The National Kids Construction Club (NKCC) Eighth Annual Benefit Gala will pay tribute to six honorees for their commitment to taking an active, caring role in helping youth through a variety of capacities. The gala will be held in “The Grand Living Room” at the Parsippany Sheraton in Parsippany, N.J., on Saturday, March 1, 2008.

The gala’s party theme is “Don’t Stop Believing” and will feature a cocktail reception with music and an open bar. A five-course gourmet meal will follow the reception during which guests may bid on more than 100 silent auction items ranging from sports tickets, boat excursions and vacation rentals to shoes, jewelry, cigars, exotic cordials and chocolates from around the world. Comedian Tom McTiernan will pile on the jokes and 12-year-old DJ Matt of Wacky Wild Parties will provide music and the opportunity for dancing.

The cost is $75, and all are welcome to attend.

Outstanding volunteer awards, a philanthropic award and the Joseph F. Balun Scholarship Award will be presented at the gala.

“The NKCC was founded eight years ago by a son and his mom with no start-up money and only the support of those who would help in this national crisis,” explained Michael Borodinsky, NKCC president.

“I am proud to be a part of a club that cares about our children’s future. As we so clearly explain on our Web site, our children are losing their interest in what we call ’handyman skills.’ As a parent, I am concerned that our youth can be experts at the computer and video games and absolutely clueless at stopping the toilet from overflowing.

Even if your son or daughter knows how to keep safe when in a home or building, what about all the others who don’t know? I am sure many parents are well aware of the many tragic fire, water, electrical and gas accidents that have occurred in dorms and homes when students get together. These problems often occur because today’s youth are not even aware of what they don’t know in order to stay safe. It’s time we parents help our youth become self-sufficient adults. I urge everyone to go to our Web site and join the NKCC Youth Home Safety Movement today. Do we really want our nation’s youth to have no desire to learn these necessary skills?”

According to the club, research has shown that students are losing their desire to learn “life skills” from basic home repairs and tool identification to fire, water, gas and electric home safety. Schools are reducing or eliminating practical arts classes. Fewer practical arts teachers are available due to dwindling college programs. Parents don’t have the time.

Gerald J. Biuso, NKCC chairman of the board and national director of LICA and Ashlee Binder McMackin, director of marketing for Binder Machinery Company are the NKCC gala co-chairs. They invite everyone to attend the gala, be a contributor to the club, nominate an educator or business person or simply help encourage our children to construct and build, whether it is a birdhouse, sidewalk, building, road, bridge or any other structure, real or imaginary.

For more information, call 908/604-5995 or visit www.nkcconline.org.

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