By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - Almost any conversation with Kathy "Max" Adair eventually turns to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County.

A discussion on holiday menus, for instance, leads to a mention of the Hobe Sound branch's program to feed about 350 residents on Thanksgiving. Her conversation is a passionate discussion of the group's projects, goals, needs and a capital campaign to build a 20,000-square-foot center to serve Indiantown.

"It's part of my lifestyle," said Ms. Adair, a 13-year volunteer whose official schedule has her set to teach tennis to Boys & Girls Clubs on Fridays.

But the mentor, known to the children as Miss Max, is at the clubs almost daily, sporting the group's T-shirt and ball cap, administrators say.

"I live nearby, and I have to drive past on my way to the grocery store or to run errands, so I just drop in," she offers.

But staff members tell a different story, saying the volunteer repeatedly goes out of her way to support the clubs and the children for whom they provide leadership, tutoring, exercise and other training.

"People like Max are extremely rare, because she's very passionate about our children," said Mat Churchey, senior area director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. "A lot of time, we find people who help financially, or people who are great with working with the children or on the board. Max does all of those."

Administrators credit the volunteer with helping to develop programs, plan fundraisers, serve on boards and be a role model for staff and the group's young members. She chairs a community program concentrating on teens and families, and with the help of local supporters, helped start a vegetable garden at the clubs.

That's why last month, the organization officially recognized Ms. Adair's efforts by presenting her with its Unsung Hero award, during National Philanthropy Day celebrations last month.

"For us it was obvious, because she is so shy that she gets embarrassed when she gets recognized, but she is so worthy of recognition. What she's done for our organization has been tremendous," Mr. Churchey said. "She's a spark plug, and her enthusiasm is contagious. When she comes in the club, the kids get excited and staff gets excited."

For her part, Ms. Adair is reluctant to talk about her effort.

"It's such an honor, but my volunteering is just an extension of our great staff. I can't commend the staff enough," she said. "And what a volunteer gets back is so much more than they give. It just can not be explained in words. It's just the greatest feeling in the world."