Spaulding Youth Center Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon and Recognizes Community Award Recipients
November 25, 2019
Northfield, NH – Spaulding Youth Center recently hosted their annual Thanksgiving luncheon on campus for all students, campus staff, supporters, community partners and friends.
The Spaulding Youth Center Dining Services department spent two weeks preparing for the event, which included making a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The holiday meal was then proudly served with excitement by Spaulding Youth Center students.
This annual Thanksgiving feast is a favorite tradition for those both on and off campus. Its popularity is demonstrated by the sheer number in attendance, which was larger for this luncheon than in recent years. This year, the Thanksgiving dinner accommodated 255 attendees comprised of 86 students and 169 staff members and guests who celebrated in three separate seating opportunities throughout the afternoon. To feed these attendees, the Dining Services department used:
- Six whole turkeys and eight turkey breasts which were sponsored by Atlantic Broadband
- Five 3lb stuffing bags
- Ten 26oz potato bags
- Eight 2.5lb peas & onions bags
- Twelve 4lb squash bags
- Five 7.5oz cranberry sauce cans
- 275 dinner rolls
- 217 pieces of apple, pumpkin and pecan pie
“The Thanksgiving season is one of the favorites here on campus for both our students and staff. This annual event on campus is a special way for students, staff and community supporters to spend time together reflecting, celebrating and giving thanks during this wonderful time of year,” said Susan C. Ryan, President & CEO of Spaulding Youth Center. “Our team also enjoys taking the time to recognize the community partners who provide ongoing support of our mission. Their charitable giving and loyalty to our organization is appreciated more than words can say.”
As part of this year’s celebration, Spaulding Youth Center also recognized two community award recipients for their extensive and ongoing support over the years. The 14th Annual You’ve Got a Friend Award was presented to Lakes Region Riding Academy, a dedicated supporter who provides several equine programs to Spaulding students in Gilford, New Hampshire. One of these programs, Healing with Horses, provides residential students a therapeutic opportunity to create emotional bonds with the horses and encourages social skill and confidence development in a positive atmosphere. Another program offers both horseback riding and horsemanship to build vocational skills and self-confidence for Spaulding children and youth facing behavioral, emotional and physical challenges.
The 12th Annual Arthur H. Nighswander Community Partner Award recipient was presented to Patrick Clark, an active member of the Spaulding Youth Center Board of Trustees since 2008. Mr. Clark served as treasurer of the board for eight years and has been a devoted supporter of our organization since his appointment. The Arthur H. Nighswander Community Partner Award serves as a celebration of an individual or organization that has provided significant assistance to Spaulding Youth Center and is named after a former Spaulding board member to honor his longtime support.
In addition to the delicious Thanksgiving feast and celebratory award presentations, Spaulding announced its first-ever participation in AmazonSmile Charity Lists. These Charity Lists enable Amazon shoppers to purchase and donate needed items directly to the campus. Each list includes a variety of items curated to support different areas of the organization, such as the school, residential, gym, music & arts, and EChO. Visit smile.amazon.com and enter ‘Spaulding Youth Center’ as the charity of choice to gain access to these curated Charity Lists. No matter how big or small, your purchase will make a difference in the lives of the children and youth we serve.
About Spaulding Youth Center
Spaulding Youth Center is a leading provider of services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning and/or developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and those who have experienced significant trauma, abuse or neglect. Services include academic, behavioral health, residential, foster care, health and wellness and family support. Spaulding Youth Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For information about Spaulding Youth Center, visit www.spauldingyouthcenter.org.
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