Oak Ridge Today

Twenty dragon boat teams ready to race May 31

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Dragon Boat Races

Teams take part in the annual Dragon Boat Festival in Taipei on May 28, 2009. Originally the summer event was a time to ward off bad spirits but now it is a celebration of the life of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet who opposed the corruption of the imperial court. More than 200 teams from Taiwan and abroad will compete in the three-day race. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK LIN (Photo credit should read PATRICK LIN/ AFP/ Getty Images)

 

Commit to a competitive sport and community support. 

That could be the motto of the inaugural Oak Ridge Dragon Boat Festival, a fundraiser for community nonprofit service organizations that will be launched by the three Rotary clubs of Oak Ridge.

Already at least 20 boat teams are being organized, with more expected to register soon at http://oakridge.racedragonboats.com/.

At least 15 companies and organizations have paid or pledged a total of more than $25,000.

The Oak Ridge Dragon Boat Festival will be held Saturday, May 31, at the Oak Ridge Marina and Pavilion in Melton Lake Park. [Read more…]

Boys and Girls Club has Valentines Gala on Saturday

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The Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge will be bringing its annual Valentines Gala back to Oak Ridge this year. The event will be held at St. Mary’s in Columbus Hall and the Gymnasium from 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday. The theme will be The Roaring Twenties, with an authentic time period band and Knox Vegas DJs to entertain the crowd throughout the evening.

“We’re thrilled to bring the club’s largest fundraiser back to town and offer a theme that is sure to be the highlight of the season for Oak Ridgers,” said Aaron Wells, president of the Oak Ridge Unit board of directors. Along with the music, the event will feature a live auction emceed by Bear Stephenson, silent auction, dinner, and several other fun activities, which will help to bring the Roaring Twenties theme into full effect.

This is the Boys and Girls Club’s largest fundraising event and provides a wonderful opportunity for community leaders to come out and show their support while enjoying an evening of upscale fun and dancing. Auction items will include a John Daly autographed golf bag, a trip to Keeneland for the races, and several other unique items. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge. [Read more…]

Boys and Girls Club raffle features Coach Gaddis, $10,000 grand prize

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Joe Gaddis

Football coach Joe Gaddis will be the master of ceremonies at a July 27 reverse raffle for the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy D. Ray Smith)

The Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge is holding a reverse raffle on Saturday, July 27, at Lincoln’s Sports Grille. The grand prize is $10,000.

The special guest master of ceremonies is Oak Ridge High School Football Coach Joe Gaddis.

“If anyone hasn’t had the opportunity to welcome Coach Gaddis back, this would be a great opportunity to do so,” said Ann Likens, chief volunteer officer of the Oak Ridge Unit Board. “This is always a fun event for the people that attend, and we think this year will be even more so. We really want the community to come out, have some fun, and support the Boys and Girls Club.” [Read more…]

Oak Ridge teen competes for Boys and Girls Club state honor

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Jazmyne Maddox

Jazmyne Maddox

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Jazmyne Maddox, a freshman at Oak Ridge High School, was named “Youth of the Year” for the Boys and Girls Club. The highest honor a member can receive, this title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community, and Boys and Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles to overcome. She was selected to compete against other members for the Tennessee “Youth of the Year” title.

As the “Youth of the Year” for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley, Maddox is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys and Girls Clubs of America for their sound character, leadership skills, and willingness to give back to the community. Jazmyne represented her club in Nashville in March. [Read more…]

Boys and Girls Club has Valentines Masquerade Gala tonight

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The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley (formerly Oak Ridge) will hold its Valentines Masquerade Gala tonight at the Rothchild Catering and Conference Center in Knoxville.

This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the club, said Donyell “D.J.” Jones, the club’s chief professional officer.

“The proceeds from this event allow us to continue all of our programs at the club with a larger amount earmarked for our after-school homework help, Teen Programs, and STEM education opportunities,” Jones said.

[Read more…]