Rockwall YMCA director dresses for success

Who would you most like to see in a dress, Jon Bailey or Mike Atkins?

(Left) Mike Atkins, who has served as executive director of the Rockwall Y since 2002, loses a bet that lands him in a dress, but celebrates victory for the YMCA and the families it serves. Team Bailey, led by Partners Campaign Chair Jon Bailey (right) turned in the winning pledge. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

That was the question posed to the Rockwall Family YMCA Board of Management during the final stretch of the 2012 Partners Campaign, which sought to raise a record $150,000 to ensure that no one is turned away from a Y program due to financial hardship.

The challenge was on. With only $9,500 left to reach goal, half the board members were randomly assigned to Team Atkins; the other half to Team Bailey.

Captain Mike Atkins, executive director of the Rockwall Family YMCA, explained the rules: “When we get the pledge that puts us over the top, the team who brought in the winning pledge will be declared the winner. The losing team’s captain will then show up at the April 24th board meeting in a dress – along with matching accessories, shoes make-up and the whole nine yards.”

We're not sure, but we think Mike is having second thoughts about his choice of footwear, and may be contemplating which shoe store to hit first following the meeting for that just-right pair of heels.

Captain Jon Bailey, Partners Campaign Chair, rallied his troops: Susan Young, Kevin Fowler, Greg Broze, David Sweet, Jay Longsworth, Larry Parks, Scott Petty, Tim Hartley, Larry Stephenson, Mike Jumper, Richard and Dawn Redig, Jason Ross, Bart Miller, Kellee Marley, and Marilyn King.

Team Atkins was comprised of Bob Amick, Kevin Smart, Jay Humphrey, Phil Miller, Roberto and Marisol Lopez, Myron Weidenbach, Mike Morris, Frank Conselman, Jeff Little, Julie Teinert, Brett Packer, Glenda Majchrzak, Liz Jones, Brenda Rabe, and Cassie McKee.

The competition was tough, but in the end, Captain Mike conceded with this message:

“In the immortal words of Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson a few years ago, ‘You can print it in three inch headlines, we will win.’ That’s what Jon Bailey told me back when we still needed $20,000.  I believed him and I’m glad I did because I’m pleased to report that together as a team we exceeded our 2012 Partners Goal. Thanks to all of you for a great team effort.

I am less than happy to report that Jay Longsworth, a member of Team Bailey, reported the winning pledge – so I will be wearing a dress to the board meeting.  No flash photography please.  Everyone should be proud of themselves on this great accomplishment.”

Captain Mike followed through with his promise by showing up to the April 24th board meeting donning a smart and comfortable full-length, button-down number in lovely blue, which many agreed matched his eyes.

By Dawn Redig for Blue Ribbon News.

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