GAINESVILLE – Decorated war hero, best-selling author and Fox News Channel host Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, USMC (Retired), challenged the 400 people squeezed into the grand ballroom at the Gainesville Civic Center “to be a hero” and support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County.
North learned earlier that a donation of $25,000 would be made if attendees at the 13th annual “Futures for Kids Gala” Tuesday evening would provide a matching amount before leaving the building. He did not want to see that opportunity go to waste.
North had come to Gainesville to be the featured speaker for the Gala, but said, “I don’t want you to think that I’ve just come into town to shoot my mouth off, I’m going to put my money where my mouth is.”
Reaching into his jacket pocket he produced a personal check written to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County for $1000. “Now, how about if we have 25 people in this room that will match it?”
North asked that the house lights be turned up and called for a show of hands from those willing to also contribute a $1000 check of their own. Some nervous laughter was heard, but slowly, one by one, twenty-five individuals around the room raised their hands and pledged to match North’s offer.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County Board President Dana Miller began to wipe tears from her eyes. “These kids mean so much to me and to our community,” she explained. “It’s just been a very special evening.”
North referred to time he spent in the Middle East as a soldier and an observer. “Think about radical Islam and what those young people are being taught,” he said.
“They’re taught to hate, they’re taught to kill…life for them is all about dying the right way,” North explained. “How different that is from the youngsters who are being mentored at the Boys and Girls Clubs…life is all about living the right way.”
North restated his challenge. “Be a hero; be a mentor; be a role model. Boys and Girls Clubs have become safe-havens for youngsters after school and on weekends.”
Gainesville Fire Chief Jerome Yarbrough, who spent much of his youth at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County and now serves on the Club’s Board of Directors, received the Helping Hands Award, given each year to an individual who demonstrates service and dedication to the Club.
Jayla Williams, a sophomore at Gainesville High School, was recognized as the 2015 Youth of the Year.
More can be learned about services available at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County, as well as their needs, by calling (770) 532-8102 or visiting their website.
