**
 |
NASHVILLE, Tenn.** - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT) held the inaugural "Barn Bash, Celebrating the Youth of the Year" on Friday, May 15, 2009, at The Loveless Barn in Nashville, Tennessee. This event celebrated the nominees and winners of the Youth of the Year program as well as the Sydney F. Keeble, Jr. Distinguished Service Award recipients, Casey Cramer and Kyle Vanden Bosch of the Tennessee Titans.
During the Boys & Girls Clubs' Barn Bash, emceed by Jolene Youngster, attendees enjoyed performances by Club Members and a "Text-to-Pledge" fundraising segment. Over 450 guests were in attendance, including kids from each of the local Boys & Girls Clubs. Overall, the event brought in more than $160,000 (gross) for BGCMT. These funds will be used to impact the lives of over 3,500 youth in five local Clubs.
Tennessee Youth of the Year, Timothy Crawford, impressed guests with his acceptance remarks and vocal talents by singing the National Anthem and a John Legend tune. President and CEO of BGCMT, Bobby Lee Smith, shares these words about Timothy: "Timothy is an example of the character that is instilled in our youth through the ongoing relationship with our staff. He has set goals in life and has remained focused in accomplishing those goals despite his circumstances. We are extremely proud of Timothy and look forward to him being a successful and contributing citizen in our community. He is the type role model we strive for each of our youth to become."
Of his award recognition at the Barn Bash, Vanden Bosch said, "I am extremely humbled to have my name included with Sydney F. Keeble, Jr., Casey Cramer and with the impressive list of past honorees. The impact these people have had on the Boys & Girls Clubs and in the lives of children is immeasurable. I have had the pleasure of seeing how the clubs shape the lives of many children in Tennessee and am proud of my involvement with the organization and excited about being part its future."
Vanden Bosch's teammate Cramer said, "I'm humbled to receive the Sydney F. Keeble, Jr. Distinguished Service Award with Kyle as he and his wife have done so much for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee. I am also very excited to see the relationship between the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Tennessee Titans continue to grow together and help give back to the children of Nashville."
Many other Tennessee Titans were in attendance in support of Cramer, Vanden Bosch and the Boys & Girls Clubs. The players welcomed guests and signed autographs for fans of all ages. The Tennessee Titans Foundation, a v supporter of the Youth of the Year program, rewarded Crawford, Tennessee Youth of the Year, with a $5,000 scholarship in early April, 2009.
 |
|
Pictured L to R: Bobby Lee Smith (President & CEO, BGCMT); Timothy Crawford (Tennessee State Youth of the Year, BGCMT); Jolene Youngster; Casey Cramer (Tennessee Titans); Kyle Vanden Bosch (Tennessee Titans); C. Brian Shipp (Board Chairman, BGCMT)* About the Youth of the Year ProgramThe Youth of the Year program benefits our Club Members by helping them: develop healthy attitudes toward home, community, school and Club; strengthen their moral values; build a positive self-concept; achieve personal growth; improve writing, listening and speaking skills; identify with positive role models; develop leadership skills; and recognize the importance of patriotism and good character and demonstrate all aspects in their daily lives. In order to select a Middle Tennessee winner, each Club first selects a Youth of the Year candidate to represent their community. The six finalists compete for the Middle Tennessee "Youth of the Year" and the opportunity to compete in the Tennessee State competition. Each finalist receives a laptop computer, donated by Dell, an award certificate and a Boys & Girls Clubs of America medallion. The Middle Tennessee "Youth of the Year" also receives a $2,500 college scholarship. The National Youth of the Year winner, selected each September, is presented with a $10,000 scholarship and inducted by the President of the United States. About Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee Fan Zone Titans + Nissan Stadium App presented by Verizon Stay up to date with team and stadium news, concert and event announcements, stream live Titans games and more!  Tennessee Titans Marketplace A one-stop shop for Titans memorabilia, autographed items and more!  Follow Us |
