Youth Services

PRESS RELEASE: August 1, 2010

Rick Fleming Jr. Receives 2010 Tom Heydinger Award

Rick Fleming Jr.

Brattleboro--Rick Fleming Jr. was recognized by Youth Services this summer as the 2010 recipient of the Tom Heydinger Award. 

Named after a local dentist who was a long- time board member and former chair of Youth Services’ Annual Golf Tournament, the Tom Heydinger Award is given each year to a business or individual who has been instrumental in the success of the golf fundraiser for Youth Services and has shown exemplary commitment to the youth of Windham County.

“It is tough to be a kid today,” explained Rick Fleming Jr., of his dedication to Youth Services and other community organizations that support the younger generation in Windham County.  “And what they [Youth Services] do, they do well,” he said.  “It’s nice to know our young people have somewhere to go for help,” he said.  “Everyone makes mistakes, and Youth Services helps them get back on track.”

Fleming Oil Co. was started in Brattleboro in the ‘30s by his father, Dick Fleming Sr., and has been a supporter of local causes since its beginnings.  Under Rick Fleming Jr.’s leadership the company, with its motto “You’re First, You’re Family,” became corporate supporters of The Winston Prouty Center, Meetings Waters YMCA, and Youth Services, where it has been the Golf Tournament Top Event sponsor for going on 5 years now.

“It is easy to be dedicated to something when you believe in their mission,” stated Fleming Jr., who recently signed on as the top tournament sponsor again in 2011.  “Youth Services gives our young people the skills to turn their own life around—to ‘pull themselves up by the boot straps’ and to get on with life.’“ That’s something I can easily endorse,” Fleming stated.

Youth Services is seeking other corporate sponsors for its many fundraising events this upcoming year.  To find out how you can help, call Youth Services at 802-257-0361 or visit www.youthservicesinc.org.