The Annual Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club Dinner took place on Saturday, April 22, and celebrated our community partnerships that helps us provide high-quality youth development programs for children who live in Newtown. The event was presented by Benderson Development, Harvest House, The Capital Grille, Neal Communities, Dr. Richard Rehmeyer and Ringling College of Art & Design.
The event kicked off with a welcome from our President/CEO Bill Sadlo and Newtown Advisory Board Chair and former Commissioner Carolyn Mason. The Masters of Ceremonies were 17-year-old Kayla McGann, the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, and Cobie Bradley, a 12 year-old Newtown Estates Park Boys & Girls Club member.
Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club Director Nate Brown read a testimonial from Tynesha Curry, Club alumna and parent of a current Club member, that showcases how the Boys & Girls Club has impacted her family's lives.
"Mothers are arguably some of the best multitaskers in the world today. The sheer amount of responsibilities they need to juggle makes them a combination of nurturer, caregiver, teacher, nurse, cheerleader and disciplinarian. The only job more challenging than being a mother is being a single mother," said Ms. Curry. "It is really difficult being the sole source of income for my three daughters, even more challenging to find a balance between time with my family and time earning a decent wage to take care of my family. Whenever I am away from my girls, I always worry about what they are doing, who is influencing their young minds and, most importantly, their safety. The Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club has helped my family by providing a safe place for my kids with programs to enrich their young minds and adults who care about them."
Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club member LaShaughn Waiters, 14, was then invited to the stage and beautifully sang Andra Day's "Rise Up." Volunteers from Harvest House served a delicious three-course meal prepared by The Capital Grille.
After dinner, Michael Suarez, Newtown Advisory Board Member, and Clarence Battle, a 14-year-old Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club member, presented the 2017 Unsung Hero Award to Baycross Christian Family Foundation. The Unsung Hero Award represents the Foundation’s dedication to helping our Club members reach their full potential through meaningful opportunities that empower them succeed in school, become a leader and live a healthy lifestyle. Since 2015, Baycross Christian Family Foundation has provided grant support and sponsorships for signature fundraising events. The award was accepted by Executive Director Shahla Simpler and Jim Doyle.
The event closed with a Chance Raffle, 50/50 Raffle and Live Auction of a painting completed during the dinner by Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club member Shandrea Williams, 10.
Thank you to everyone who attended! Click here to learn more about the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club.
