On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier hosted its 35th Annual Gala Auction at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, where the first annual Lee Owens Award was presented to one of our community’s most benevolent and extraordinary couples, Don and Madeline Heimark.

 

“The Lee Owens Award has been created to recognize a recipient from within the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier’s service area who exemplifies Lee’s own Spirit of Giving.  For more than 30 years, Lee, the former publisher of the Whittier Daily News, was an avid cheerleader for the Cub’s growth and development and a grand supporter who always stepped up when there was a need.  But most of all he was a compassionate man who wanted to see our youth have a safe and fun place to call their own…a  place that was founded on respect for others, belief in talents, and the potential for all,” shared Samantha Ridout, Executive Director.

 

Recipients, Don and Madeline Heimark have given unselfishly of themselves over the years to better the lives of the children served by the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier, and through that generosity have inspired others to greater commitment and involvement with the Club.  Don Heimark has been a member of the Board of Directors for more than 22 years, providing outstanding leadership including serving as President for two years and Madeline has joined Don and hosted many fabulous events at their house on behalf of our youth. 

 

“Don and Madeline’s passion to improve the lives of our community’s children has made them stand out among their peers and that is why we are delighted to honor them with this very special award,” commented Theola Kirshenbaum, President.

 

The funds raised through the Gala Auction enables the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier Club to continue providing and strengthening programs such as Power Hour (homework and tutoring), Leaders-In-Training, and Club Tech (movie making, music mixing, photo editing, etc), all of which enables the Club to have life-changing impact on our children.  “There is no greater mission than caring for our community’s children, especially during these tough economic times when parents need the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier more than ever,” said Samantha Ridout.