Spaulding Youth Center Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon and Recognizes Community Award Recipients
November 17, 2016Northfield, NH – On November 15th, Spaulding Youth Center hosted our annual Thanksgiving luncheon on campus for all students, campus staff, supporters, community partners and friends. With turkeys once again generously donated by MetroCast, our Food Services department prepared a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. This feast was then proudly served with a smile by Spaulding Youth Center students.
MetroCast donated 8 turkeys for the Spaulding Youth Center annual luncheon.
This annual Thanksgiving feast is a favorite tradition for those both on- and off-campus. Its popularity is demonstrated by the sheer number in attendance. This year, the Thanksgiving dinner accommodated 217 attendees over three separate seatings throughout the afternoon.
“The Thanksgiving season is one of the favorites here on campus for both our students and staff. Not only does it provide a special opportunity to be thankful for all the wonderful ways Spaulding Youth Center contributes to the lives of those on campus, but also reminds each and every one of us to not take a single blessing for granted,” shares James Clements, CEO & President of Spaulding Youth Center. “Our team also enjoys taking the time to recognize so many community partners who provide ongoing support of our mission. Without their charitable support, we could not achieve the great heights of success we currently reach with our students. Our students look forward to celebrating this time-honored tradition with their friends and our holiday guests.”
COMMUNITY AWARDS
As part of this year’s celebration, Spaulding Youth Center also recognized this year’s community award recipients for their extensive and ongoing support:
Belknap Mill Quilters Guild accepts the 2016 Arthur H. Nighswander Award. From L to R: Gary Lavallee (Spaulding), Shirley Mento, Jim Clements (Spaulding), Kathy Rice, John Roy.
The 9th Annual Arthur H. Nighswander Community Partner Award recipient is the Belknap Mill Quilters Guild. In the past year, this 106-member organization has donated over 50 quilts to our students. These custom comfort quilt donations are part of a larger initiative to provide one for each of our residential students, many of whom do not have anything of their very own much less something designed specifically with their interests in mind. Each quilt takes 100+ hours to complete. Present at the luncheon to accept the award were John Roy (Guild President), Shirley Mento, and Kathy Rice.
David Moore accepts the 2016 You’ve Got a Friend Award. From L to R: Jason Sterner (Spaulding), Steve Golden (Spaulding), David Moore.
The 11th Annual You’ve Got a Friend Award recipient is David Moore. When he was employed at Spaulding Youth Center in 1997, he developed our first real challenge course elements. Since then, he has returned regularly to help build and maintain close to 20 different challenge course elements, with each element tailored to fit the unique needs of our students. Beyond his dedication to our campus, Mr. Moore has designed many ropes courses through his tenure with Project Adventure, both across the United States and internationally. Mr. Moore was excited to share a collection of framed pictures from his time here at Spaulding Youth Center with the other attendees of the luncheon.
ABOUT SPAULDING YOUTH CENTER
Spaulding Youth Center is a leading provider of services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning and/or developmental challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Services include academic, behavioral health, residential, foster care, health and wellness and family support. Spaulding Youth Center Foundation is a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) nonprofit. For information about Spaulding Youth Center, visit www.spauldingyouthcenter.org.
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