The Madison Arts Barn, aka The Barn, is introducing its Volunteer of the Year Award, named after Tammy Boris, who is part of a long legacy of community service. According to board members, this award will be given annually to one of the many volunteers who help empower young people to pursue their passions by encouraging a sense of community through creativity, music, and the arts in a safe and supportive environment.

According to board member Cristal DePietro, it is no surprise that the first recipient is Tammy Boris, who is the award’s namesake. Boris first got involved with Madison Arts Barn more than 15 years ago through her father Bill Barker, one of the founding members, and she and her family continue to volunteer and provide support for the organization.

DePietro said Madison Arts Barn was part skate park and part event space with bands playing weekly when it began. Starting out as a volunteer, Boris developed a deep connection with The Barn and its youth, and using her determination and drive, she was able “to build what was a great blueprint into an incredible non-profit organization,” DePietro said.

Boris’ commitment and passion led the board to hire her as the organization’s executive director, according to DePietro.

Under years of Boris’s leadership, The Barn “has grown to be a comprehensive youth-oriented setting that provides a safe and substance free space where kids can feel the freedom of being themselves without judgment,” according to DePietro.

According to the board, there were numerous reasons why they chose to create the award and to honor Boris, stating that many of the town’s most “beloved events,” like the Daddy Daughter Dance, the Chili Cook-Off, and the Haunted House have been created or inspired by Boris.

However, one act by Boris stands out for The Barn community—one that helped save the organization during its most difficult period.

“COVID had many ramifications throughout the community with a prolonged recovery ahead, but The Barn’s future was secured by the selflessness of Tammy herself. With a gesture so simple she changed so much by stepping down as co-director in order to ease the financial burden that was felt due to the loss of income and donations due to COVID,” DePietro said. “With the needs of the community increasing and the emotional wellbeing of local youth so critical, it was more important than ever for there to be a place like The Barn.”

DePietro said Boris’s passion is infectious in the best sense of the word, and that her presence and dedication continue to inspire both staff and students. Boris also has the title of director emeritus with the organization as well.

“It has been clear to The Barn and its board of directors that when looking for a volunteer of the year for recognition, that the bar could not be raised any higher,” DePietro said. “The Barn is so grateful for her service to the community and its youth.”

According to its website, in 1997 a group of youth-conscious citizens formed Friends of Madison Youth, Inc., now doing business as The Barn. The Barn’s support and funding came from a wide range of organizations in addition to individuals. In 1999, the Town of Madison agreed to allow the organization to use The Madison Arts Barn and with the generosity of The Wilbur W. Pardee Fund, the Greer Fund for Youth, The Erwin C. Bauer Trust, The Madison Foundation, and many individuals they raised over $300,000.

On May 5, 2000, The Barn opened its doors to the community and has been open ever since. As of 2020, more than 80,000 have participated in our programs and events.

For her part, Boris said she is truly humbled by the honor and like a true volunteer credits others for their work and dedication above hers.

“I’d just like to say thanks to [Executive Director] Robyn Klaskin and the entire board for establishing this yearly award and naming it after me. It’s truly a tremendous honor. I am surprised and humbled because when you volunteer, you do it for love not for recognition. I love the kids, I love the adults, and I love everything The Barn stands for,” Boris said.

Boris said she never loses enthusiasm for The Barn and is proud of her family’s legacy to the organization and The Barn’s commitment to shoreline youth.

“It’s wonderful. This place and these people are my family. Though I’m not as heavily involved as I once was...I am still participating in plays, and doing costuming and artistic involvement, because these people are my best friends,” said Boris. “Working with my father, working with the kids, has been very rewarding. To see these kids enjoy it and what they get out of it is truly humbling and special. The satisfaction comes from feeling you are doing right by these kids.”

For more information, visit The Barn’s website www.madisonartsbarn.org.