South Lake Tahoe, Cali. – The Bright Futures Awards Ceremony, held at the Angel of Tahoe Building on Wednesday, April 26th, was a wonderful event for Club members, staff, donors and community partners. With over 100 people in attendance, the Club celebrated 15 awardees and all supporters who attended. Annika Orr, Bijou Club member, was joined by her mother Dr. Jamie Orr, owner of Untethered Workspace and a strong community partner, as the masters of ceremonies for the evening.
A huge thank you to the evening’s sponsor Untethered Workspace. Untethered Workspace, located in Round Hill, is the newest coworking space on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. By opening in 2021, it became the first of its kind in Douglas County, Nevada. Founded by Chet and Trevor Pipkin along with David and Jamie Orr, Untethered provides not only an amazing professional workspace, but a hub for entrepreneurs and the local community. Their $25,000 match donation launched on April 25, 2023 and will continue through June 30, 2023. The hope is to raise $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. Please visit bgclt.org/team-awesome to donate.
Two very special awards were presented at this event. The Volunteer of the Year Award, named in honor of founding member and 32 years on the Board, Jeff Tillman. The Jeff Tillman Award will be given annually to someone who has contributed above and beyond for the benefit of the local youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. In his speech he stated, “The first time I saw a child smile, I knew we were doing the right thing. And I’ve never looked back.”
The “Angel of Tahoe” Award, named in honor of the late Lisa Maloff, honors everything she did to support the Club from purchasing vehicles, to throwing the end of summer party, to making the Angel of Tahoe building a reality. A very moving presentation by Ricky Reich to honor this year’s recipients, Club founders and donors for the Angel of Tahoe Building’s Art Room, Debbie and Kirk Ledbetter.
All Bright Future Awardees:
Mr. Pedro Lopez – Impact Award: Most fun & effective programs, 18 years of service
Theresa Papandrea – Community Program Partner: T.A.S.K.
Cristina Luquin & Alejandra Girón – Community Program Partner: 4-H/Cal-Fresh
Nolan Hall (STMS, 6th Grade)- Teen Volunteer of the Year: Most hours volunteered
Jeff Tillman – Volunteer of the Year Award, the “Jeff Tillman Award”
A.W.E.S.O.M.E Award Recipients:
Rhett Tillson (Sierra House, 5th Grade)- A: Accountable for My Actions
Skyla Maher (Magnet, 3rd Grade)- W: Welcoming to All
Kalirae Brown (Bijou, 1st Grade)- E: Everyone is Valued
Zoelle Zunino (Magnet, 5th Grade)- S: Safe & Supportive
Gabe Marianelli (Bijou, 4th Grade)- O: Open & Honest
Evelyn Andreson (STMS, 6th Grade)- M: Make Smart Choices
Melanie Sanchez (Tahoe Valley, 3rd Grade)- E: Excited for Fun
Debbie & Kirk Ledbetter – “Angel of Tahoe Award”
Madison McGuire (STMS, 6th Grade) – Junior Youth of the Year: Leadership Readiness Program, Ages 10-13
The Bright Futures Awards Ceremony will continue to be an annual event, with the next one on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. To support the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe’s mission, please donate on their website: bgclt.org/team-awesome.
