A local community leader was recently honored for his dedication to providing important programs and opportunities to local children.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Tennessee Area Council recently inducted Sam LaPorte into the Tennessee Boys & Girls Clubs Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place during a Hall of Fame Dinner held during the Area Council’s annual membership meeting, held this year in Kingsport.
The Boys & Girls Clubs Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made a lasting impression on their respective clubs as well as the state of Tennessee through their high achievements and dedication. LaPorte is one of only six individuals inducted from the 90 club sites in the Area Council and is also the first inductee ever from Elizabethton.
“I’m honored to be inducted, but it wouldn’t be possible without the work of the entire board, Ginny Wright and the entire Club staff,” LaPorte said. “They collectively do so much for the kids in Elizabethton and Carter County, and my family and I are privileged to be able to do our small part.”
Having attended the Boys Club as a child, LaPorte understands the importance of the club and has long been an advocate for the program. He served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County from 1995 to 2002. He returned to the Board in 2013 and still serves in that capacity.
According to Boys & Girls Club officials, LaPorte has been instrumental in many of the club’s successes and achievements.
“People have known Sam for years, but I don’t think anyone can truly understand the depth of what he has done for our organization,” said Ginny Wright, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club. “Without him, there wouldn’t be a Club.
“We wouldn’t be able to mentor, feed and help the hundreds of kids who walk through our doors every year,” she added. “Sam has truly changed hundreds of lives and the future of our community.”
When Citizens Bank foreclosed on the old East Tennessee Undergarment Factory, LaPorte spearheaded the bank’s effort to donate the building to the City of Elizabethton for the express purpose of a Boys & Girls Club. The City of Elizabethton now owns the building and pays for major repairs and utilities for the Club.
LaPorte advocates throughout the community for the Boys & Girls Club as a quality out-of-school experience for children in a safe environment. Club officials credit a large amount of the organization’s corporate and individual giving to the advocacy work of LaPorte.
Every year since 2013, the local Boys & Girls Club has named LaPorte as a “Jeremiah Milbank Society” member. The honor is given to donors who show a personal commitment to making an impact on their local club. LaPorte was also instrumental in the creation of the Club’s first successful Steak’n’Burger event. The luncheon fundraiser doubled expectations due to LaPorte’s dedication according to Club officials.