​At Boys Town, success is not achieved through the work of one person, but through the selfless acts of many people. Every generous act that occurs never goes unnoticed and this year, Boys Town Nevada wanted to show all the people who have dedicated their time to Boys Town, how much their contributions matter to the site's success.

On January 31, 2018, Boys Town Nevada held their very first Community Appreciation Awards event, where board members, volunteers, foundations and employees were honored and recognized for their contributions. The 2017 year was incredibly successful in many areas for the Nevada site and Executive Director, Denise Biben and Board of Directors Chair, Tony Sgro, wanted to celebrate all of those who are long-time friends and supporters of the site.

During the evening, honorees and their guests were able to attend a social hour and buffet dinner, followed by the awards ceremony, and listen to a first-hand experience about a woman becoming a better parent through the help of Boys Town. As the first Community Appreciation Awards celebration, Boys Town Nevada wanted to honor those whom the awards were named after and those who received the awards.

"Many of our Former Board Members, for whom awards were named, were very honored and touched by the recognition and I believe that it helped show our appreciation, as well as, tie our history to our future," said Biben.

Seven awards were presented to the following recipients during the ceremony, for their efforts in going above and beyond every single day:

• The Norman Jenkins Strategist Award: To be recognized in 2019
• The Winnie Schulman Philanthropist Award: Paul Huygens
• The Dave Courvoisier Ambassador Award: Kevin Buckley
• The Houssels Family Foundation Award: Engelstad Family Foundation, Irvin Stern Foundation, Binion Family Foundation, Dutton Family Foundation, Keyser Family Foundation
• The Volunteers Award: MGM Working Mothers, Golden Nugget, Steelhead Productions, Wyndham Vacation Ownership
• Employee of the Year (Program): Yoly Smith
• Employee of the Year (Administrator): Donna Pacella

Each award honoree received proclamations recognizing their contributions, while recipients of the awards received certificates of recognition, the "two brothers" statue or a framed picture of Boys Town youths at the Festival of Hope.

While the awards were a way for Boys Town Nevada to express their appreciation toward those who dedicate their time to the organization, it was also a way to connect the board and community together, showing them how the site wouldn't be where it is today without all their work. "Boys Town is very blessed with many people who support the work we do every day with their time, talent and treasure, and like we teach our kids, we should express our gratitude and thankfulness for all they do," said Biben.