WATERVILLE – The work that Waterville native George J. Mitchell has done over the years as a U.S. senator, a federal judge, a special U.S. envoy for Northern Ireland and the Middle East, and an advocate for children will be recognized Aug. 12 at a tribute hosted by the Alfond Youth Center.
Mitchell, 76, grew up in Waterville and was a member of the Waterville Boys Club, which became the Waterville Area Boys & Girls Club, located in the Alfond center with the YMCA.
“He’s one of our Boys Club alumni,” said Ken Walsh, the center’s chief executive officer. “He’s an inspiration to many of our youth members. He not only inspires kids locally, but he inspires kids throughout the world, where he strives for peace. His life has been about trying to pull people together to solve issues appropriately.”
Gov. John Baldacci will be the master of ceremonies, which will include a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and a presentation at 6:30, Walsh said. Invited guests include Maine author Stephen King and Olympic snowboarding gold medalist Seth Wescott, as well as members of Congress, he said.
As part of the tribute, the Alfond center’s triple gymnasium will be named “The George J. Mitchell Auditorium,” he said.
The tribute will serve as a fundraiser for the Alfond center, said John Nale, a member of the center’s Heritage Circle, a group that includes past board members, community leaders and ongoing supporters. Nale helped to organize the Mitchell tribute.
“(Mitchell) has always been very generous with his time and support of good causes here in Maine,” Nale said, “and we’re very proud of him as a local person who has been able to go out and serve the state of Maine and the country as well as he has.”
Mitchell’s niece, Ann Mitchell, a member of the Alfond center’s board of directors, also helped organize the tribute.
Tickets to the event cost $50 each. Businesses may buy tables that seat eight people, Walsh said. Anyone wanting tickets should contact Walsh or Felicia Farley, administrative assistant at the Alfond center, at 873-0684.
The event will accommodate 300 people.
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