Boys Town North Florida

A child helps decorate the organization’s Christmas Tree as part of the 90^th Anniversary celebration.

North Florida Lights Christmas Tree to Celebrate 90 Years

To help Boys Town residents’ get in the holiday spirit and kick-off the Christmas season, North Florida held its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting December 12, in conjunction with the 90^th Anniversary.

The celebration transformed the usually quiet residential campus into a place of bright lights and loud laughter with a wonderfully decorated Christmas tree. Donors, friends and youth attended the event, not knowing a big announcement was in store.

“This is my first Christmas at Boys Town and I’m excited,” said Martin, a North Florida youth. “I get to be a part of the program by playing ‘Jingle Bells’ on my trombone.”

As guests arrived, Christmas carols played in the air. St. Peters Anglican Church sponsored the Christmas Tree Lighting and served guests chili, hot chocolate and an assortment of desserts.

With the program underway, Ken Bender, Boys Town North Florida Executive Director took to the lectern and addressed the crowd. In his address, Bender said that this night celebrates 90 years of providing help, healing and hope to children and families across America. And with that he unveiled the new Boys Town logo.

Alumnus Mike Vanclouskas, his wife Sharon and Dena Strickland, Boys Town North Florida Development Director, share in the excitement of the new Boys Town brand.

"Tonight sets forth an exciting time for Boys Town," said Bender. "With the new logo, we can move forward with a clear message to the community of who we are and what we do by continuing our work of saving children and healing families."

National board member, June Strauss was especially enthused with the name change. “By changing to Boys Town, we’re going back to our traditions and matching the recognizable name with the unsurpassed quality of services we provide for these hurting children, said Strauss. “It’s an indescribable feeling of happiness.”

“I felt honored to be there and to have the opportunity to share my memories of being at Boys Town with the current class at North Florida,” said Mike Venclouskas, a 1958 Boys Town Alumnus. “Christmas was always a special time at Boys Town, not because of gifts, but the feeling of companionship among the children.”