November 18, 2011

The Boys & Girls Clubs

Can you believe it's been over a month since my last blog post?!?!  That's great news because there hasn't been any new updates on dad's health.  He CONTINUES to go to work and has routine weekly doctor visits to monitor his blood levels.  Recently, he had a brain MRI to see if new tumors had developed....there are no tumors in the brain!  Great news, huh?  Dad has continued to receive treatment/infusion therapy for the tumor in his bones to hopefully strengthen these bones and we continue to monitor his blood counts.  While we know that his tumors could bleed again, we pray for miraculous healing and no bleeding tumors.  Thank you for your continued prayers!

On another personal note, I'd love to share with you a passion that my dad has:  the Boys & Girls Clubs.  Since the early '90s, my dad has served on the board for the Boys & Girls Club of Cobb County and more recently on the Corporate board for the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.   Through his 20+ years of service and leadership, he has helped raise over one million dollars for the clubs.  He also helped start an Oratorical Competition for youth to learn how to communicate and overcome their fears of public speaking.

From the words of my dad:  "God has endowed every child with His special imprint of unique gifts and talents.  It is the privilege of all those wonderful people associated with the work of the Cobb County Boys & Girls Clubs to love these children and it is our collective responsibility to nurture, encourage, and exhort them, allowing us to celebrate their achievements at each level of their development.  They can all, individually, be great representatives of their communities and their clubs.  I salute and pray for those who toil daily with these leaders of tomorrow..."

Over ten years ago, there was a need for a Boys & Girls Club in the South Cobb area and the Board of Directors implemented a Capital Campaign to raise money for a new club and teen center.  My dad's boss and close friend, Malon Mimms, confirmed his commitment to the disadvantaged youth by a giving a generous donation and allowing for the construction of a new club.  The new club was named, the Michael A. Grant club, in honor of my dad because of his dedication and love for the Cobb County Boys and Girls Clubs and their goals.

This past month, my dad was honored by the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America with the National Silver Medallion.  This award is only given to board volunteers for outstanding service to boys and girls and is the highest honor a board member can receive.  Dad was honored publicly in a personalized ceremony at the Michael A. Grant Club and at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta Youth of Year award banquet.  It was such an honor for me as a daughter to see dad be publicly acknowledged for his efforts and to be recognized for the man that he is.  He was described as someone who was considered to be an "Angel" to the club.  Another described him as someone that always has two hands on your back....one patting you on the back, and the other pushing you forward.  I'm proud...and extremely thankful that I have that kind of dad.


Dad given the Silver Medallion at the Michael A. Grant Club
Dad accepting the award at the Youth of the Year event held at the GA Aquarium.

Dad with one of the club's staff who was once a club member in his youth.


1 comment:

Mary said...

Okay, we've been through Christmas and are almost into the new year. I had the pleasure of seeing Jason, Jackie and their beautiful girls today and frankly, I NEED AN UPDATE! :-) Jason said you were doing well, which I expect, but gimme some Christmas pictures! Love you all so much. Happy New Year!!!!