Boys and Girls Luncheon informs and unites
The Boys and Girls Club sits across the street from the middle school. The beautiful and relatively new building has humble beginnings but is making a big impact on the community.
At times this building and what they do can fly just under the radar, however last Tuesday the club took the opportunity to invite the community to a luncheon where good food was served, and a variety of student projects were shown off.
The big award – that of Volunteer of the Year presented to Julie and Jerry Reffner as well as Trish Rodrique – was a first for the club. This moment garnered one of the larger applauses of the afternoon from the audience.
“We call these events ‘friendraisers,’” said Flathead Boys and Girls Club CEO Aric Cooksley. “We want to show examples of why this is important work.”
The event gathered a multitude of people from all across the valley to enjoy lunch and discuss all the club has been doing from projects to upcoming summer programs, with both parents, staff and club members speaking on the importance of the organization.
“From the moment I walked though those doors I wasn’t just another kid. I was welcomed like I always wanted,” said Emma Boogerd in an excerpt from a speech she originally shared during her time at the state Boys and Girls Club competition.
The goal of the event was clear, with the bond between community and youth setting the stage for how the community can give back to the future generations and help ensure the best possible future for the youths of communities across the Flathead Reservation.
In many ways the event aims for the future by showing the community that the club welcomes more volunteers with open arms. Empathizing the impact that caring and giving time have already had on club members.
“I think that the club and the kids in the community need everyone,” said Cooksley. “Kids, just like people in general, need people to care about them.”
If you are someone you know is interested in joining or volunteering for the club, give them a call at 406-883-0521.
Area Boys and Girls Club CEO Aric Cooksley speak at the Futures Luncheon. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)