Family Honored For Charity Work
The Butler family of Garden City was invited to a dinner given by the Salvation Army on October 10

th at the Westbury Manor to honor its volunteers. At this dinner, for the second year in a row, the Butler family received a "Bell Ringer Award" plaque, as did many other individuals and organizations. During both dinners, the Butlers were the only family group to receive such an award. These plaques were awarded for the volunteer service given to the Salvation Army by the Butlers during the Christmas seasons of 2006 and 2005. This service involved the following: the Butler family, on numerous occasions during these Christmas seasons, played Christmas music in the mall to encourage shoppers and passers-by to contribute to the Salvation Army kettle.

This family band consists of the following: Dave Butler (their dad) plays trumpet and tuba, tenth-grader Jack Butler plays the trombone, eighth-grader Tom Butler plays tenor saxophone, sixth-grader David Butler plays the trumpet, fifth-grader Elizabeth Butler plays the alto saxophone, and first-grader Jeanne Butler plays the bells. The family was joined on occasion by their cousin, Michael Contino, from Wilton, Connecticut, who plays alto saxophone. Selections played included "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas," and many more. The parents of the Butler children, Barbara and Dave, were both graduates of Garden City High School ('80 and '75, respectively,) and both participated in the Garden City High School Band at that time.

The Butler family considers the Salvation Army, whose slogan is "Doing the Most Good," their favorite charity, and enjoys helping them whenever possible. They look forward to continuing their volunteer work with the Salvation Army during this Christmas season and many more to come.