The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley has presented Harrison Industries President Ralph Harrison and his wife Jenny with the 2013 Jeremiah Milbank Award.

The couple was honored during the annual “Breakfast of Champions” event on Sept. 18 in Santa Paula. The award is given to those who donate $10,000 or more in a calendar year. It was created to recognize Milbank, an industrialist and philanthropist who helped President Herbert Hoover develop the Boys & Girls Club national movement in the 1920’s.

Jan Marholin, chief executive officer for the B&GC of Santa Clara Valley, said the clubs in Santa Paula and Fillmore serve among the poorest areas in Ventura County with the greatest need for supporting disadvantaged youth. The Harrisons’ donation, she said, helped the non-profit provide boys and girls with organized programs at a safe and supervised location over the summer.

“Without the charitable gift from Ralph and Jenny, we would have had to reduce the number of programs and youth that we serve,” Marholin said. “They really helped us keep the clubs going during a challenging time.”
Mike Mobley, president of Progressive Land Management who serves as treasurer for the B&GC of Santa Clara Valley, agreed.

"The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is very fortunate to have Ralph and Jenny Harrison as one of our most generous and dedicated financial supporters,” Mobley said. “Without their donations this summer, it would have very difficult to provide for all the youth that depend on the club during our busiest time of year".

Others receiving the Jeremiah Milbank Award at the “Breakfast of Champions” were Richard and Betty Hyde, Tom and Brianne McGrath and Dorcas Thille.

For more information on the B&GC of Santa Clara Valley or to donate to the club, call 525-7910 or email info@bgclubscv.org.