Members of sixty-five Boyertown Area Community Groups gathered at the Boyertown Museum of Historical Vehicles for a thanks and recognition breakfast on Oct. 1. Since 1997 a million dollars in grants has been received by the many area service groups.
These grants have enabled the groups to do much for the community.
In 1997 a trust was formed from monies given by the Boyer Family Foundation and the Boyertown Community Trust. It was then, the Berks County Community Foundation was retained to manage the funds. Welcoming the group was Jake Lea, President of Building a Better Boyertown. ‘What a fine October morning to recognize this momentous occasion and thank the BCCF, the many service organizations around the area who work for little or no recognition and notice the hundreds of volunteer hours. This is one a special town.’
Taking the podium to give the opening and invocation was Charles Haddad, BBB Chair. Choosing to do things a little differently, Haddad informed the group they would have to sing for their breakfast. Before leading everyone in God Bless America Haddad spoke of renewed patriotism, of days, dates and images forever etched in the minds of Americans. Pearl Harbor, Kennedy’s assassination and of course September 11th. Before declaring the breakfast line open Haddad prayed with group. ‘Lord we serve because we care. We serve because we can. We serve because in serving others, we serve you.’
The group shared in fellowship and good food often speaking of future projects and the latest hopes for upcoming fundraisers before Kevin Murphy, President of the BCCF introduced the events guest speaker David Myers, Director of the O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership, & Public Service of Alvernia University.
Myers has been working with the BCCF to create the Berks Vital Signs Community Indicators Report. The report offers a broad picture of certain key areas around the county. Myers while addressing the group, stated there are areas of concern in the county such as poverty, obesity, teen pregnancy, struggling schools and poor dental care, but these areas of concern should be seen as opportunities.
Myers also noted there are some very strong positives. Berks County has a very large civically involved population. ‘We have some significant challenges or as some people call them opportunities for people to get engaged. Berks has people willing to work and give what it takes to make a healthy successful community. A place with homes, jobs, assets, healthcare, safe streets, art and sense of identity. A million dollars! Congratulations, that is very impressive.’
The BBB would like to specially thank Loretta Wolf and the Boyertown Museum of Historical Vehicles for all their help with the event.
