Boys Town New England

Boys Town New England Family-Teacher John Etzell and alumnus Neil Pacheco greet one another before Pacheco spoke at the Spirit of Youth event.

Boys Town New England Spirit of Youth Event Brings Community Together

Although Congressman Kennedy was detained in Washington, D.C., to vote on the critical economic legislation, he sent greetings to the crowd via a recorded DVD, as well as a representative to accept the award.

“I am honored to be among those chosen for the Spirit of Youth Award,” said Kennedy in the video. “Boys Town is more than just family services, more than just a home. It is a family-style of nurturing and values that is so desperately needed by these young people.”

The Boys Town New England Spirit of Youth Award is an opportunity to bring awareness to the organization. Some of the attendees at the October 4 event were, Left to Right: Senator Charles Levesque (D-RI), Neil Galvin (Board Member) and Bill Reardon, Boys Town New England Executive Director.

Neil Pacheco, a Boys Town New England alumnus, is proof of the success the organization has in the lives of young people. At the event, Pacheco spoke of the loving family atmosphere he felt at Boys Town and how it helps him believe in himself as he works towards achieving his goals.

“When you have a family, that family is by your side until you reach success,” said Pacheco. “That is Boys Town. No matter what the obstacle, my Boys Town family never had a doubt I would succeed. Now I am a high school graduate and am attending a community college. I never would’ve gotten to the point I am today without my experience at Boys Town.”

The Spanish-themed event, complete with a Tapas party, a silent auction, kids’ crafts and music, proved to be a fun evening for everyone. “Our guests always enjoy the atmosphere of the Spirit of Youth event,” said Mary Alexandre, Boys Town New England Development Director. “It is an opportunity for us to raise awareness and share the good work of our organization with the community.”