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On the Town
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”
Observer –June 29 –Breeze – July 3
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I remember as a kid growing up in California going to the movies and seeing Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney in the movie "Men of BoysTown”. The movie was about Father Flanagan’s BoysTown in Omaha, Nebraska and was a real tearjerker. I know some of my readers are old enough to remember the movie.
On December 12, 1917, Father Flanagan opened his first Boys’ Home in a run-down Victorian mansion in Omaha. In 1921, the Boys’ Home moved to Overlook Farm, its present location near 139th and West Dodge Road. The Girls and BoysTown’s history is of helping abused, abandoned and neglected children. What began as a small home for homeless boys has grown into a nationwide organization with 19 sites in 15 states and the District of Columbia, providing more than 47,000 children each year with a safe, caring, loving environment where they gain confidence and skills to lead a productive life. . The Girls and BoysTown’s history is of helping abused, abandoned and neglected children. What began as a small home for homeless boys has grown into a nationwide organization with 19 sites in 15 states and the District of Columbia, providing more than 47,000 children each year with a safe, caring, loving environment where they gain confidence and skills to lead a productive life.
In addition to the movie, "Men of Boys Town”, in the 1960’s, The Hollies recorded one of their only hits, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”. The song brought national attention to the Boys’ home. Today, Father Flanagan’s Girls and Boys’ Town is America’s largest privately funded organization serving severely at-risk, abused, abandoned and neglected children. “The nonprofit, nonsectarian organization provides these children with a safe, caring, loving environment where they gain confidence to get better and learn skills to become productive citizens”. Now 90-years strong, Girls and Boys’ Town continues to carry on Father Flanagan’s mission to bring help, healing and hope to America’s children. |
Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches
The State of Florida has its own “Boys’ Town”. It is called the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch. Thousands of boys, girls and their families have benefited from statewide services since the original boys ranch campus of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches was established in 1957. The organization currently runs six residential programs throughout the State. The mission statement of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch is to “prevent juvenile delinquency and develop a lawful and productive citizen through a broad range of family-centered services.”
“Battle of the Badges”
I received a letter from Volusia County Sheriff Ben F. Johnson asking for some help in support of an upcoming event. I would like to share it with you.
Throughout the year, the Volusia County Sheriff’s office works very hard to keep our communities safe and to preserve the well-being of our citizens and visitors. One day each year the men and women of the Sheriff’s office set aside their very busy schedules to come together in a common effort aimed at improving the quality of life for thousands of at-risk youth across Florida receiving residential and counseling services from the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch.
On this special day the Sheriff’s office hosts a fundraiser known as the “Battle of the Badges”, which in past years was comprised of a popular charity school race and demolition derby. As we know, this event took a heartbreaking and tragic turn last year when Lake County Sheriff Chris Daniels, a passionate supporter of the Youth Ranches, was tragically killed in an accident during the school bus race.
Honoring Chris’s memory, legacy of community service and leadership in raising support for the youth ranches, this year the Sheriff’s office feels compelled to move beyond its grief and identify another event to sustain this worthy program. Last year, the “Battle of the Badges” raised more than $81,000 in support of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and this year holds great promise for continued success.
“Battle of the Badges” Inshore Fishing Tournament
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Charity Committee is planning the “Battle of the Badges” Inshore Fishing Tournament on Saturday, September 22, 2007, on the Indian River in NewSmyrnaBeach. With a lot of community help and support, this event will be even more successful in raising the funds that are so vital to the continued provision of the many programs that serve the “at-risk” children throughout the state.
I encourage you to do two things. One, go on the web site for Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and check out the wonderful things that are being done by this organization. Two, through your support of this tournament, you or your business can show appreciation for the important work being done at the six youth ranch campuses across the state. By the way, one of those youth camps is right here in VolusiaCounty where thousands of our children attend programs and summer camps.
Sponsorships
There are several levels of sponsorships. Surely there is one that fits your pocketbook. If you need any additional information contact Captain David Brannon at the Sheriff’s Office and he will be happy to answer any questions you might have. The Captain can be reached at (386)-547-5479 or by his
e-mail at at dbrannon@vcso.us. You can also visit the event’s web site at www.badgebattle.com where official tournament information and rules can be downloaded.
If you’re a fisherman this would have to be a wonderful day of sport, with the added advantage of doing something good for your community. If you’re not a fisherman, think about the good you can do by making a contribution to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.
I’ll write something about this event later in the summer so you’ll remember to put it on your calendar.
See you “On the Town” next week.
Dr. Richard (Rick) Martorano is an educator, entertainment producer and performer. He has a talent agency, Music. Etc. And produces Celebrity events throughout Central Florida. He can be reached at the Observer 427 1000 or at Rjaem2222@bellsouth.net. His web page is http://www.rmartoranoproductions.com/
