(Dubois, WY) – The Boys & Girls Club of Dubois hosted its 7th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast on the morning of June 24 at the National Museum of Military Vehicles. The morning celebrated the impact of the Club, honored Mary Lou Bowles-Banks, and welcomed keynote speaker Michael Franzese, who shared his story of transformation and redemption. Preliminary funds raised totaled approximately 20% of the Club’s $220,155 annual operating budget.
Budd Betts presented the Distinguished Service Award to Mary Lou Banks, recognizing her decades of leadership and service to Wyoming’s youth and communities. In accepting the award, Banks reflected on the mission of the Boys & Girls Club, saying, “My favorite phrase in the Club’s mission is ‘for those who need us most,'” reminding attendees of the responsibility to invest in the next generation. She also reflected on the people who have shaped her life and encouraged others to continue building stronger communities by serving others.
Keynote speaker Michael Franzese shared his remarkable journey from serving as a leader in the Colombo crime family to leaving organized crime behind after meeting his future wife, Camille, and embracing his Christian faith. Encouraging young people to make wise choices, he said, “There’s two things you’ve got to do right in life. We are who we hang out with. If we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd, they’ll influence the direction of our lives. And who you are accountable to is going to direct the path your life goes down.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming board member Leah Vermeire presented the Foundation Education Awards to, in first place, Dubois senior Cade Clouse, who received a $1,500 scholarship, and in second place, senior Naomi Johnson, who received a $500 scholarship.
Keynote speaker Michael Franzese shares his story of transformation and redemption with attendees at the Boys & Girls Club of Dubois breakfast. h/t Boys & Girls Club of Dubois Community members gather for the Boys & Girls Club of Dubois Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast at the National Museum of Military Vehicles. h/t Boys & Girls Club of Dubois Club parent Traci McClintic shares remarks on the positive impact the Boys & Girls Club has on local youth and families. h/t Boys & Girls Club of Dubois Bristol, Jack, and Bridger Rogers perform the National Anthem to open the Boys & Girls Club of Dubois Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast. h/t Boys & Girls Club of Dubois
The Club extends a huge thank you to the Dubois community for its ongoing support. If you didn’t get a chance to give at the event or would like to schedule a tour of the Club, please contact Ashley Bright, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming at abright@bgccw.org or (307)235-4079.