The Billings Breakfast Exchange Club participates in many activities throughout the year to help promote Americanism, prevent child abuse, promote youth activities, and provide community service. Such activities include:
Veterans Day at Montana Fair (August 20th, 2011)
Veteran’s Day at Montana Fair has become the premier event of the summer for the veterans of our armed forces. To show our appreciation for your service to our country, the Breakfast Exchange Club will sponsor admission to the fair for all current and former members of our military on August 20th.
Hole-in-One Charity Golf Tournament (September 10th, 2011, Par 3 Golf Course)
The 10th Annual Million Dollar Hole in One Tournament will be on September 10th. It once again will feature tons of hole prizes and a chance for 12 folks to sink a shot for a cool million bucks! We will also use the proceeds from this tournament to help the charities BEC supports yearly.
Healing Field (September 8th-12th, 2011, MSU-Billings COT)
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The Billings Exchange Clubs will host their 2nd Annual 9/11 Healing Field® flag memorial where you will behold a beautiful display of 1000 U.S. flags. |
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These 3ftX5ft flags will stand 8ft tall in perfect rows. This living display of heroism will fly as a temporary patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, will commemorate the 10 year anniversary of all those who died September 11, 2001 and honor all military men & women. |
In marking the 10th Anniversary, the Exchange Clubs of Billings are also proud to partner with Montana State University – Billings to help construct Montana’s 9/11 Memorial. This beautiful memorial will be near the entrance to the Health Sciences Building at the MSU-B COT, the same location as this year’s Healing Field. It will serve as a reminder to never forget the sacrifices made by those on 9/11.
The proceeds from flag sponsorships will benefit local children’s and veteran’s charities and to establish an endowed scholarship for a veteran attending the MSU-B College of Technology.
Youth of the Year Award (Month of May Award)
One of the most popular Exchange youth projects, the Youth of the Year Award recognizes hard-working high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership. This proven program not only rewards outstanding young people, but also provides an incentive for other youngsters to strive for equally high levels of achievement. The Breakfast Exchange club awards one student at Billings West High and one student at Billings Central Catholic High with a $2500 scholarship. The club’s Youth of the Year advances to district competition, and ultimately, an opportunity to vie for the prestigious National Youth of the Year Award.
A.C.E. Award (Month of May award date)
A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence. This program recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years. These changes have enabled the students to overcome adversities and prepare for graduation. As with the Youth of the Year award, the Breakfast Exchange Club awards the winner from Billings West High and Billings Central Catholic High with a $2500 scholarship. The club also submits their top A.C.E. Award winner to the district competition. Winners at the district level then have an opportunity to compete for the National A.C.E. Award.
Freedom Shrine (Next presentation: Red Lodge High School)
The Freedom Shrine is an impressive, permanently mounted collection of 30 of the most important and historic American documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Gettysburg Address. They show our nation’s youth the strength and courage of their forefathers by allowing them to read, with their own eyes, the immortal words of inspired Americans who so decisively changed the course of history.
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Dress-a- Child (December ?, 2011)
Each December before Christmas, the Breakfast Exchange Club treats 50 children, who have been selected by the Salvation Army, to a $100 shopping spree at a local department store. We purchase necessary clothing, like jackets, gloves, and boots to keep them warm during Montana winters. We also purchase jeans, shoes, socks, pajama, and more for these children.
Senior Christmas Light Tour (December ?, 2011)
Also in December the Breakfast Exchange Club, treats senior citizens to a tour of the Christmas lights illuminating homes and businesses in the Billings area. Three to four busloads of depart for this fun event.
Book of Golden Deeds
This exclusive Exchange Club program honors the quiet, good deeds of America’s unsung heroes. The woman who regularly donates her time to care for disadvantaged children—the man who voluntarily instructs disabled persons in some skill or craft— these are the kinds of exceptional individuals that the Book of Golden Deeds Award aims to recognize. These extraordinary men and women exist in every community and might not otherwise be recognized for their tiring efforts. For some clubs, an annual awards banquet has become the social event of the year because the honored recipient is truly a hero of the community The 2011 winner was Ed Weller, a 42-year member of the Breakfast Exchange Club. Congratulations, Ed and thank you for your years of service.