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Master of Ceremonies – Inducted in 2004
Born in 1934 in Toledo, Ohio, actor Jamie Farr and his friends used to walk to the downtown Boys Club, where Farr enjoyed swimming, basketball, and arts and crafts. Farr began his acting career at California's Pasadena Playhouse, where he was discovered by an MGM talent scout. This led to his first movie role in 1955, and his professional beginnings as an actor. In 1972, he won the role of Corporal Klinger on M*A*S*H, one of the most popular programs in the history of American television. In recent years, Farr has appeared in feature films, television, on Broadway and in numerous road shows. He also founded a charity golf tournament that contributes millions of dollars to charities in Ohio, including Boys & Girls Clubs. "I think it makes you a better person to know where you came from," says Farr. "No matter where you go, there's someone who has the same dreams as you." |
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Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice
It wasn't until Justice Harry Lee Anstead received a scholarship to attend a camp sponsored by his local Boys & Girls Club that he ventured outside of his Jacksonville, Fla., housing project. But it was a move that changed his life. "I saw an entirely different world after that gift was given to me," he says. With the newfound attitude that people can accomplish anything, instilled by his Club experience, Anstead went on to obtain his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Florida. He was elected to Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal in 1976, appointed to the Florida Supreme Court in 1994, and named chief justice in 2002. Reflecting on his Boys & Girls Club experience, Anstead says, "You never know when that spark will occur in a young person's life." |
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Former Mayor of Minneapolis
From 1994 to 2001, Sharon Sayles Belton served as the mayor of Minneapolis. She was both the city's first African-American and first woman to hold the post. As a community leader and activist,
this public servant brought citizens and government together to clean up neighborhoods, fight crime, and develop local business and industry. In this capacity, she was also a tremendous advocate for children's and women's issues, leading efforts to improve services for victims of domestic abuse and assault. |
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Olympic Medalist
When she was just 5 years old, Brooke Bennett's grandfather introduced her to the Jim Walter Interbay Boys & Girls Club in Tampa, Fla. Immediately drawn to the pool, she soon became the fastest kid in the water. "The Club was the only place that would accept me," says Bennett. It wasn't long before swimming became Bennett's passion; by age 9, she was competing professionally. At 16, she earned a spot on the 1996 Olympic team and brought home the gold in the 800-meter freestyle. More gold medals followed in the 2000 Olympics, in both the 400- and 800-meter freestyle events. |
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