We were honored to recognize two amazing couples at the Optimist Friends of Youth breakfast on August 13, 2025. Each couple was presented with the 2025 Friend of Youth award for their contributions to the Boys & Girls Club over many years.
Tony & Joyce Tillemans
Tony & Joyce Tillemans’ unwavering dedication to the youth of our community through decades of support, service, and generosity exemplifies the true spirit of the Optimist Friend of Youth award.
Tony joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota’s Board of Directors in 2001, continuing the legacy of community involvement that CEC Theatres has long upheld. But what began as a professional connection quickly blossomed into a personal passion. Tony and Joyce didn’t just support the Club from the boardroom—they rolled up their sleeves and got involved at every level, bringing their entire family along with them.
For nearly 25 years, the Tillemans family has made it a holiday tradition to sponsor a family in need. Their generosity went beyond simply donating gifts—they would also come to the Club with their young children in tow, helping wrap presents and instilling in their kids the values of kindness, empathy, and giving back. That spirit continues to define their involvement to this day.
Tony and Joyce are the kind of supporters every nonprofit dreams of—steadfast, generous, and always ready to help. Whether it’s contributing to a capital campaign, sponsoring an event, donating silent auction items, organizing a golf foursome, hosting a board party, or stepping up to “Fund the Need,” the Tillemans are always there. Their consistent presence has helped the Club grow, thrive, and serve thousands of young people with quality programming and mentorship.
More than donors, the Tillemans are part of the Boys & Girls Club family. Their example has inspired others to give and serve, and their generosity has impacted generations of local youth.
It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we nominate Tony and Joyce Tillemans for the Optimist Friend of Youth Award. They are true champions for children and deserving of this recognition for a lifetime of meaningful impact.
Tim Chirhart & Jeanne Soleim
Tim and Jeanne’s lifelong commitment to uplifting young people and building a stronger community makes them shining examples of service, generosity, and quiet leadership.
Tim was elected to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota’s Board of Directors in 1996 and immediately immersed himself in the mission. As a dedicated member of the Resource Development Committee, Tim took his role seriously—connecting people, building relationships, and opening doors. He was instrumental in introducing several long-term supporters to the Club, including Arnie Schiller, a local legend and former owner of King’s Supper Club. Their friendship would go on to enrich the lives of countless youth.
One of the most cherished traditions Tim helped begin was a special Thanksgiving meal served at the Eastside Club. Together, Tim and Arnie donned aprons and ladles, delivering not just turkey and mashed potatoes, but warmth, kindness, and a sense of family to Club youth.
When Tim decided to retire from the Board of Directors, we knew we weren’t ready to let him go. In 2012, we welcomed him onto the Board of Trustees, where he continues to offer guidance and support. But true to his hands-on nature, Tim didn’t stop there. Upon retiring from his legal career, he took on a new “job”—an unpaid one—as a reading volunteer at the Southside Boys & Girls Club. Every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon until 2020, you could find him in the learning center with a book and a crowd of kids eager to ready with him. His dry wit and gentle encouragement made him a favorite among members.
Beyond their generous personal involvement, Tim and Jeanne have supported every Boys & Girls Club capital campaign since Roosevelt in 1994 and continue to give annually to support daily operations as Partners for the Future. Their philanthropy extends beyond the Club as well, including deep engagement with United Way, the Stearns History Museum, and other worthy causes that strengthen the St. Cloud community.
Tim and Jeanne have given selflessly of their time, talent, and treasure for decades. Their steady presence, unwavering support, and deep love for youth exemplify what it means to be true Friends of Youth.
