Boys Town North Florida Honors Youth with Awards Banquet

Boys Town North Florida youth, staff and supporters enjoyed a memorable evening of music, great food, inspirational messages, and of course, awards, at the 2011 “Bond for Life” Youth Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes the youth as citizens of Boys Town and highlights each and every child in Boys Town North Florida’s programs. 

“The Boys Town Awards Banquet is my favorite charity event of the year,” said Dr. William Simmons. “It's about the kids. These were nobody's kids. Now they’re our kids, citizens of Boys Town.”

And their night was extra special thanks to local supporters who ensured the youth looked their best in tuxedos and beautiful gowns as they walked more than 100 feet of red carpet.

The event was held at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum and the festivities opened with a welcome from Dr. Shane Burkhead, who experienced his first event as the newly elected chairman of the Boys Town North Florida Board of Directors.

Guests dined on a delicious meal before hearing from Commissioner Nick Maddox, Florida State University football star, former professional football player, and currently, at just 30-years-old, the youngest African-American male elected to the Leon County, Fla. Commission. Maddox has a strikingly similar background to many Boys Town youth and his message to them was “You can reinvent yourself.”  

To wrap up the evening, Lt. Governor Bobby Brantley, outgoing chairman of the board, made closing remarks and reminisced about his involvement with Boys Town North Florida, describing it as the “best thing he’s ever done.”

Brantley went on to say, "We are proud of our kids at Boys Town. They have overcome obstacles most of us can't even imagine. Our awards banquet is our way of showing them that we are proud of the accomplishments they have achieved."
And with a record setting attendance of more than 200 guests, there’s no doubt the youth felt that pride.

“Our kids had a spectacular night,” added Burkhead. “It was amazing to see the smiles and the pride in their faces as they received their awards. These are wonderful kids who just need a chance to flourish. I am proud to be associated with an organization where children can come and be in a family setting… and focus on getting better.”

A big thank you to our local donors who made this possible:

Dr. William and Joyce Simmons
Jay and Jennifer LaVia
Richard and Barbara MacArthur
Sheri Mohr
O’Brien’s Shamrock Cleaners
Sacino’s Formalwear
The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill
Tallahassee Automobile Museum
The Party Center
Brian Barnard’s Flooring America
In Tents Events
Kristin McMillan Photography
Alsco, Inc.
Haute Headz Salon
Mike’s Limousine