River Bend Golf and Country Club in Great Falls, Virginia, was the recent site of a gathering of family and friends of Perry and Tina Williams to benefit Boys Home of Virginia. Mr. Williams is a trustee of Boys Home of Virginia, and he and his wife invited a host of people to enjoy a back porch party featuring a performance by supremely soulful blues singer Taylor Hicks, who beat second-place leader Katharine McPhee to win the 2006 American Idol competition. As Hicks captivated the crowd with a mix of guitar, harmonica, and vocals, guests enjoyed a variety of BBQ, sides, and lively conversations. The venue provided a dazzling array of desserts as the show came to a close.

Following the concert, Mr. Williams introduced Donnie E. Wheatley, executive director of Boys Home of Virginia. Mr. Wheatley, once a resident of Boys Home himself, talked about the organization and the benefit it offers young men who need a second chance at success. Mr. Wheatley spoke candidly about his own path to arriving at Boys Home and the opportunity it afforded him as a young man. He went on to describe the services offered by Boys Home today and the impact the program has on the lives of students who have come through its doors for over 100 years.

Boys Home has expressed its gratitude to Perry and Tina Williams for introducing so many new people to the mission of Boys Home and for their generosity in hosting the event. Boys Home of Virginia, founded in 1906, provides a healthy and supportive environment for young men whose lives have been negatively impacted by poverty or family instability. Students are provided food, clothing, shelter, guidance, and educational and career opportunities in a manner that supports the successful transition to adulthood. Boys Home, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is almost entirely privately funded by individuals, organizations, churches, and foundations. Boys in its care come from all regions in Virginia. For more information about Boys Home, please visit the organization’s website at www.boyshomeofva.org.