Rockwall, TX (February 13, 2024) – Over 100 community members, YMCA staff, board members, and friends, recently gathered at the Dallas Athletic Club for the JER Chilton YMCA annual campaign kickoff. There to celebrate past work and future initiatives, attendees were treated to dinner as well as moving testimonials, board member presentations, and recognition of individuals who have supported the Rockwall YMCA from its early formation until today.
JER Chilton YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the annual campaign goes a long way to helping the organization achieve their mission, to put Christian values into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Several programs were highlighted including Angel Camp, exclusively developed by JER Chilton YMCA and exclusively funded through the annual campaign! Angel Camp offers a dedicated camp for special needs youth ages 5-18 each year. This program offers these young people a true camp experience, that they might not otherwise find, at no charge while also offering them the support they need.
The impact JER Chilton YMCA is making in the community is evident through the many programs made available throughout the Rockwall area. Programs that help build healthy communities and families, such as Safety Around Water, and its goal to reduce drowning rates, special community outreach events, quarterly family fun nights, and even scholarships for membership dues and camps are all possible through the annual campaign.
Many friends and supporters have been instrumental in helping JER Chilton YMCA achieve their goals in Rockwall for over 30 years. Several of these dedicated individuals were recognized at the kickoff event.
(L to R: Mike Atkins, Board Chair, Harold Young, District Executive Director, Dr. Bart Miller, Mark Russo, Board Member)
Dr. Frank Miller was remembered by board member, Mark Russo, for his many years of service preceding his passing in 2022. Frank Miller’s life was centered on service beginning with his 28 years of service to the Navy. Later, as he made his home and established his dental practice in Rockwall, Dr. Miller served the community as Mayor, city council member, through church and Rockwall Rotary.
Dr. Miller also donated much of his time to the YMCA mission and was founding board chairman for the Rockwall YMCA. In 1969, he wrote a letter of support for the development of the Rockwall YMCA which highlighted the Rockwall Community Forum, on which he served, which was organized with local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and community members for the purposed of providing financial and physical support for recreational programs.
Dr. Miller’s efforts were instrumental in the founding of the Rockwall YMCA and its ongoing support from the community.
Lifelong Rockwall resident and longtime YMCA supporter, Dewayne Cain, presented Joe Holt with a YMCA legacy jacket, which places Joe within a special group of passionate and dedicated YMCA supporters.
Growing up in a more rural Rockwall, long before a local YMCA was present, there weren’t as many activities and amenities as is available today. “Not having the benefit of a YMCA was perhaps a driving force behind Joe’s efforts to bring one to the community” suggested Cain.
In his service to the YMCA, Joe Holt has acted in multiple capacities from board member, board chairman, chairman of the capital campaign to build the facility, and is the only local board member to serve on the YMCA Metropolitan Board of Directors. His vision for what the local YMCA could be in this community is now a part of our everyday experience.
Alisha Garrett, Rockwall swim team coach, and Larry Parks, board member emeritus, presented JER Chilton volunteer, Jobic Obuong, with the Larry Parks Service Award.
In describing Mr. Obuong as a “committed and steadfast volunteer”, Garrett highlighted his role as a volunteer swim official. This position is no simple task, requiring many hours of training to be a level 1 official. However, Mr. Obuong took it upon himself to gain further training and complete testing to become a level 2 official! In doing so, he has made a significant and faithful contribution – last year volunteering over 125 hours!
It is in his heart to serve beyond what is required. Not only does he serve as an official for meets (and as coach for his son’s soccer team) but he also helps run team trials and assist coaches in preparation for the Lone Star State swim meet. When he is officiating a swim meet, he stands out taking extra time to explain a ruling to a coach or parent, or even to encourage a swimmer with a pep talk.
The 2024 annual campaign goal of $236,000 will serve an estimated 4,025 people in and around Rockwall County. A variety of special events are planned with opportunities to actively participate and learn more about the campaign objectives and program offerings.
The JER Chilton YMCA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. JER Chilton YMCA offers a variety of programs to the surrounding area including Safety Around Water, health and wellness, youth sports, seasonal and summer camp, Angel Camp for special needs, childcare programs, special events, youth leadership, and more. To donate to the annual campaign, please visit https://www.ymcadallas.org/donate
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Rockwall’s JER Chilton YMCA hosts annual campaign kick-off event and celebration added by Melanie M on
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