Senior (class of 2009) Patrick Gordon's presentation for the Community Service Awards Ceremony
Good evening.
My name is Patrick Gordon and over the past year and a half I have volunteered my time at Danny’s Place
Youth Center.
After the tragic death of Danny McCarthy in 2003, the McCarthy family knew they wanted to build a
lasting legacy of Danny’s life. According to the McCarthy family, Danny always loved getting away from the
stress of school by just hanging out with his friends and enjoying something he called “Danny Time”, or chill
time. With Danny’s love of his friends in mind, the McCarthy’s and their close friends proposed an idea to
create a youth center which would allow other Acton Boxborough students to enjoy some “Danny time” of
their own, and in 2005, that idea became reality, they needed volunteers in order to keep Danny’s Place
running.
At the beginning of last year I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and heard that Danny’s Place was
looking for new volunteers, so I signed up to volunteer on 6th grade day, and I continue to work the same
day weekly at the front desk. Although I am working out at the front desk, my time at Danny’s Place has
given me a chance to positively influence 6th grade students who may not have an older sibling or someone
to look up to. The kids are always happy to be at Danny’s Place and the fact that they remember my name
week in and week out makes me feel like I am truly making a difference in my community.
As my first volunteer experience, I did not know what to expect, or what was expected of me, but the
McCarthy family and the other staff members made me feel welcome, and were very thankful for my time. I
have greatly enjoyed my experience at Danny’s Place and hope that some of you other volunteers will think
about volunteering your time at Danny’s Place as well.
Thank You.