Boys & Girls Club of West Central Missouri Announce the 2013 Pink Flamingo Award Nominees

The nominees for the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri’s 2013 Pink Flamingo Award have been revealed.  The Pink Flamingo Award, which has been honoring individuals in West Central Missouri for their community giving, philanthropic spirit, kindness, generosity, character and leadership for the past six years, has become a part and tradition of the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri’s annual fundraising auction, 'An Evening of Heart and Hope.'

The Club opened up the opportunity for all individuals in the community to nominate those they felt captured the spirit of the award, a tradition the Club began in 2006.

“Our candidates this year cover a wide swath of our community,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri’s Executive Director Brett Barth-Fagan. “They are truly a heartfelt, genuine group of philanthropists. All of these candidates embody the spirit of the Pink Flamingo Award. I know that this is going to be a tough race and every vote will make a difference.”

Here are the Nominees for the 2013 Pink Flamingo Award:

• Terri Paul, Sedalia School District Foundation - “Terri’s enthusiasm is contagious in all that she does. It seems her helping hand is everywhere. From the opening of the Performing Arts Center to setting up a concession stand, she always has a smile on her face and a helping hand to lend. She is an inspiration to anyone who comes in touch with her and never hesitates to help if she can."  Paul is active in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Sedalia School District Foundation, the United Way, the Red Cross, and Parent-Teacher Association.

• Ron Ditzfeld, Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc. -  “Ron genuinely cares about the community and the people living here. Every day he carries on the long-standing Ditzfeld family traditions of hard work, dedication and giving back. Whether it’s providing transportation to haul supplies to hurricane and tornado victims, supporting local industry or believing that the youth of the community are our future, Ron’s big heart shines through. Those who have had the pleasure of meeting Ron are changed for the better.”  Ditzfeld established the Susie Ditzfeld Soccer Complex, currently serves on four different boards, and has supported countless organizations over the years.

• Tony Gallagher, 40 & 8, Voiture 333 (Veteran’s group) - “Tony supported Billy Sierks’ family after he was killed in Afghanistan, assisted Joe Yantz and his family when he returned home from war injured in combat, and helps with the Show Me Honor Flight. To say he is a supporter of veterans doesn’t paint the picture well enough. He goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to serving our communities veterans.”   Gallagher serves as Chef de Gare (commander) of 40 & 8 and supported Billy Sierk’s family after he was killed in Afghanistan. Lt. Governor Peter Kinder recently recognized him for his efforts in the support of veterans and their causes.

• Deidre Esquivel, Furnell Companies - “Deidre Esquivel’s tireless volunteering and serving has given her the reputation of being the catalyst behind many community organizations and events. Whether she is acting as chair of a committee or volunteering for various school or local projects, Deidre always exceeds expectations.”  Esquivel is involved in the Sedalia School District Foundation, PTA groups, Sedalia-Pettis County United Way, and countless activities that support Sedalia’s culture.

• Cheri Hereen, Pettis County Community Partnership -  “Cheri created the PCCP in the mid-1990’s as a single person office creating a local Caring Communities agency in order to serve multiple facets of our community. She identified unmet societal needs, pursued funding and has developed her agency to be a national model for Caring Community agencies. Her tenacious spirit and outside of the box thinking have made her efforts at tackling issues and problems no one else would touch a hallmark of her professionalism.”  Hereen started Pettis County Community Partnership in the mid 1990’s by herself and has grown it into what it is today. She has served on the boards of Altrusa International, Child Safe of Central Missouri, the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri, and the Community Free Clinic.

To vote for your favorite nominee, visit bgckids.com and make a monetary donation.  Each dollar will equal one vote.  Remember, the voter must include the nominee’s name in the “Who do you think should be the 2013 Pink Flamingo Award Winner?” box.  You can also vote on the BGC Facebook page and by tweeting your favorite nominee's name at @bgckids.

Voting for the 2013 Pink Flamingo Award is open now through February 8. The nominee with the most website donations and the nominee with the most social media votes will each advance to final competition during the auction on February 16th. Additional nominees may be selected to advance to the final competition based on popularity.  The candidate with the most monetary votes ($1 = 1 vote) during the final competition the night of the auction will be the Club’s 2013 Pink Flamingo Award winner. Past Pink Flamingo Award Winners include: Dianne Simon, Robert Bond, Cara Canon, Pam Barb, Don Weaver and Reverend Jim Downing.

Tickets for the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri’s 23rd annual auction, An Evening of Heart & Hope, are $50 before February 8th and will go on sale December 17. The event will be held Saturday, February 16, in the Missouri Electric Cooperatives Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Doors will open at  5p.m. for social time and the silent auction, and the live auction will begin at 7 p.m.

For tickets or more information about the 2013 Pink Flamingo Award call the Club at 660-826-8331 or find the Club online at bgckids.com.