Kiwanis Club of Manassas Receives Annual Partnership Award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Prince William County
by Jen Weigel
In recognition of our continuing support of the Boys and Girls Club of Manassas, the Kiwanis Club of Manassas was awarded the Annual Partnership Award from the youth organization on Monday, May 18, 2009, at their 20th Annual Steak 'n Steak Dinner and Silent Auction. The Annual Partnership Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated a committment to the youth of Prince William County.
Our Club has supported their annual fundraising dinner since the connection with their group began. Each year, we have donated $1000 to the event which allows us to sponsor an entire dinner table. Typically, eight Club members attend the event. The other two seats at our table are reserved for a Boys and Girls Club member and their guest, usually a parent. Our Club also takes out an ad in the event's program.
"It was a great idea to have the event on the Dale City Boys and Girls Club campus," first-time attendee and President-Elect Dr. Jen Weigel said. "Seeing the facility in person and getting to meet actual Boys and Girls Club members allowed me to see where our Club's donations were going. I definitely want to continue our partnership with them."
Our Club's connection with the local Boys and Girls Club started in the 1980's when fundraising for the project began. Over time and working with the Kiwanis Club of Woodbridge, Virginia, the Boys and Girls Club of Manassas finally opened its doors in 2005. "Our Club had invested funds received earlier, sold real estate property, and made a cash donation in excess of $542,000 to help build a 42,000-square-foot facility with three gyms and a multitude of specialized craft and training rooms." Secretary/Treasurer John Beere said. "There are before- and after-school programs, a well-equipped computer lab, library, kitchen, ceramics lab, and study area. Most importantly, more than 2,100 kids are members of the club."
Our Club's support did not stop when the building was completed. "For the nearly four years we have been open, they've sent us a check for $100 each month," April Chervenka, acting Area Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Clubs, said. "The amount covers four scholarships for children who otherwise could not afford the $25 membership fee. Over the course of time, that correlates into nearly 150 youth who have benefited from free memberships."
As you may recall, Kiwanis International and Boys and Girls Clubs of America agreed to a memoradum of understanding in 2008. This initiative would allow the two organizations to work closely together over the coming years in order to better serve the youth of today. Additonally, Tom Murphy, who also serves as our LTG, has proudly served on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club for many years.
Pictured from left to right are Eric Latham, Secretary/Treasurer John Beere, Vice President Chere Vincent, Carl Genthner, President-Elect Dr. Jen Weigel, Lt. Governor Tom Murphy, and Past President Dennis Zahorchak.
