Dallas businessman J.E.R. ‘Bob’ Chilton donates $2.5M to Rockwall YMCA

Rockwall Y to unveil new logo, change its name to J.E.R. ‘Bob’ Chilton YMCA

Dallas businessman and philanthropist J.E.R. “Bob” Chilton of Heath presents a $2.5M check to Gordie Echtenkamp, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. — Dallas businessman and philanthropist J.E.R. “Bob” Chilton presents a $2.5M check to Gordie Echtenkamp, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

(Rockwall – November 29, 2012) Dallas businessman and philanthropist J.E.R. “Bob” Chilton of Heath announced today that he is donating $2.5 million to the Rockwall County YMCA.

The gift is the second largest donation the Dallas Y has received in its 127-year history and is one phase of the $5 million master plan that will improve the overall complex.

The gift will also allow the Y to do some much needed capital improvements to the YMCA in Rockwall including increasing the size of the facility by more than 12,000 square feet and ultimately meeting the needs of the community in a more effective way.

J.E.R. "Bob" Chilton local businessman and philanthropist; Missy Chilton wife; Sheri Franza President and CEO Rockwall Economic Development Corporation; Bonnie LaVielle Executive Director J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, Rockwall TX; Jayson Killough Operations Vice President YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas; Bryan Williams Branch Board Chairman J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, Rockwall TX — J.E.R. "Bob" Chilton local businessman and philanthropist; Missy Chilton wife; Sheri Franza President and CEO Rockwall Economic Development Corporation; Bonnie LaVielle Executive Director J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, Rockwall TX; Jayson Killough Operations Vice President YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas; Brian Williams Branch Board Chairman J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, Rockwall TX. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

“About 60 years ago, I jumped into a YMCA swimming pool to swim my first swimming meet, and I tried to remember what the coach told me: ‘Keep your body straight, reach for the end of the pool, and kick hard.'” Chilton said. “After the swimming meet, I held up my blue ribbon with little gold printing on it – it said First Place. I was so proud of that ribbon. I held it up to my coach and he said, ‘Don’t tell me what you won; tell me who you beat.’ And so I got my first YMCA lesson of values: Don’t count hollow victories. And it carried over. And the YMCA still teaches values today.”

As an investor, Chilton said he likes investing in the future – and when making a donation to the Y, he knows he is doing just that.

“I’m investing in tomorrow’s leaders of the communities that so desperately need good leadership today,” Chilton said. “As an investor, you look for safety as one factor. And YMCA has a fine history, a good reputation – so you feel secure in your investment. But that isn’t enough. You’re also looking for somebody who is able to adapt to today’s changing times. And the YMCA has done that. It’s re-engineered itself over the years, and geared itself to today’s community needs.”

In closing, Chilton added,”I feel good about my investment in the YMCA and I hope that other people feel as well as I do…So Gordie [Echtenkamp, YMCA CEO], it’s my pleasure to present you with two and half million dollars, my investment in the future.”

At a press conference set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 30, the YMCA is expected to announce that it is renaming the Rockwall County YMCA the J.E.R. “Bob” Chilton YMCA in honor of his $2.5 million donation to the facility.

The Y will also unveil the new logo for the facility and plans for expansion.