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Chairman’s
Message
Patriot’s Gateway Community Center has been a very
special place to me for several years. From the first time I stepped
through the front doors of this beautiful facility with my twelve year
old son I knew that I had found a Rockford gem. I was honored shortly
thereafter to be asked to serve Patriot’s Gateway as a member of the
Board of Directors and even more so this spring when I stepped in as
Chairman of the Board. My son also continued his PGCC journey for many
years as a program participant and later as a camp counselor. I have
often boasted about the positive influence the Center had in developing
him as a fine young man.
In addition to serving Patriot’s Gateway, I have
also had the honor and privilege to serve the Rockford community in a
professional capacity for the last twenty eight years. During this time
I have learned that Rockford is truly a special place filled with many
special people. It is these special people that recognize the challenges
facing the City of Rockford and then, rather than dwelling on the
problems, dedicate themselves to solutions. Our Board of Directors gives
countless hours to the benefit of families in Mid-Town Rockford.
The Patriots Gateway Community Center is blessed
with a talented, dedicated and professional staff. Our employees are our
greatest asset. I would also like to recognize our President and CEO,
Jim Flodin, who has dedicated himself to a life of serving children.
Jim is recognized nationwide as leader in this field.
As we move forward into 2012, we face many
challenges. Budget reductions and the “New World Economy” increase the
complexity of these issues. While the task is daunting, Patriot’s
Gateway Community Center will continue moving forward. The Board and
Staff are dedicated to finding creative, innovative ways to continue
offering first class services in a first class community center. The
children deserve nothing less.
In closing, I would like to express my excitement
about future opportunities currently being discussed at PGCC. The
vision and dreams of the past, that formed to create a beautiful
community center, still exist today. It is my dream that Patriot’s
Gateway Community Center will continue to impact the lives of many
Rockford children just as it did for my son.
Michael Booker
Chairman of the Board |
