Youth Homes Inc. hosted the Eighth Annual Courage Awards Luncheon yesterday at the Panthers Den in Bank of America Stadium. YHI is a non-profit human services agency that “provides foster care, in-home family preservation and counseling, and delinquency prevention services to children and families in crisis.” I had the opportunity to photograph the event for YHI again this year. Click HERE to read about last year’s event. MANY THANKS to Jenny Lloyd for assisting me.
‘In 1989, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation created the Courage House National Support Network for Kids, made up of agencies that provide support and quality care for abused children and their families in each NFL city. Each NFL team chooses a local organization that works with abused and neglected children, and in 1999 the Carolina Panthers named Youth Homes Inc. as the team’s Courage House affiliate. The luncheon features the announcement of the annual Carolina Panthers Ed Block Courage Award Winner, as well as a recognition of a YHI youth or family of courage who has overcome challenges and demonstrated that “Courage is shown on many different playing fields.” ‘ (YHI)
Yesterday’s attendance of 350 people was the best yet!
People dug deep into their pockets to support Youth Homes Inc.’s mission of helping children and families affected by the effects of abuse, poverty, and violence in our community.
Former Carolina Panther Steve Beuerlein was the Honorary Chair of this event. He spoke about YHI’s impact in the Charlotte community and said that he gladly supports their work.
The keynote speaker was former NFL star and pastor Joe Ehrmann, who spoke about the importance of relationships in life. His inspirational speech was a call to action on behalf of those who cannot help themselves: the needy children in our community. He pointed out that it is our responsibility to do what we can to help these children.
Mary Ellen Randall, YHI Director of Marketing and Development, organized the event. Job well done, Mary Ellen! Here she is, greeting a table of attendees.
The 2009 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award is Carolina Panther linebacker, Dan Conner. Congratulations, Dan! His Panthers teammates selected him for this award because he sets a good example of courage and integrity.
Each year the YHI Alumni Courage Award is given to a client of YHI in recognition of his/her courage in the face of adversity. The 2009 recipients of this award are these two brothers, Stephen and Tristan, who had been in foster care for most of their lives until being adopted last year. YHI has been there for them all along the way.
Kevin Donnalley, 2002 Ed Block Award Winner and former Carolina Panther, spoke about the importance of supporting Youth Homes Inc.
Former Panther Mike Rucker, 2007 Ed Block Courage Award Winner, was on hand to sign autographs and congratulate the award winners.
On a lighter note, of course I had to take pictures of the pretty food!
Youth Homes Inc. and the Carolina Panthers are making a difference in children’s lives and I am so thankful that I got to be a part of this event.
by whit
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