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Jim and Linda Bordas Honored at Wheeling YMCA Light of the Valley Banquet

Photo by Scott McCloskey Linda and Jim Bordas are shown with their Dr. Lee Jones Patron of Youth awards during the Chambers YMCA Light of the Valley luncheon on Wednesday.

WHEELING — Linda Bordas worked at a Dairy Queen to put herself through college. Jim Bordas, one of nine children, held down three different jobs in high school while playing football and maintaining decent grades.

When the couple met and married, their hard work early in their marriage paid off. As founding partners of the Bordas & Bordas law firm, today they are two of the most successful and admired attorneys in the area and staunch supporters of youth in the community.

On Wednesday, the Bordases were honored as recipients of the Dr. Lee Jones Patron of Youth award during the annual Chambers YMCA Light of the Valley fundraiser luncheon held at Wheeling Park’s White Palace. The event, filled with the Bordases’ family, friends and supporters, earned the YMCA a record $70,150 that will assure the continuation of many YMCA programs that serve children and families regardless of their ability to pay.

The Bordases have two sons, Jamie and Ben, and seven grandchildren. Jamie, who serves as president of the YMCA Board of Directors, introduced his parents before presenting them with their awards. He said his parents were foremost in teaching him and his brother strong Christian values.

“As lawyers, they are always looking out for others. They taught me principles,” Jamie Bordas said. “My mother told me, ‘To those much is given, much is expected.'”

Jamie said his parents serve as “shining examples to children how to treat others.” He said they are role models well deserving of the Light of the Valley honor.

Linda Bordas thanked the crowd for its support and reminded everyone that it takes a village to raise a child.

“And please continue your support,” she added.

Jim Bordas thanked the audience, his family, the YMCA staff and his own co-workers for their support. He praised the YMCA staff for its work with youth and families and for their commitment to Christian values.

“I commend the Y for having the courage to keep the word ‘Christian’ in the name of the organization. I guarantee our law firm would represent you if anyone ever challenges it,” he said.

Bordas turned the spotlight from himself to others in the community who have lived or are living commendable lives. He said the late Sam Andy, basketball coach from Wheeling Park High School, was a good man because he never stopped taking care of his wife, Sandy, after she suffered a severe stroke years ago.

He said Mark Nardone, the former Wheeling Park football coach who is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, never loses hope and continues each day to post words of faith and hope online. Bordas noted the courage of 4-year-old Hines Rotriga, a cancer survivor who has traveled a rough road to recovery with the support of the community behind him and his family.

Bordas said teachers, nurses, doctors and lawyers in the community often go unnoticed for the good work they do. He gave kudos to retired Wheeling Central Catholic High School teacher Lou Volpe, who he said helped shape many young lives through his teaching and caring ways.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch was the guest speaker and spoke of the importance of getting children off the streets and involved in sports and other pursuits.

He was instrumental in Pittsburgh for starting youth basketball programs that keep at-risk youths occupied.

He urged the audience to continue their support for the Chambers Y and to do even more.

Msgr. Frederick Annie, vicar general for the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, gave the invocation. He has been a personal friend of the Bordases for many years.

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