Sunkes, DBA honored as Wellspring Changemakers
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » A local school official has been recognized as a Champion for Change by making a difference in the lives of everyone he comes in contact with.
The non-profit Wellspring, whose mission is eliminating relationship and sexual abuse, honored Ballston Spa Athletic Director Dave Sunkes Jr. with a Changemaker award during a recent fundraiser at Saratoga National Golf Club with more than 200 people on hand.
Sunkes introduced the “Coaching Boys into Men” program to Ballston Spa, to promote respectful behavior among student-athletes with a goal of preventing abuse, harassment and sexual assault.
“The biggest surprise was how many boys jumped on board,” Sunkes said. “The response has been overwhelming. It’s one thing to do well on an SAT test. You have to treat people right to be really successful. I would like to see this in every high school and middle school across the region. This is a critical time in these students’ lives.”
“Coaching Boys into Men” was developed by the California-based organization Futures Without Violence and has been implemented throughout the U.S. and overseas in places such as India and South Africa. The curriculum consists of coach-to-athlete trainings that illustrate ways to model respect and promote healthy relationships. Coaches are taught how incorporate themes associated with teamwork, integrity, fair play, and respect into their daily practice and routine.
“Dave doesn’t think just about winning,” said Maggie Fronk, Wellspring executive director. “He thinks about the impact on young men’s lives. But he also brought this to every single one of the coaches and all the faculty and staff, to help them learn how to become a respectful leader.”
Fund-raiser guests were shown a video that shows how “Coaching Boys into Men” has been adopted at Ballston Spa and Shenendehowa Central Schools, where it’s led by coaches Jason Burlingame and Gary Preece. Former Minnesota Viking Bob Reed, a Saratoga Springs resident, is also actively involved with promoting the program locally.
During the event, Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association was honored with a Changemaker award, too, for the ongoing support it provides that makes many Wellspring programs and services possible, such as an emergency shelter, 24-hour hotline, prevention programs and transportation to doctor’s offices. Fronk presented the award to DBA President Maddy Zanetti.
“Each and every one of us has the ability to be a Changemaker,” Fronk said.
In 2017 alone, Wellspring answered 1,405 hot line calls and provided services to 1,030 people, which included 17,611 safe bed nights of shelter and sup-
portive housing. Staff supported 113 sexual assault survivors through recovery programs. In addition, 5,394 school, professional and community members took part in prevention education programs.
Fronk said the fund-raising event exceeded Wellspring’s $50,000 goal.
For information go to: wellspringcares.org.