Our first encounter with Jerry.
Jerry became very popular.
And he is our first welcome to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. Today the Peace Runners will visit with three Clubhouses. The first, the Hammond Club.
Denise gives the team an excellent tour of the Clubhouse.
The team is very excited to see our dear friend Marina Sharova once more. Here she is with LaShaunda. Marina is an incredible force for good, and the Peace Runners feel so fortunate for her enthusiasm and friendship. Ever since 2018, Marina has welcomed us to Indiana. She embodies the best of the Boys and Girls Clubs and is true lover of peace, oneness and self giving.
"Peace is the quiet harmony that blossoms when conflict fades."
The young people are eager to join in the country guessing game.
Guess my country!
Yes, it's Germany!
Which city has this statue?
Hands up if you know the answer!
A moment of silence...
And finally, the Peace Run is honored to present the Torch Bearer Award to Mr. Chuck Kreisl. His contributions to the Hammond Club for so many years cannot be measured. He embodies a goodness and integrity that inspires and encourages all those he meets. His tireless work and self giving has changed the lives of countless youth. The Hammond Club is lucky to have him.
A big thank you to Marina Kirova, Sheria Givens, and Lashunda Adams! You are an excellent team! Director of Education and Programming, Marina is preparing to join us for our journey to the next two clubs here in Indiana.
"Give Peace a Chance".
Now its time to put the run into Peace Run.
The next visit of the day is with the John Will Anderson Clubhouse in Gary.
Deep insights from the Boys and Girls Club, Peace Run shares your 'positive' message.
Lots of cheers from a minion of supporters.
Sharing video about the Peace Run.
And to be experienced without, peace and enthusiasm are best friends!
Peace is something to be discovered within.
Once more, the Peace Run is proud to recognize a true Torch Bearer in Mr. Michael Gee for his unwavering service. Brianna Griffin, Gary Club Director does the honor of presenting the Torch Bearer Medal. Thank you Mr. Gee. You leave a legacy of goodness.
The team was delighted to learn that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, came from Gary.
A cameo appearance of Mayankinee with the team. Everyone is so grateful for her incredible efforts in coordinating Indiana. Thank you Mayankinee for such an exceptional day.
Many words for peace!
And last but not least, the team is welcomed at the Portage Club. Portage Mayor Austin Bonta eloquently introduced us to the history of the region.
Some wonderful singing from the local talents.
Peace is dynamic... and restful.
A final Torch Bearer was recognized today. Mayor Austin Bonta has been a dedicated advocate of the Boys and Girls Club here in Portage. The Club thrives because of his efforts to bring greater awareness of how powerful a force for good is embodied in the Boys and Girls Club.
Thank you again to Marina Kirova, and to Club Director Nicole Barry and Program Director Sydnie Anderson.
We finally meet the real Jerry!
Jerry Czarnecki is Vice President of Operations of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. His footprint is clearly seen in all the clubs we visited.
President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana Mike Jessen joins us in holding the torch with the kids from Portage Boys and Girls Club. Mike has been a silent presence at each of the Clubs today. Thank you Mike for joining us and for leading the way in creating a 'safe haven' for so many youth here in Indiana. Mayor Bonta did the honors of collecting a soil sample from the Clubhouse grounds. It will represent Indiana in the 50 state soil collection, a Peace Tree will be planted when the Peace Run is finished this year, using soil from each state.
Mayor Bonta leads the team out, he is an excellent Torch Bearer in all ways.
In the care and protection of the Portage Finest.
Our escorts prepare for their most important duty. Escorting Mayor Bonta and the Peace Run team!
Our day of Boys and Girls Clubs and running is coming to an end now, at Indiana Dunes National Park. All gratitude to Mayankinee for arranging this incredible day of Boys and Girls Clubs. Your selfless efforts have brightened the lives of many on this day.
Gratitude to Peace Garden in Chicago for the wonderful dinner. And a big thank you to Peace Run teammate and coordinator Sukantika Donovan.
