The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Miss-Lou recently honored their outstanding members for 2007-20008 at the Steak & Stake Awards Dinner on April 3.

It was a great evening and a terrific success, in part because of the contributions of some outstanding members of our community and we want to recognize several people for their time, support and true generosity.

René Adams and Stratton Hall created and orchestrated a beautiful event with Andrea Cater, Mary Williams, Clarence Green of the Natchez Convention Center, the Key Club and Mayor’s Youth Council members, Jim Sanders, Barbara Lomasky, and the other terrific volunteers who participated.

Von Hutchins, Natchez native and NFL star, took time out of training with his new team, the Atlanta Falcons, to share his story — and signed autographs till the very end.

The beautiful voices of the Morgantown Maestros, under the direction of Ms. Susie Ellis, and the dynamic dances of the Diamond Princess Steppers, sponsored by Ms. Bell Varner, entertained and inspired everyone — kids and adults alike!

Thank you to the kids — the club members — who worked so hard all year, and the parents who entrusted the care of their children with The Boys & Girls Clubs.

Most of all, we want to thank you — our community — who reached into your hearts and your wallets and gave so generously. We could not have done it without you.

We could not provide the crucial services we offer for children in our community without your ongoing support. The Boys & Girls Clubs exist — locally and throughout the world — to provide a safe place for kids to learn and grow, with adult, professional guidance and supervision.

The mission — “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens” — could not be more important than it is right now.

As I listened to the candidates at the recent political forum talking about the most important issues facing our community, every one of them spoke of the vital need to make significant improvements in educational opportunities for our children — all our children.

The Boys & Girls Clubs help address that need directly by providing after-school programs in homework assistance and tutoring with adult professionals — teachers — guiding them. In addition, they offer other life-enhancing core programs which include character and leadership, career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation.

To the many generous and caring individuals and businesses who support The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Miss-Lou with your time, talent and resources — thank you. To the many others who are interested in helping us make a difference in the future of our children — and therefore our community — we invite you to call or visit The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Miss-Lou, 601-304-5548; e-mail boysmiss@bellsouth.net.

Jennifer Ogden is a supporter of The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Miss-Lou.