SYFS Annual Gala and Awards Dinner Dance: You're Invited!

By Judy Diamondstone, Contributing Writer
02/25/2005

Shrewsbury - Shrewsbury's only private, non-profit community services agency has responded to the needs of community residents since 1983, but since its name was changed last summer to Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS), the agency has been transforming the town, offering an expanded array of clinical and educational services to families, including a range of workshops open to all and an after-school program for Shrewsbury youth. The agency now has three full-time, fully-funded staff members: Jeffrey Chin, MSW, executive director; Christine L. Biron, MA, LMHC, clinical director; and Joan Frissora, administrative assistant – only three, but their efforts have been joined by other agencies, local businesses, many volunteers and interns, whose contributions will enhance the civic and family life of Shrewsbury residents for years to come. On March 12, residents can show their appreciation and have a ball at the same time. The SYFS Annual Gala and Awards Dinner Dance will be held to honor the work of the agency, those who have supported it, and those who exemplify the ideals of community service that it represents. This year, State Representative Karyn E. Polito, will receive the SYFS Harry S. Cutting award for her extraordinary contributions to housing and education, to the young and the elderly. Polito has sponsored legislation, raised funds, volunteered her time and expertise to make the community of Shrewsbury a better place for families. The agency has previously honored Harry S. Cutting's service to Shrewsbury by giving the award in his name to individuals and organizations in years past, but this is the first year that it will be awarded at a gala public event.

Outstanding Youth of Shrewsbury Because SYFS has renewed its original commitment to youth, Cathy Sampson, who is chairing the Gala and Awards Dinner Dance, wanted to involve young people in the festivities. Sampson decided that the best way to do that would be to honor those who have shown "commitment to volunteerism" themselves. The awards committee was especially interested in young people who had overcome some degree of adversity and were now giving back to the community. The Outstanding Youth of Shrewsbury Awards will be given to eight high school students who reside in Shrewsbury. Invitations were sent to every high school in the area, public and private, to nominate deserving students. Each award recipient will receive a savings bond, thanks to Central One Federal Credit Union and Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union. In addition, their names will be engraved on a plaque in the SYFS office. Sampson also pointed out that the award will look great on college applications. It is laudable when young people are inspired by their own struggles to help others who are similarly challenged, but the honorable choices young people make are not often recognized by the community at large. It is fitting that SYFS provide the occasion to pay respect to these outstanding youth. Sampson emphasized that the serious work of the agency will be honored with fun and festivities. In a salute to spring, the theme of the evening will be a vacation at sea, so those who attend should wear comfortable cocktail attire for the "cruise." Struck Catering will provide the meal; and the band "Rhythms" will entice attendees to kick up your heels. A cash bar will be open throughout the evening. Exciting donations are still coming in for both a live and silent auction and a raffle. Corporate donors, local businesses and individuals are all contributing items, services, event tickets and their time and expertise in the form of special events and services such as a day on "the hill" with Polito and a birthday party at the fire station. Sampson said that donations will be accepted up until the night of the event. "It's amazing," Sampson said. "Board members are very supportive. Everyone is volunteering." At this rate, she predicted, the event will certainly raise needed funds for SYFS. The first annual Gala and Awards Dinner Dance will be held Saturday, March 12, beginning at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour. For more information, or to order tickets, call (508) 845-6932, or e-mail SYFSGala@aol.com. Learn more about SYFS and the gala by visiting http://www.shrewsburysyfs.org.

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