Spirit of Youth Celebration Raises more than $40,000

Boys Town New England supporters gathered at the Rotunda Ballroom in Newport for the sixth annual Spirit of Youth celebration November 6. The event raised more than $40,000 for the site, all of which will support Boys Town programs that directly benefit youth.

The 130 guests learned more about Boys Town New England’s life-changing care during several presentations and award presentations throughout the event.  

The honorary Spirit of Youth Award was presented to Howard Sutton, CEO and Publisher of the Providence Journal, who accepted on behalf of the newspaper’s charitable foundation. The Providence Journal Charitable Foundation has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of at-risk children and families within the community. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from Boys Town New England youth Frankie, who shared his personal experiences from Boys Town. 

The evening also included a silent auction, which “was a big hit,” according to Debra Sharpe, Boys Town New England Development Director. Items up for bid were baskets, such as "A Taste of Rhode Island," "Party in Providence," "Art and More," "A Taste of Portugal," "Shipshape in Bristol Fashion," and "A Day in Newport." The 50 auction baskets alone raised more than $7,000.

Another fun activity were the carousel horse races. Each guest picked a horse named after actual winners of the Kentucky Derby or Belmont Stakes, and then took a ride on the carousel. At the end of the “race,” a winning horse was drawn out of a hat and the winner received a prize. 

“On behalf of Boys Town New England, I would like to thank our sponsors, donors and guests for supporting the 2011 Spirit of Youth celebration,” said Sharpe. “Spirit of Youth is a wonderful opportunity for people to come out, have fun, support our important work and learn more about Boys Town New England and its mission. We’re looking forward to next year.”