Toyota Financial Services Awards New Toyota to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year Winner

July 1, 2013 - Torrance, Calif.– In support of its Making Life Easier for YOUthinitiative, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) recently awarded a new Corolla to the 2011-12 Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) National Youth of the Year Winner Nick Foley.  The vehicle presentation took place at Sarah Heinz House Boys & Girls Club of Pittsburgh on June 11.  Foley, the first national winner to come from the Club, was joined by representatives from Toyota, the Pittsburgh community and Club teens at the event.  Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl sent a proclamation in recognition of Foley’s community efforts, which include logging more than 1,500 service hours.

National Youth of the Year is BGCA’s premier recognition for teen Club members who have made outstanding contributions to their family, school, community and local Club while overcoming personal obstacles.  Nominations begin at the Club and continue through the state, regional and national levels.  Participants are chosen on local and state levels, with five regional winners meeting each September in Washington, D.C., to compete for the National Youth of the Year title. Five judges individually interview each candidate and select the national winner.

“By overcoming the odds, mentoring others and giving back to his community, Nick embodies the spirit of the Youth of the Year award,” said Mike Groff, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Product Development, TFS.  “Toyota is proud to join with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in supporting extraordinary youth like Nick.”

Foley’s early memories of life in Boston include fighting between his parents and living in a shelter with his mother.  After school one day when he was six, his mother didn’t come to pick him up.  He was placed in foster care until being adopted by his aunt and her partner in 2002.  Foley’s aunt introduced him to Sarah Heinz House Boys & Girls Club, where he quickly found a sense of belonging.  There, he became a leader as a Junior Staffer, excelled in athletics and worked as a counselor at BGCA’s summer resident camp.  He credits the Club with helping him build a bright future.

“The longer I’m involved with Boys & Girls Clubs, the more I realize that any dream can come true,” he said.  “I never dreamed that one day I would be able to have a brand new car.  Being recognized as National Youth of the Year and receiving a car from Toyota is an honor.  Toyota does so much for Boys & Girls Clubs and makes it possible for kids like me to have a great future.”

Foley is a graduate of Taylor Allderice High School in Pittsburgh and attends Pennsylvania State University, majoring in civil engineering.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom