“The Year of the Girl” theme drew a capacity crowd at the APG Federal Credit Union Arena on March 31 for the 26th Annual Steak & Burger/Youth of the Year Dinner for Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County. The annual fundraising and award event raised over $124,000 for the Harford County Clubs and named A’maya Green of Havre de Grace High School as the 2016 Youth of the Year.
Bob Bloom, General Manager at Delmarva Broadcasting Company/WXCY-FM Radio shared the duties of emcee for the evening with last year’s finalist, and this year’s bear namesake, Lizzie Jakubac also from the Havre de Grace Club.
Presenting sponsor Wegman’s of Abingdon provided the beef for the evening and co-presenting sponsor Richlin Ballroom & Catering grilled and prepared the entrees while members of our board of directors served hamburgers to the adults in attendance and sirloin steak to the kids as is the tradition of the evening focused on honoring the children who attend the Clubs and participate in the programs. “We were grateful for the teamwork of our board of directors, volunteers and sponsors this year,” says Acting Executive Director, Jeff Foulk. “It’s a unique situation providing food for nearly 800 people, and everyone came together to make it one of the most successful events in the Clubs’ 25 year history.”
Youth of the Year A’maya Green, a sophomore at Havre de Grace High School, exemplified the Year of the Girl proving her determination to be successful, empowered, and motivated. An 11-year member, A’maya is succeeding in school, volunteers at the Helen Diller Home for the Blind, and participates in the Young Leaders Academy and other programs at the Club. “My time in the Club has had a huge impact on me,” shares A’maya. “The staff has guided me through some challenging moments in my life and the programs have given me the tools to plan ahead and make good decisions.” As the 2016 Youth of the Year winner, A’maya was awarded a $1,000 education scholarship by the Taco Bell A Step 2 Success program.
Other Year of the Girl finalists included Allison Smith, a five-year member of the Edgewood Club; Unique Woodson, a six-year member–the last three at the Aberdeen Club; and Katherine Butterfield, a three-year member of the Bel Air Club. All the runners-up received $500 education scholarships from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County Endowment College Scholarship Fund and all four finalists received bracelets from Saxon’s.
Ninety-four “Lizzie Bears” were graciously and enthusiastically claimed during the evening, symbolizing a sponsored Club kid for 2016. While Club members pay only a $20 annual fee, it costs over $1,000 to ensure each child receives the programming and resources that the finalists credit for helping them forge their paths to Great Futures. More bears are available and can be sponsored by contacting the BGC office at 410-272-0010.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County call 410-272-0010 or visit BGCHarfordCo.org
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County was established in 1990 by a group of concerned citizens in the Aberdeen area. The organization now serves over 6,000 youth per year and operates Clubs in Aberdeen, Bel Air, Edgewood, Havre de Grace and Windsor Valley, as well as summer programs at Camp Hidden Valley and the Aberdeen Family Swim Center. The Clubs’ mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Clubs are open to all youth ages 6 to 18 and provides positive youth development programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Health & Life Skills; Education & Career Development; the Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Parents and caregivers interested in having their children join the Club and learning more about Youth of the Year or other youth programs can contact 410-272-0010 or visit www.bgcharfordco.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve nearly 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at bgca.org/facebook and bgca.org/twitter.
