Typically, nights when awards are handed out are reserved for adults.
Wednesday night was about the kids.
The Baker Youth Club held its annual awards dinner at its location on West Market Street in Warsaw.
More than 450 people crowded the BYC’s gym to see more than 40 kids recognized.
Those in attendance dined on a meal provided by Bo and Tanna Wright’s Rozie Deli.
The likes of Kent Adams, Winona Lake clerk-treasurer; Cindy Dobbins, Warsaw city councilman; and Rebecca Kubacki, state representative, were on hand.
An auction was held to help raise money for the BYC.
The night’s big winners were Andrew Southworth and Tara Dove, who earned BYC Boy and Girl of the Year honors.
Sophia Guerra and Zachary Stavedahl were runnersup.
The Warsaw Rotary Club recognized Warsaw boys basketball coach Doug Ogle with the Pete Thorn Award.
More than 40 kids were recognized with such honors as Boys and Girls of the Month, Gym Rats, Frequent Flyers, Helping Hands, Study Bugs, BYC Achievers and Care Awards.
The BYC’s board of directors and staff were recognized during Wednesday’s dinner.
During his remarks, BYC Executive Director Tracy Furnivall said that in one year, the club served 5,750 meals, handed out more than 5,000 free snacks and on average had 30 kids in homework help each day.
“We’re blessed to live in the community we do,” said Furnivall.
BYC currently operates its Warsaw location with more than 400 members along with satellite locations in Syracuse, North Webster and Claypool.
In total, BYC serves more than 500 kids in the community.
BYC also plans to open up satellite locations in Milford and Leesburg next year.
Potential sites also may open in Pierceton and Mentone.
Next year, all satellite clubs will be open four days a week.
Warsaw Community Church donated 40 tables for the event and Ace Hardware provided flowers for each table.
Follow staff writer Daniel Riordan on Twitter at @TUNews_Riordan
