Boys & Girls Town Counts Its Blessings and Honors Devoted Community Supporters at the St. James Campus Community Candlelight Dinner
St. James, Mo. (December 14, 2007) – On a damp and foggy December evening the atmosphere was as warm and toasty as the hearts gathered to celebrate this year’s community candlelight dinner at Boys & Girls Town’s St. James campus. Close to 420 area community leaders, volunteers, board members, donors, friends and business supporters joined in the tradition to shine a light on all those who touched the lives of children in the care of Boys & Girls Town.
After a family-style dinner, the Boys & Girls Town Children’s Christmas Choir performed and honors were formally presented to area businesses and a member of the St. James community with Highlights of Hope awards.
Leroy Wedge, a St. James resident, was honored for his tireless and unrelenting volunteering service to the children of Boys & Girls Town. For close to 10 years, Wedge has handled a myriad of volunteer duties at Boys & Girls Town. “He really is an angel, who helps whenever asked, makes people smile, gives great attention to detail and works hard at whatever the task,” said Kenyetta, a Boys & Girls Town resident who presented the award.
Employees of Wal-Mart stores in Arnold, Rolla and Salem, the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in St. James, plus the St. Nick’s Benefit Committee of the Fort Leonard Wood Lions Club were honored for outstanding support during the holiday season from a business/service organization.
“All those receiving a special award deserve our utmost appreciation,” said Vince Hillyer, president. “They go above and beyond the norm. They have provided both monetary and actual gifts year after year for our children. They really care about the children and program they are supporting – it is not ‘just a donation’ to them – or us.
“However, as I look out over the crowd gathered tonight, I could name person after person and business after business that made a vital contribution to the lives of our children,” said Hillyer. “Our children truly are blessed to have such great support.”
The event was held at the Bill Wallis Recreational Center, part of the Children’s Recreational Complex dedicated in fall 2006. The complex offers boys and girls a place to participate in recreational activities throughout the year.
“We have been very successful the past few years in building new facilities for our children,” said Hillyer. “Every improvement, program or structure is driven by our mission to provide the best services for children and is made possible through many generous donors and funding opportunities such as state tax credits. None of this is possible without help from the community.” |
