Honoring a deserving Casper couple, naming the 2015-2016 Youth of the Year, and giving out The Try Award were the highlights of the 17th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming Award and Recognition Breakfast.

More than 1,200 supporters were in attendance at the annual breakfast held the Casper Events Center on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. As a major fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, the community stepped up in a big way for youth with a preliminary total of over $951,000.00 in donations.

Ashley Bright, chief executive officer of BGCCW said,

“We are humbled and overwhelmed by the continued generosity of this community and honored to be trusted to provide a safe place for the youth of Central Wyoming, It is only through this kind of support are we able to make a difference and instill hope in so many kids.”

The event honored Margo and Larry Bean, a Casper couple who have dedicated their lives by extending their help to a variety of projects and organizations both locally and globally. Wyoming sculptor, Chris Navarro honored the late Mick McMurry with a special bronze given to his widow Susie McMurry. Receiving special recognition was another Casper couple and Club parents, Terry and Lori Jackson who were presented “The Try” Award. The Jacksons have worked to instill the idea of “The Try” in the 130 kids they’ve fostered over the last eight years. In addition, Natrona County High School junior Amber Bennett was announced as the 2015-2016 Central Wyoming Youth of the Year, winning a $5,000 Ruth R. Ellbogen Education Award.

Featured speaker Tom Osborne of Nebraska football fame spoke about the changes that today's youth are dealing with and underlined the importance of programs like the Boys and Girls club provide.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming serves thousands of youth annually at five sites in Casper and one site in Glenrock.

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