Jack Padon Inspiration Award

The Jack Padon Inspiration Award is the most prestigious honor a Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County Staff Member can receive and tonight, we have the opportunity to introduce the very first Recipient.  The “Padon Award” honors our departed friend Jack, who with his wife Philomina, spent many years as a tireless advocate, committed Board Member and generous donor to those who need us most.

I want to share a few personal thoughts about Jack and why he embodies what we hope for in our kids and the Professionals who serve them.

1. Jack was FUN. He was the life of the party and he made everyone around him feel special and that they were part of something very special.

2. Jack was PASSIONATE. When I first met Jack, which by the way was Jay Kohn’s fault, Jack was very clear, that he had no interest in just being on a Board, he wanted to make a difference because our Club Members deserved something very special.

3. Jack was RELENTLESS. While Jack was fun, there was no question, when it came to our kids and the staff, he was relentless, and never shied away from the hard questions.  He expected the very best for and from our Team in service of our kids and community.  He was ALL IN, and his example inspired the rest of us to get on it and move whatever mountains needed moving.

One professional at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County embodies every trait that made Jack Padon such a passionate advocate for those who need us most.  You could say Jack and the Recipient are kindred souls, but my experience with both of them leads me to call them two peas in a pod.  Like Jack, the Recipient is the life of the party and can be the most gracious, fun-loving person at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County.  However, they also share an unrelenting drive and passion for our mission, the Teen Program, and ensuring our Team has the resources to ensure EVERY member gets the experience they need to become productive, caring, responsible citizen.

Since first joining the Club, the Recipient has shown an unusual level of creativity and routinely takes the initiative to find solutions that overcome any challenge that stands in the way of providing our members with a world-class Club experience.  While we could spend all night talking about specific instances, her knack for finding mission-focused and kid-centered solutions was on full display during the COVID pandemic when confronted by a new obstacle or uncertainty, she found solutions that were innovative and always considered the following questions.

1. What is best for our Club Members?
2. What is best for our Club Staff?
3. What is best for the Organization?

There is no question that her leadership and innovation helped the Club navigate incredible uncertainty and ensure we were able to safely provide as many kids as possible with a world-class Club experience.

Annie Hasiak is the heartbeat of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County and much of the success and impact we have had over that last 16 years can be traced back to Annie’s tireless commitment and dedication to those who need us most.  I can also confidently say, that if Jack were standing here with us, he would be the first to say Annie is perfect Recipient of the inaugural Jack Padon Inspiration Award.

Presented at the 28th Annual BE GREAT Ball, March 18, 2022.