Garofalo among three honored by Boys & Girls Club

Angelique Flores

The Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley honored Huntington Beach Mayor

Dave Garofalo and two others for their outstanding service at its annual

meeting and dinner last Thursday.

The club presented the prestigious Eagle Award to Garofalo, the Man and

Youth Award to Ken Jacobs and the President’s Plaque to Richard Cook.

“We need 100 more people like them in the community,” said Tanya Grimes,

the organization’s executive director.

The Eagle Award is granted to a person who makes a difference to the

future of the organization.

“Dave is always there,” Grimes said.

Garofalo joined the board in 1995 and has consistently been on hand for

meetings and service when needed. From helping put together the swings

and slides to chairing the Burn the Mortgage Committee and the group’s

annual auction, Grimes said the club can count on him. And so can the

children who often see him at the club.

“Every kid there has beat me at basketball,” Garofalo said.

But, he said the highlight of his service was playing Santa Claus for the

kids at last year’s Christmas party.

Garofalo said he was surprised and overwhelmed by the recognition.

“This was particularly special to me because I was able to see the direct

effect of helping the kids firsthand,” he said.

Jacobs, recognized for his outstanding leadership with the Man and Youth

Award, has raised $70,000 over the past four years for the club through

annual golf tournaments -- his own brainchild. Now, the JMG Benefit Golf

Tournament has grown to be one of the best in the county. All of the

proceeds directly benefit the children at the Boys & Girls Club. The next

tournament is planned for May 10 and is expected to sell out.

The Boys & Girls Club presented the President’s Plaque to Cook for his

leadership and service as president. Cook has been a source of direction

and support for the club since his first involvement eight years ago,

officials said. He has served as president three times and received the

Eagle Award in 1995.

During his presidency in 1994 and 1995, he guided the Boys Club & Girls

Club through their merger. Under his term this past year, the club was

recognized as the United Way’s Agency of the Year in Orange County. And

in September, the club held its largest auction, raising $120,000 with

$103,000 of it benefiting the club.

Cook, who lives in Fountain Valley, decided to serve on the

organization’s board after attending one of their Christmas dinners in

1992.

“You look at the kids and can’t help but want to help them,” Cook said.