Amherst FBLA Club Honored for Philanthropy

On Tuesday, November 14^th, the Future Business Leaders of America club of ARHS was honored as part of a National Philanthropy Day ceremony. Held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, a number of individuals and groups from the Western Mass area, including FBLA, were awarded for their philanthropy efforts. FBLA earned their award under the category of Outstanding Young Philanthropists.

FBLA was recognized for its Canes for the Cure campaign that has raised several thousands of dollars over the last few years for the Cancer Care Program and Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. FBLA chose the project because of the prevalence of cancer in our society. Said co-president James Kirwan in his acceptance, “Cancer is something that affects everyone, through their family or through their friends.”

The group from ARHS was just one of an outstanding collection of people attending the ceremony who have been helping to make our world a better place for years. As put by president of the program Gary Coombs, “No one is required to give… [People] do this through the goodness of their hearts.”

Host Dave Madsen, referring to the honorees, added that, “There is no price tag on the invaluable hours of community service work that they have given.” However, the people and organizations that were honored for their selflessness were just as grateful for those who had helped them in their own lives. Many had built relationships through their community service work that inspired them to continue their work in greater depth. Honorees stressed that participation in community service was not a chore, but something to enjoy and to take pride in.

It was truly an honor to be in company of so many great citizens who have had such a lasting impact on the communities around them. Their influence serves as a reminder that community service is something that everyone can and should participate in, and as an inspiration of what can be accomplished with a bit of will power and a good heart. “You will leave with an appreciation for the significant differences that these people have made in their Western Mass communities,” said Coombs.