2016 Athena Recipient, Connie Nass, was on hand throughout the highly attended Back to School Bash event at the Huntingburg Teen Outback center Saturday evening.
Over 400 participants attended the event that included numerous activities that took place inside the center and the grounds of the center.
Now as music energized the center’s atmosphere there were many student from around the area from grades 3 through 8 on hand Saturday night. Southridge Middle School students Caitlyn Frick and Reece Jo Tretter elaborate on what the outback means to them and their appreciation for the contributions of Mrs. Nass.
A majority of Teen Outback Board members were also joined by Joyce Fleck, Bob Bleemel and Terry Tanner from the Jasper Rotary Club as well as Connie Nass as they presented the center a check for $2,000 which was the chosen charity Nass wanted to invest in.
Teen Outback Executive Director, April Blessinger says she was overjoyed with such a successful and well attended event. She says they raised 18-hundred dollars for the event with the rest paid by the Board of Directors.
Blessinger also noted that the efforts of making such a event take place goes to all board members, volunteers, and sponsors who invest in the children.
One of those sponsors was Ralph & Diane Begle.
Mr. Begle is the board’s treasure. He explains the purpose of the center and how it benefits local youth.
Begle says the initiative first started back in 1997 and says things have evolved of the past 19 years with dedication from sponsors and community investment. He added that the center serves as a meaningful space for students who grew up attending the center through the years.
The tactic committee consists of students from across the area who work with the board and create a social atmosphere that is safe while being a positive social outlet for the youth.
Board member Jen Buechler confirms the positive impact the center serves for the community as her son, Brad started at the center at age 10 as the DJ and is now one of the center’s board members. Currently he works for Kimball, is a volunteer Firefighter, and attends Vincennes University Jasper Campus.
