Boys & Girls Club Blog

March 13, 2025

Each year, the Club recognizes an outstanding staff member, board member, volunteer/Club supporter and local business all of whom go above and beyond in their support of the Club’s mission. We extend each of our 2024 Distinguished Award winners a heartfelt congratulations and our sincerest thanks for all you do!

Heather Holly-Pinnow was awarded 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.  

Heather Holly-Pinnow and her husband, Tim, own Pinnow Sheet Metal Company. Since joining the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh Board of Directors in 2010, Heather has been a passionate advocate for youth, deeply committed to the Club’s mission of improving the lives of children and families.

Beyond her role as a board member, Heather served as Board President from 2019 to 2020 and has been an active member of the Club’s executive committee, exceeding term expectations. She has represented the Club at numerous conferences and played a vital role in fundraising efforts. She has organized the Silent Auction for WineFeast and, alongside her Service League of Oshkosh group, volunteered to teach classes for Club girls for our Character, Empowerment & Afternoon Tea program.

Heather spearheaded the effort to establish a Little Free Pantry at the Club, ensuring families in need have access to essential items. She also adopts Club families at Christmas, bringing joy and support to those who need it most during the holiday season. Additionally, she has volunteered as a judge and handed out awards at the Youth of the Year Dinner, as well as helped with the Club Family Christmas Party.

Heather’s unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity continue to make a lasting impact on the Club and the community.

The Service League of Oshkosh 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. 

The Service League of Oshkosh has been a dedicated friend, volunteer, and supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh for many years. Its members have made a meaningful impact through generous financial contributions and active participation in numerous Club programs and services.

Most recently, the Service League supported the Club’s capital campaign with a generous donation, further demonstrating its commitment to our mission. Members have also volunteered their time by leading classes for our Character, Empowerment & Afternoon Tea program and assisting at family events such as our annual Christmas Party.

Beyond the walls of the Club, the Service League has helped maintain our grounds through neighborhood cleanups and has organized donation drives to support families in need. Their efforts have included adopting families for the holidays and assembling 50 spaghetti meal kits to ensure no family goes without a warm meal.

Heather-Holly Pinnow served as the Club’s Board President, and many Service League members—along with their spouses—have remained deeply involved, enriching the lives of our Club members by taking them on outdoor adventures like skiing and fishing.

We are truly grateful for the Service League’s unwavering dedication, generosity, and service, which continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

Omni Glass & Paint, LLC 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.

Omni Glass & Paint has been a dedicated supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh for decades, building a relationship that dates back to the 1980s. Their generosity began with essential upkeep, such as painting at the Club’s former Main Street location. When the Club relocated to Parkway Avenue and Broad Street to establish The Radford Center, Omni Glass & Paint played a key role by donating all the glass for the building’s exterior windows. This project was especially significant, as it was one of Omni CEO Dave Miller’s first assignments as a project manager.

Over the years, Omni Glass & Paint has continued to show its commitment to the Club, regularly donating or securing discounted paint supplies. Their support extends beyond materials—they offer career tours for teens, adopt families during the holiday season, sponsor Club fundraisers, and volunteer their time to make a difference. Omni team member Tim Foust, a Club alumnus, remains deeply involved, serving on the Board of Directors and actively participating in the Club’s Alumni group.

Omni Glass & Paint’s generosity and dedication have left a lasting impact on the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh, strengthening the community and inspiring the next generation.

Susan Tesch was presented with the Professional Service Award, which goes to a staff member who rendered exceptionally devoted service.

Susan has been a dedicated advocate for our Club members for many years, serving in various roles. She joined the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh in 2016 as a part-time staff member before transitioning to her current role as the Club’s full-time Academic Coordinator. As the driving force behind our academic support and STEM program development, she has made a lasting impact on hundreds of members.

Her genuine care for every Club member is evident in everything she does. With enthusiasm and passion, Susan thoughtfully designs and leads engaging STEM programming, fostering a culture of curiosity and excitement for learning. She and the staff work together to show that reading, math games, and academic activities can be both educational and fun, creating an inspiring environment where kids thrive.