For the past 57 years, Boys Town Boosters have been providing Boys Town youth the opportunity to play sports, giving them an outlet where they can have fun and learn valuable life lessons. A substantial way Boys Town supports these athletic programs is through its annual Booster Banquet—a fundraiser that ensures any child who wants to play a sport can do so. This commitment helps Boys Town youth succeed both on and off the field.
“Each spring, supporters come together to recognize student-athletes and raise funds for sports equipment, uniforms, camps, facility upkeep and other necessities to experience the same learning opportunities that are available to other youth across the country,” said Development Director and event organizer Ashley Howe. “There are over 1,200 attendees that include individuals, corporations, foundations, and staff, as well as 300 Boys Town student-athletes. Over 85 percent of our Boys Town youth are involved in sports.”
This year’s banquet, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30th, at Embassy Suites La Vista, features dinner, a special professional athlete speaker and silent and live auctions. While the event itself draws a large crowd, this year’s keynote speaker is former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry.
Howe said Strawberry has a passion for Omaha and for Boys Town, and his friendship with Martie Cordaro, a Boys Town Booster and President of the Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha, brings him to Omaha to speak on behalf of the organization and its impact.
“As you can imagine, our speaker is the most important aspect of the night, not only to draw in greater attendance but to share their story with our student-athletes,” Howe said. “Many obstacles in Darryl’s life mirror what our youth have gone through or may still be going through. His message of hard work, dedication and faith will truly resonate with our youth and show them that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome.”
Doors to the evening’s celebration open at 5 p.m. for a social hour and silent auction followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m. Howe said the first part of the program will recognize the Competing with Character award winners who will share their stories of success thanks to Boys Town athletic programs. This will be followed by the recognition of Boys Town athletes for their outstanding accomplishments this school year, as well as a presentation of the Alumni Hall of Fame inductees.
“Since its founding, the Booster organization has raised over $4.7 million for athletic facilities, sports camps and equipment for the kids at Boys Town,” Howe said. Tickets will remain available until they sell out at 1,300 attendees. All sponsorship levels give attendees access to the VIP Patron Party with Strawberry. Tickets are available at www.Booster24.givesmart.com. If you are interested in learning about joining the Boys Town Boosters or attending the banquet, contact Ashley Howe at 402-416-4000 or ashley.howe@boystown.org.
