Boys & Girls Club Blog

March 29, 2023

Recognizing Commitment to the Mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh

Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh recognizes an outstanding staff member, board member, volunteer or Club supporter and local business all of whom go above and beyond in their support of the Club’s mission. We’d like to extend each of the following winners of our 2022 Distinguished Awards a heartfelt congratulations and our sincerest thanks for all you do!

Elks Lodge #292 was presented with the Award of Merit which goes to a volunteer or contributor who has made an extraordinary contribution of time and/or resources. One of the goals of the Elks Lodge is to invest in the community through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, and improve their quality of life. Elks Lodge #292 has contributed to our Club for over 6 years, including volunteering, providing school supplies, making Easter baskets for kids, supporting young moms with meals, spending time with teens, and sponsoring our Alumni’s Golf Outing. Each Christmas, they put together and deliver 100 Christmas Food Boxes with toys. During the pandemic in 2020, they donated $1,500 in grocery gift cards for families. For the last 5 years, Elks Lodge #292 has been providing winter boots to our Club members at no cost. Not only do they purchase the boots but they also go shopping with our kids, helping them try on boots and find ones that match their individual styles. These shopping trips have meant so much to our members. Elks Lodge #292 has raised a total of $15,500 to help 250 kids get new winter boots.

Kris Larson and Becket’s was presented with the Kids & Community Award which goes to an individual or business that has demonstrated community leadership in supporting the mission of the Club. Kris Larson and the team at Becket’s have been friends and champions of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh for over 14 years. Kris’s passion for the Club has shown in many ways over the last few years, especially in 2022. This past summer, Kris provided catering for the Club’s Afternoon Tea event in support of Club girls. The girls were delighted with the delicious lunch Kris put together. When Kris heard the Club was expanding its building, he wanted to know how he could help and chose the Club to be the benefactor of his fall “Grilling with Beer” event. The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh and Kris also share another special connection. Wagner’s Meat Market, Kris’ other business, currently resides in the same building space the Club did when it first opened its doors in 1970. In 2020, Kris allowed the Club to put up its 50th Anniversary mural outside of Wagner’s Meat Market and went out of his way to help the Club navigate the process with the City of Oshkosh. Kris and his team truly love the Club and believe in the value it brings to Oshkosh.

Jeff Trembly was presented with the J.R. Vette Friend of Youth Award which is named in memory of Lifetime Board Member J.R. Vette and goes to a board member who has put forth outstanding efforts to further the mission of the Club. Jeff Trembly has served on the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh Board of Directors since 2008. He is co-owner, vice president, and CFO of Oshkosh Coil Spring, Inc., his family’s business. He and his wife, Ann, have been long-term friends of the Club and are active on several non-profit boards in the community. Jeff joined the Club’s board of directors because he wanted to “give back to the community and make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of youth”. Jeff has served on the Club’s finance committee for many years and has taken on an expanded board president role since 2020. He has also served as treasurer and on our capital campaign, building, and board development committees, and mentors new board members. Jeff can be found at numerous Club events from Thanksgiving and Christmas parties to member graduation parties, on Club tours and much more.

Adam Cummings was presented with the Professional Service Award which goes to a Boys & Girls Club staff member who’s rendered exceptionally devoted service. Adam Cummings has been with the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh for 15 years. He has worn many hats, including working the front desk, youth development, and after-school site coordination. For the last three years, Adam has assisted with our Drivers Education Program by guiding members through classes and helping them get their temps and licenses. Adam always goes above and beyond to help his team members. He has begun taking on more facilities duties to assist our Director of Facilities, creating a pipeline for the position in the future. Adam enjoys having fun every day with kids and his coworkers and is always there to make our kids smile and offer support.

In addition, the Club would like to recognize and thank the following Board Members for their dedication to our mission to improve the lives of children & families. The Club is very grateful for your service!

Board Service Award: 35 years
Dave Elbing, Lifetime Board Member

Board Service Award, 10 years:
Julie Conrad-Peters, Oshkosh Area School District

Board Service Award, 5 Years:
Noah Hinrichs, Thrivent

By Katie Talken
Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives