Boys Town North Florida

Spirit of Youth Gala Raises More Than $100,000 for Severely At-Risk Youth The 2007 Boys Town North Florida Spirit of Youth Awards was a tribute to those who help hurting children and families heal, raising more than $100,000 for North Florida’s severely at-risk youth. More than 250 generous supporters with a heart for helping children attended the annual Gala March 9.  Each was touched by the inspiration given from youths who found help at Boys Town North Florida. “We’d like you to thank you for all the people that are gathered here supporting the children of Boys Town,” said Dante, a youth giving the evening’s invocation. “Be with us during this program, that the message sent will encourage others to help those in need.”

Boys Town North Florida presents Rep. Loranne Ausley with the 2007 Spirit of Youth Award.  (Pictured L to R) Prentiss Mitchell, Boys Town North Florida Board Chairman; Dena Strickland, Boys Town North Florida Development Director; Ken Bender, Boys Town North Florida Executive Director; Rep. Loranne Ausley; Father Steven Boes, Boys Town National Executive Director. View a Slideshow of the Event

Guests arriving for the evening were greeted with the triumphant sounds of the Tallahassee Marching Redcoats, saluted by Tallahassee JROTC, and escorted by Boys Town gentlemen.  They were also serenaded by the smooth jazz sounds of accomplished saxophonist Patrick Meighan and enjoyed performances by the Boys Choir of Tallahassee and Lindsey Sarjeant.

“During the planning process we were committed to emphasizing the message that the kids are the inspiration to make this event a success every year,” said Angie Sipple and Allison Manausa, 2007 Boys Town Spirit of Youth Co-Chairs. “We take pleasure in knowing that this Gala is distinctly dedicated to that principal quality in helping the kids we serve.”

The evening paid special tribute to Rep. Loranne  Ausley, who was honored with the 2007 Spirit of Youth Award for her tireless work on behalf of children and their families.  The award is given to those whose works, words, actions or examples have a profoundly positive impact on the lives and dreams of America’s youth.  Her commitment to helping the most vulnerable citizens in our community, the children, has earned her respect and admiration.

"I just can't say enough about what an honor it is," said Ausley. "Our kids are our future. It's pretty simple: What we do for the youngest says a lot about what we say about society."

“Rep. Ausley is an inspiration to all of us who fight for the futures of our children,” said Ken Bender, Boys Town North Florida Executive Director.  “She embodies the Boys Town mission to change the way America cares for her children and families by her unwavering support for North Florida families and her dedication to creating a healthy environment for children.”

As a recipient of the Spirit of Youth Award, Rep. Ausley joins the ranks of past winners, including Anna Johnson-Riedel, Bobby and Ann Bowden, Buddy and June Strauss, Corey Simon, the late Florida Governor Lawton Chiles and his wife, Rhea, Jack Levine, and Dr. Armand Cognetta, Jr.

Boys Town North Florida has served thousands of local children and families since opening in 1983. In 2005, 194 children received help, healing and hope from Boys Town North Florida’s Residential Services and Treatment Foster Family Services.  Another 19,781 children and families in the State of Florida were indirectly assisted through the Boys Town National Hotline and through outreach and professional training programs.

Boys Town is the largest privately funded program of its kind for severely at-risk children in the United States.  Founded in 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan, Boys Town provides abused, abandoned and neglected children with a safe, caring, loving environment where they gain confidence to get better and learn skills to become productive citizens.  That commitment to our nation’s youth led to Boys Town’s selection as one of the 100 Best Communities for Children as named by America’s Promise Alliance in 2007, its second consecutive award.