News & Events
Boys & Girls Clubs host annual dinner
February 28, 2007
LaToya Wallace says she would not be where she is today if it weren't for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County.
Wallace, who will graduate from Siegel High School this year, said her involvement with the club has kept her on track.
"When I came here as a child, the staff was open-armed, warm. I want to give that to other kids," said Taylor, who was previously named Youth of the Year and spoke at the organization's 20th annual Steak and Burger Dinner Tuesday.
The dinner — the organization's largest fundraiser of the year — featured MTSU football coach Rick Stockstill as the keynote speaker.
"Personally, I love being around kids and young people," Stockstill said. "I know it's cliché, but they are our future leaders. If people get involved, the better off they'll be."
Stockstill said that giving encouragement will help children be successful.
Before the dinner, Stockstill and MTSU mascot Lightning posed for pictures with those in attendance.
The fundraiser, which benefits the clubs in Murfreesboro and Smyrna/La Vergne, also featured a silent auction and a live auction. Gift certificates, gift baskets, signed sport memorabilia and artwork by club members were at the silent auction.
Smyrna/La Vergne club director Diane Stockard teaches art classes to club members, and a gallery was set up featuring work from her students as well as her own. She donated one piece called "Graceful" for the live auction, and it sold for $250.
"(The classes) teach art, leadership and respect," Stockard said. "I know where these kids are coming from, what they're facing."
One staff member recalled how he came to the club as a child, and what effect it had on him.
"It had an impact, and I want to come back and create the same positive impact for others," said Alden Ward, who started attending the Boys & Girls Clubs in sixth grade.
He attended Smart Moves classes, which encourage decision making and good decisions, and was a member of Key Stone Pathfinders, which gets kids involved in community service.
Nine-year-old Matt Hollis said he enjoys the Murfreesboro club because he often plays basketball there after school. He also has attended summer programs hosted by the club.
"It's great because you can make friends easily," he said.
Murfreesboro Vice Mayor Chris Bratcher said it is crucial to support the clubs for the positive influence the programs have on children who may not have any in their lives.
"We believe in what they do," he said. "They change a lot of lives for a lot of young kids."
The event drew several hundred supporters. Food was donated by Toot's Restaurant, while Reeves-Sain Drug Store provided desserts.
Officials did not know how much money was raised at press time.
