar. Before guests entered the balloon bedecked dining area, they navigated through “rooms” that represented core program areas, such as education, health and life skills, character and leadership development and fine arts, all of which are offered at the Boys & Girls Club’s three clubhouses. Guests were enthusiastically greeted by Club members all along the way, who eagerly and happily explained the activities their exhibits represented. Following the cocktail hour, with entertainment provided by the Indian River Charter High School Jazz Ensemble, guests were treated to the rousing percussion group S.T.A.M.I.N.A., members of the Boys & Girls Club singing their theme song, “I Have a Dream” and a skit with children telling of how the Boys & Girls Cub was helping them to accomplish their dreams.
Marcus Johnson, an eighth grade honor-roll student at Sebastian River Middle School, was named 2009-10 Youth of the Year. He is a member of the Junior Staff, and participates in the Passport to Manhood, Money Matters, Career Launch and many other programs at the Club.
Boys & Girls Clubs Board Member Roger Lynch was named 2010 Angel of the Year, for his tireless support on the Resource Development and Capital Campaign Committees, and his absolute commitment to the success of the organization.
The Club is in the midst of plans to open two new clubhouses; one in Vero Beach scheduled for September, 2010 and another in Fellsmere scheduled to begin in June, 2010. The new buildings will allow an increase in 30% over the current 2,000 children served.
The event was chaired by Dr. Susan Blair Fries and co-chaired by Diane Archer, and the 2008-09 Youth of the Year Johntavious Metilus helped with the emceeing duties. Major sponsors included Presenting Sponsor Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne; Cocktail Reception Sponsor ConnectCare3; Angel Sponsors John’s Island Real Estate Company, Beau Delafield, Mel and Nancy Goodes, Pat and Carol Welsh; and Cherub Sponsors BYN Mellon Wealth Management, Manfred and Margrit Franitza and Lambert Foundation. {igallery 154}
