“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”— John Fitzgerald Kennedy

There are few things in life that have more purpose than helping to enrich the lives of others. Greater than that is being able to support children so that they can grow and prosper into happy and productive people. There are many organizations whose primary purpose is to help foster and support youths.

On Tuesday, April 8, more than 100 people from various organizations and charities gathered at the stunning and historic Morris Graves Museum of Art for the Humboldt Sponsors’ reception to award its 2008 grants, which totaled more than $80,000 and went to 62 local groups serving more than 32,000 children.

Representatives from the Boy Scouts, Easter Seals, Eureka Youth Symphony, Big Brother Big Sister, Eureka Babe Ruth, Bridgeville Music Ensemble, The Discovery Museum, Eureka City Schools and North Coast Dance were on hand to accept grants for their worthy organizations.

Attendees Jennifer Taylor, Eddie Morgan, Jessica Whatcott, Kate Green, Susan Hansen, Joe Kencke, Judy Harrison, Rudy Davis, Gene Holt, Cherie Arkley, Nancy Flemming, Gailey Browning, Lynette Sheldrake and Beverley Wolfe chatted with fellow guests while enjoying the light appetizers in anticipation of the upcoming award ceremony. Humboldt Sponsor Robyn Petursha attended the day’s event with twin sons Connor and Logan. Sponsor Marsha Daly proudly smiled and posed with son Ken Kurwitz and grandson Nathan, who were receiving a grant for Boy Scout Troop 54. Scout 54’s grant award is earmarked for summer camp.

Once everyone took their seats, they were welcomed with opening remarks by Humboldt Sponsors President Susan Hardie. Grants co-Chairpersons JoAnn Hanson and Louise Goof had the honor of introducing each of the day’s recipients, shaking their hand and presenting them with their grant check. The needs for the monies ranged from everyday essentials to giving children a chance to visit college campuses with the intent to inspire them to continue to work hard. It was a fun, uplifting event seeing and hearing the excitement of the recipients. It truly put a face on how, where and what all the hard work was for.

Humboldt Sponsors is a local nonprofit group that works to provide money to support the youths of Humboldt County. Humboldt Sponsors has been helping local charities for more than 38 years. Its slogan is: “We do good things for local kids,” which was completely apparent at the day’s ceremony.

Congratulations!

About Town provides lively coverage of Humboldt County’s social events, style, galas, charity events, hot property, restaurants and other happenings about town. Paulette Hawkins can be reached at abouttown@eurekareporter.com. Opinions expressed in columns do not necessarily represent the views of The Eureka Reporter or its staff.