The ceremony was held between games with the organization's President, Paul Kowalick, being emcee.
Kowalick opened the ceremony with Gabrielle Dinger singing the National Anthem.
Kowalick recognized the organizations board members and also the local officials in attendance which included Girardville Mayor Michael Zangari and members of the borough council.
He also thanked those that helped them with projects and improvements to the A Street Gymnasium.
Kowalick then called up the Rhoades family members that attended which included Senator Rhoades' widow Mary Edith Rhoades, son James Rhoades, and grandson Jack Rhoades.
Kowalick spoke about how the Senator would attend games, help with grants, and help where he could to help make improvements to the center.
Kowalick also spoke about a past project where the Senator was working on turning the old Girardville school into a YMCA. The project was reportedly stopped when the Senator passed away from injuries in a car accident. It was after his death that the center was named the Senator James Rhoades Community Center.
A banner was presented and will be hung in the gymnasium which had the Senator's portrait on it and stated "GBA is forever grateful for your support of our program".
Second, the organization recognized Jaden Leiby who was injured during a North Schuylkill Football game in October. He has since been recovering from a broken neck in Philadelphia at the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia
Representing the Leiby family was Jaden's brother Jake Green, and Jaden's cousins Colin and Gavin Whalen.
Kowalick recognized that the three family members in attendance were all GBA alumni that collections at the door for the night were all going to the Leiby family.
Kowalick also announced that a trust has been set up for Jaden and if anyone wishes to donate, can send it to:
Jaden G. Leiby IRRV Trust
296 Malones Road
Ashland, PA 17935
