Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids celebrates the 2023 Youth of the Year
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids held their annual Youth of the Year Luncheon, celebrating our community's most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys.
On Wednesday, March 8th, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids held their highly anticipated annual Youth of the Year Luncheon, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union, at the Steil Club. The event was a celebration of our community’s most inspiring teens and their remarkable journeys.
This year’s candidates, Ana Vance, Antonia Smith, and Earnest Robertson, all showcased exceptional leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Earnest Robertson was awarded the Youth of the Year 2023 title and will serve as an ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids at the state competition.
The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America premier leadership and recognition program for teens, shining a light on the perseverance, dedication, and determination of outstanding young people. The nominees truly embody the voice and spirit of hope, inspiring all kids to lead, succeed, and inspire.
The determination, perseverance, and dedication displayed by these young people is a testament to the incredible potential of the youth in our community. We congratulate all the nominees and wish Earnest Robertson the best of luck in the State competition.
The event was attended by over 150 people. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we raised an impressive $40,410, which will go directly towards programming and other needs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. This continued support is crucial to providing a safe and welcoming environment for kids in our community, and helping inspiring the next generation of leaders.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors who made the Youth of the Year Luncheon possible, especially our presenting sponsor, Lake Michigan Credit Union. Their unwavering support and commitment to our mission have allowed us to continue serving the young people in our community and empowering them to reach their full potential.
Your support has enabled us to recognize the outstanding achievements of our Youth of the Year nominees and make a positive impact in the lives of young people in our community.
Thank you once again for your invaluable support.
Finally, we would also like to thank and acknowledge our generous sponsors for their contributions to making this event possible:
- Lake Michigan Credit Union – Presenting Sponsor
- Eileen DeVries Family Foundation – Matching Gift Sponsor
- Warner Norcross & Judd – Table Sponsor
- Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling
- Posh Petals
- Alpine Events
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