Begin your day in support of the Boys & Girls Club of the Bighorns for our Awards & Recognition Breakfast to celebrate Jim Purdy.

Jim was chosen as the honoree for this year’s breakfast for his work in creating a better Johnson County. Born and raised on his family’s ranch south of Buffalo, Jim developed an early interest in flying, a passion that continues to this day. His aviation services have included search and rescue efforts, predator control, and airport management. Jim has especially enjoyed providing aviation-related therapy to many disabled veterans across the country as they work towards rehabilitation.

Jim is grateful for the opportunity to maintain and improve his family’s ranch. He continues to grow the ranch and, most importantly, feels fortunate to carry on the legacy his parents began.

Jim has watched the Club grow throughout his years in Buffalo. He said, “The Club is such a great support for families, not just the children. It provides a place for the whole family to be a part of something bigger than themselves. The Club offers opportunities to youth every single day.” Jim’s advice to young people is: “Be willing to try something new and know that it’s okay to change your plans.”

Featuring Keynote Speaker

Coach Ken Carter

The breakfast will also feature a keynote address by Coach Ken Carter whose life inspired the movie “Coach Carter”

Known for his unwavering principles and discipline, Coach Ken Carter gained
recognition for coaching the Richmond High School basketball team in California.
In 1999, he made headlines by locking out his undefeated team due to poor
academic performance. Faced with opposition and controversy, Carter prioritized education, implementing strict rules and academic improvement contracts. His unwavering dedication resulted in a remarkable academic and athletic
transformation for his team. His story and the impact he had on his players
were immortalized in the film Coach Carter starring Samuel L. Jackson.
Carter is the Founder and Chairman of the Coach Ken Carter Foundation,
a non-profit that promotes and provides education, training and mentoring
programs for minority youths. He also founded the Coach Carter Impact
Academy, designed to enable disadvantaged youth to reach their full
academic and life potential.
A successful author and speaker, Coach Carter is an esteemed author and
the founder and chairman of the Coach Ken Carter Foundation, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to the development, promotion, and provision of
education, training, and mentoring programs for minority youths. Carter’s
influence and dedication have garnered widespread recognition. In 2002, he was selected to carry the Olympic torch in the San Francisco Bay area.