Boys Town Central Florida

Santa helps Boys Town Central Florida celebrate the holiday and the organization’s 90th Anniversary.  Click here to view more photos from the event.

Santa Claus Joins Boys Town Central Florida in Celebration of 90^th Anniversary

This year, Santa Claus brought an extra special present to children, families and friends at Boys Town Central Florida.  Boys Town’s new brand, representing its continued care for America’s children and families, was revealed at its 90^th anniversary celebration.   

Nearly 400 people gathered at the site’s Demetree campus for the celebration, where Jessica Rhodes, a youth volunteer, led the crowd in the national anthem.   

“The turnout from the community was certainly record-breaking for the event,” said Greg Zbylut, Boys Town Central Florida Executive Director.  “Everyone got to see for themselves what Boys Town is all about.”

Festivities etertained guests throughout the evening.  Guests were invited to visit the homes and shelters, where they were greeted with meals prepared by the families and given tours by the children.     

“The community comes out and everyone is just blown away when they get to see the homes,” said Gerri Miller, Boys Town Central Florida Administrative Assistant. 

Santa himself attended the celebration, surprising the children by riding in a Mustang Cobra and being escorted onto the campus by a police motorcycle.  Santa lit the 18-foot red palm Christmas tree before delivering candy canes to each home and taking pictures with the children and families.  

The night was made even more special with the attendance of Mary Demetree, the daughter of William Demetree.  Mr. Demetree, a well-known philanthropist in the area, was the original chairman to the first Boys Town Central Florida Board of Trustees, and was also responsible for the donation of land where the Oviedo campus was built.

Members from the local Rotary Club and Cub Scouts made a surprise appearance, delivering Christmas presents for the children.  Guests waited anxiously for yet another surprise when a banner displaying the new brand was dropped before the crowd.  Boys Town youth and employees enjoyed birthday cake and received t-shirts featuring the new brand, which celebrates the 90^th anniversary of Boys Town and its continued commitment to saving children and healing families.

“Overwhelmingly, the crowd was delighted in the organization’s decision to go back to its roots with the return to the Boys Town name,” said Zbylut.