WESTFIELD-Kellie Brown, director of operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, was the center of attention Wednesday night as she received an elite award.
Kellie Brown, center, shares the Maytag Dependable Leader Award with her staff members.
During festivities which included an open house that marked the club’s 25th anniversary, Brown accepted a $20,000 financial grant for receiving a 2016 Maytag Dependable Leader Award. The funds will be used to award scholarships to deserving club members so they can advance their talents and thrive in their passions. The scholarships cover a variety of special areas including the arts, leadership skills, and education enhancement.
Jose Roman, program director, had nominated Brown for the prestigious award. Brown is one of 12 winners nationwide to receive this year’s distinction which recognizes Boys & Girls Club officials who are committed to making a difference as dependable and exceptional role models.
Jose Roman, program director at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, nominated Kellie Brown for the elite Maytag Dependable Leader Award. Brown was recognized for winning the award Wednesday night.
Roman had noted that for more than a decade, Brown has been the “heart and soul” of the club, and each year during the holiday season in particular, she helps organize multiple “joyous events” for club members to ensure they receive food and gifts. Roman added that Brown had also coordinated a Secret Santa delivery one year for which donors purchased gifts for kids who otherwise might not have received one. Brown and the donors delivered each gift directly to the child’s door.
“Kellie is a dynamic, selfless leader at our club,” said Roman. “Every day she tirelessly dedicates time to helping our staff and our members with what they need to feel motivated to reach their full potential. No matter what, Kellie finds a way to brighten people’s lives.”
During the course of the evening, staff shared fond memories of how Brown gives back at a moment’s notice. One example in which Brown demonstrated her selflessness was when the club hired a new staff member, who needed to fly cross country for a family emergency. The staff member did not have paid time off to use and could not afford the flights without a paycheck. Without hesitation, Brown gave away her own paid vacation days so the staff member could afford the airfare and spend much-needed time with loved ones.
Kellie Brown, center, is surrounded by her family who attended the festive affair.
“Kellie’s dedication and admiration for our club kids and staff members radiates from her constant positivity, committed time for others and contagious smile,” said Roman. “Without a doubt, Kellie is an extraordinary role model in our community and someone people can count on every single day.”
Bill Parks, executive director, presented the award to Brown who was overcome with emotion.
“We all do things because we want to and I have been community minded since I was 10,” said Brown, who reiterated a story about her father’s commitment to those less fortunate on Thanksgiving.
“As the day passed I was hungry and wanted to eat our Thanksgiving meal but my dad hadn’t arrived back home,” said Brown. “When my dad came home I overheard my mom asking him if all the ‘baskets’ had been delivered and he said ‘yes.’ When I realized why my dad was late for our Thanksgiving dinner, I realized from that moment I wanted to be like my dad.”
Kellie Brown thanked all of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield supporters and staff during an awards presentation for all they do for the club members.
Brown said her “community” is now wide ranging, from her own family who attended the event to support her, to her Kiwanis Club family, as well as the kids at the club and her staff.
“With the $20,000 I feel like a kid in a candy store,” said Brown, adding that all areas of the club will benefit from the generous donation.
“It is my honor to accept this award and it is an honor to be a part of the Boys and Girls Club,” said Brown.
The Maytag Dependable Leader Award allows the Maytag brand to give back to Boys & Girls Club professionals and volunteers across the country who give tirelessly to their local communities, according to Laura Somers, brand manager, Maytag, in a statement.
“It is our honor to recognize Kellie Brown for her exemplary efforts and support to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield,” said Somers in a statement.
In addition to Brown’s recognition, several annual awards were also presented by the board of directors, including:
- The President’s Award, given to Daniel Burack of Tekoa Country Club for his dedication and contribution to the mission of the club. Board president Mike Coffey noted that Burack was elected to the board in 2013, and has volunteered at special events including the annual Thanksgiving dinner for club families and has cooked and served burgers at the Test Drive event. Also, Burack hosted the State Youth of the Year Awards dinner at Tekoa, and has hosted the Golf Expo, made Tekoa golf course available for the annual club tournament at an affordable cost, and provided personal financial support of the ONE Campaign as well as the Raise the Roof Campaign.
Daniel Burack receives the President’s Award from Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield Board President Mike Coffey and Bill Parks, executive director.
- The Helping Hand Award was presented to the Sardinha Family and Dunkin’ Donuts for the family’s continued personal and financial support since 2002 when Paul Sardinha was elected as a corporator, and was elected to the board of directors. In 2006, Emanuel “Manny” Sardinha agreed to serve as a member of the board of directors and continues the Sardinha family tradition to help the club. In 2007, the Sardinha family was inducted into the club’s Wall of Fame acknowledging their continued support. Since 2006, the club has benefitted from more than $150,000 in contributions through the Sardinha Family and Dunkin’ Donuts of Westfield which includes their donation box program in each store. Also, Parks noted in his remarks that through a family commitment led by Joao Sardinha, the family has been inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Milbank Society, and are recognized nationally for their support of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
Emanuel “Manny” Sardinha and his daughter, Victoria Sardinha, receive the Helping Hand Award from Bill Parks, executive director, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
- The Wall of Fame Award was presented by Parks and Coffey to the Sarat Family which has supported the annual golf tournament since 1995. Parks noted the family contributes through their business Sarat Ford Lincoln, and individual family members consistently make a donation to the annual ONE Campaign. Also, Jeff Sarat was elected to the board in 2011, joined the executive committee in 2014 as board development chair, and in 2015 became vice president. Parks noted that Jeff Sarat and his family have been long-time contributors to club events and campaigns, as well as supporters of the Dueling Pianos event each year.
The Sarat Family was recognized with the Wall of Fame Award by Mike Coffey and Bill Parks during an awards presentation Wednesday night at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
More than 130 invited guests attended the festive affair which included dinner and dessert stations and tours of all classrooms and social areas. Parks closed out the evening by thanking everyone for their contributions to the club and reminded everyone about the importance of spreading the word about the daily success stories at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
