Boys Town Central Florida

Boys Town Central Florida employees and community members gathered to raise awareness and funds at the Wings of Hope Gala September 13. Among those celebrating the evening were, from left to right: Rick Brown, Boys Town Central Florida Board member; Shelley Heistand, Boys Town Central Florida Board member; Father Boes, Boys Town National Executive Director; Laura Richeson, Boys Town Central Florida Board member; Greg Zbylut, Boys Town Central Florida Executive Director; Lauryn Migenes, Boys Town Central Florida Board member; Laura Palermo, Boys Town Central Florida Board member; Tony Grey, Boys Town Central Florida Board member; and Dan Daly, Boys Town National Executive Vice President and Director of Youth Care.

Boys Town Central Florida Spreads “Wings of Hope” at Gala

More than 300 guests helped spread Wings of Hope for Florida’s children at the Foundation’s 13th Gala Saturday, Sept. 13.

The annual fundraiser benefitting Boys Town Central Florida and The Children’s Home Society helps raise funds and awareness for the organizations.  The evening included a dinner an auction, and a message from children helped by each program. The youth explained how the missions of their respective organizations helped them succeed.

“Events like Wings of Hope allow Boys Town Central Florida to continue providing care for and meeting the needs of our youth,” said Terry Knox, Boys Town Central Florida Development Director. “This event also raises awareness in the community about our mission of changing the way America cares for children and families.”
 
Founded by Tony and Kathy Gautsch, The Wings of Hope Foundation lends help, support and aid to shelters or community homes that care for children who suffer from abuse, neglect or abandonment. Boys Town Central Florida has had a 13-year relationship with the Foundation, created in memory of Kathy’s son Brian Lanier, who died following an accident at the age of 19. Last year’s event resulted in a $70,292 gift to Boys Town from the Wings of Hope Foundation. The donated money helped furnish Boys Town Central Florida’s new boys emergency shelter in Oviedo, and provided diapers, formula and clothing for the infant and toddler shelter.

“The event was a great success,” said Knox. “The fun of the evening may be over, but the support and awareness we gained by being a part of Wings of Hope will help our youth throughout the coming year.”