Boys Town of California

Boys Town California’s 90^th Anniversary Celebration a Family Affair

Boys Town’s 90^th Anniversary brought the entire Boys Town California family together for a big birthday party.

Youth, staff, Board Members, donors, volunteers and alumni gathered at the Trabuco Canyon campus to reflect on Father Flanagan’s dream and learn about the organization’s plans to save children and heal families.

“The purpose of life is a life with purpose,” said Keith Rhodes, Boys Town California Executive Director.  “To be able to provide 90 years of second chances is an historic moment.”

As guests were treated to breakfast generously donated by Panera Bread, Rhodes spoke about Boys Town’s plans to expand its continuum of family services, and revealed the organization’s new brand and tagline: Boys Town, Saving Children, Healing Families.

The enthusiasm for Boys Town’s new brand was evident when children led the group in a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday,” as Board Member Kendall Mosley and long-time supporter Robin McInnes cut the cake. 

“Memories of my boyhood all came to mind when the logo was displayed,” said Boys Town alumnus Raul Parra, ’64, a member of the Southern California Alumni Chapter. “It is so similar to our initial logo and with the little girl now taking the place of the little boy – what better way to say what Boys Town does.”

“Anything that expands Father Flanagan’s dream to help more kids in California and throughout the country is a great thing,” said Robert Nelson, ’53, who along with his wife, Sandi, and other members of the Southern California Alumni Chapter presented the new Father Flanagan portrait to Boys Town California.

Celebrating 90 years also allowed Boys Town California to recognize the services of three volunteers: Cathy Chapman, Heather Premack, Ann Marie Jennison and Maudi Swanstrom. “Cathy, Heather, Ann Marie and Maudi have been a big support in helping our children and families,” said Teresa Dinh, Boys Town California Development Associate. “They have enriched our lives and we are blessed to have their support.”