Rockwall Y volunteer earns distinguished honor

From left: Larry Parks, JER "Bob" Chilton, and Executive Director Bonnie LaVielle.

(ROCKWALL, TX – April 15, 2015) Larry Parks recently received the prestigious Charles P. Storey Strong Communities Award for his dutiful service to the JER Chilton YMCA at Rockwall. This award is presented to a YMCA volunteer who has been instrumental in the creation and perpetuation of a local Y, and only ten such awards have been given. Parks received this distinguished honor during the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ 130th Annual Meeting at the Belo Mansion.

“I can’t think of a more deserving person. Larry has volunteered countless hours for this YMCA,” said Bonnie LaVielle, Executive Director of the JER Chilton YMCA. “Larry’s love of people and this community is hard to match.”

Parks began his service with the Rockwall YMCA in 1987. He has served as a board member, Annual Campaign Chair, Major Gifts Chair, Leadership Development Committee Chair, and Chairman of the Board of Management. He currently serves as Chair of the Capital Campaign.

During the presentation, Parks was praised for his commitment, generosity and extraordinary leadership over the last 28 years. He was described as an iconic face of the JER Chilton YMCA, whose efforts have opened doors and created opportunities for the Y to grow in Rockwall. A video posted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas shares Parks’ story; view it online here:

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