SARATOGA SPRINGS -- The Saratoga Center for the Family concluded its observance of National Child Abuse Prevention month by presenting its sixth annual Child Advocate of the Year award to Philly Dake at the Holiday Inn Saturday.
The Saratoga Center for the Family provides prevention programs and counseling services to children who have been abused and neglected. One of the unique aspects of its offerings is the Child Advocacy Center which provides a central, child-friendly location for the investigation and treatment of child sexual and physical abuse.
Board chair Bill Lucarelli welcomed the 100-plus guests and introduced last year's award winner, Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy, who detailed many of Dake's contributions to the community. She spearheaded the founding of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, chaired various fundraising campaigns and invented Stewart's Shops popular 'Make Your Own Sundae.'
Dake was surrounded by her family, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Susan Dake, daughter-in-law Pernille Aegidius Dake and sister, Patty Howard. She accepted a sterling silver pin modeled after the Center for the Family logo, which was crafted especially for her by local jeweler Dennis DeJonghe. Dake noted that 'Family comes first, no matter what.'
Dake's roots in the community run deep, as evidenced by the friends, including longtime friend and former neighbor Dottie Atwell of Greenfield, who came to pay tribute to her. Also in attendance were the members of her bridge club -- June Wright, Peg Mathiesen, Margaret Eddy, Rhoda Nimsker, Nancy Bickelhaupt, Julie Donahue and Mary Mathers -- most of whom have played with her weekly for more than 50 years.
Other special guests included Darrice and John Kelley and their son, Davey. After hearing about Davey's efforts to raise funds for the Center for the Family by establishing coin drops at local convenience stores, Dake invited Davey and his parents to attend the event as her guests. Davey also participated in the walk-a-thon held earlier in the day. He now has a team of 60 helpers who assist him in collecting donations and delivering them to the center's offices.
The evening's entertainment was provided by the talented Saratoga Springs High School Jazz Combo.
©The Saratogian 2005
Board chair Bill Lucarelli welcomed the 100-plus guests and introduced last year's award winner, Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy, who detailed many of Dake's contributions to the community. She spearheaded the founding of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, chaired various fundraising campaigns and invented Stewart's Shops popular 'Make Your Own Sundae.'
Dake was surrounded by her family, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Susan Dake, daughter-in-law Pernille Aegidius Dake and sister, Patty Howard. She accepted a sterling silver pin modeled after the Center for the Family logo, which was crafted especially for her by local jeweler Dennis DeJonghe. Dake noted that 'Family comes first, no matter what.'
Dake's roots in the community run deep, as evidenced by the friends, including longtime friend and former neighbor Dottie Atwell of Greenfield, who came to pay tribute to her. Also in attendance were the members of her bridge club -- June Wright, Peg Mathiesen, Margaret Eddy, Rhoda Nimsker, Nancy Bickelhaupt, Julie Donahue and Mary Mathers -- most of whom have played with her weekly for more than 50 years.
Other special guests included Darrice and John Kelley and their son, Davey. After hearing about Davey's efforts to raise funds for the Center for the Family by establishing coin drops at local convenience stores, Dake invited Davey and his parents to attend the event as her guests. Davey also participated in the walk-a-thon held earlier in the day. He now has a team of 60 helpers who assist him in collecting donations and delivering them to the center's offices.
The evening's entertainment was provided by the talented Saratoga Springs High School Jazz Combo.
No comments:
Post a Comment