“You are the lifeblood of what we do,” Mike O’Neal, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board President said to over sixty donors and volunteers gathered at Da Corrado Ristorante. The occasion was to celebrate the gifts given in 2018 and the gifts collectively the community can give by staying present in youths lives in 2019.

“Time, talent and treasures are the gifts donors and volunteers offer to the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club,” he said. “Many of you have offered all three of these elements to our youth and cause. For me, this year my focus is on what’s best for our young people.”

O’Neal shared that he knew each of those gathered shared this sentiment and commitment to youth.

The luncheon was comprised of businesses, donors, volunteers and staff members of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club. It was the largest amount for PNBGC Donor and Volunteer Luncheon, which O’Neal said was a testament to the growth of those involved and seeing the need for changing lives in Greene County.

Brad Parr, PNBGC Director, shared a few words before awards were given at the celebration luncheon.

Parr stressed the importance of community backing and thanked those present for being part of an exciting year at PNBGC.

“In 2018 we increased our academic focus and added several new programs to our Club,” he shared. “Our First Tee program grew tremendously, and we were able to offer our youth a golfing experience at Harbor Club, which for many youths was a highlight for them.”

Parr said, “We are looking forward to continuing to bring on board new programming, which engage our youth in unique ways for positive outcomes.”

Past PNBGC Advisory Board President, Jim Liebeck, took over the celebration to present awards.

Those who received awards were:

· Business Partner of the Year – Harbor Club

· Volunteer of the Year – Don Loft

· Board Member of the Year -Millicent Zamirowski

· Rookie of the Year – Bill Graden

· Special Honoree of the Year – Kara Latz

Board members who are retiring from the PNBCG board were also honored at the luncheon. Those board members were:

· Dottie Suggs

· Paul Connolly

· Jennifer Lackey

· Norm Agran

Last but not least, Da Corrado Ristorante was honored for stepping in to help continue facilitating Thursday Dinners at the Club where youth get to experience different cuisines.

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenanceor call 706-920-1400.