THANK YOU for another incredible year!!

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Wow! 30 years. Can you believe it?

At our Wine, Dine & Auction, we’re raised our glasses not just to where we are, but to how far we’ve come, and all the incredible people who helped us get here.

Let’s rewind the tape...yes, the VHS tape, because our first VCR was donated by the Kiwanis Club. And thank goodness, the Rotary came through with a microwave. So we had movies and popcorn. The Boys & Girls Club was winning from day one!

But before the building ever had walls, the dream was born over chips and salsa at El Palacio, back in 1990. 

A group of visionaries; our Steering Committee got to work:

then Mayor Billy Blackmon, Rev. Billy Gaither, James Jarmon Jr. (who also served as President), Sammy Judah (still serving today!), Johnny Trawick, Charlie Harper, Shirley Woodie, Florine Colvin, and Wilbur Jackson. Their belief in our young people laid the foundation, literally and figuratively.

And while every one of them played a part, there was one man who became the backbone of the entire movement: David Madden. When David Madden was being interviewed for the Housing Authority Director position, the Board asked him one simple question:

“Can you build a Boys & Girls Club in Ozark?”

His answer?

“I built one before, I think I can build another one.”

And boy, did he deliver.

He secured $54,000 from HUD, ensuring that this facility was completely debt-free. 

And when construction hit a wall, they needed more money for a road and a driveway, David didn’t back down.

He and Trot Carroll set up a meeting with then-Governor Jim Folsom, with Representative Nolan Williams by their side. They marched into the Governor’s Mansion, made their case, and without hesitation, Governor Folsom said: “Let’s finish it.”

He granted them $20,000 on the spot.

But wait...it gets better.

They told the Governor they wouldn’t accept the money unless he came to Ozark to dedicate the building himself. So on his way to Albany, Georgia to meet then President Bill Clinton, Governor Folsom stopped right here in Ozark, dedicated the building, and had lunch with the team at the iconic Deloney’s.

Charlie Harper and Ed Speiner also helped us secure $50,000 from Alabama Power, and just like that, the Ozark community had a Club.

In 1993, a group of leaders; Sammy Judah, James Seymour, Charlie Harper, and David Madden, toured Clubs across Alabama to bring back the best ideas. And just one year later, our Club opened its doors.

JB Head Construction brought the blueprints to life, and in July 1994, the doors officially opened. Our very first Club member? Anthony Roberson.

Our first Executive Director was Tim Freeman, a dedicated leader who served for many years and was truly instrumental in guiding the Club during its foundational years. His steady leadership and passion for our mission helped set the tone for everything this Club has become today.

Henry Jenkins served as our very first Board President. The very first benefit event was the unforgettable Mad Hatters Luncheon at Willow Oaks Golf Course. That magic was created by Tina Harper and her rockstar committee: Parcsilla Carroll, Susan Judah, Emily Williams, Lou Hennies, and Diane Clouse.

We even launched our first Steak & Burger Fundraiser on March 23, 1995. 

After Tim Freeman, Lonnie Groomes stepped in as Executive Director and continued to build on that strong foundation. Under his leadership, the Club expanded into new areas and even added on to the existing facility, allowing us to serve 100 more kids. His vision and commitment helped the Club grow in both size and impact.

And you know what’s wild? Talks of a Teen Center actually started back then in 1995. We were even finalists for a Taco Bell grant! We didn’t get it, but TODAY, WE HAVE A TEEN CENTER!!! 30 years later, the dream has come full circle.

And here’s the best part: all proceeds from the Wine, Dine & Auction will go directly into our new Teen Center, designed to provide a safe, engaging space where teens can access life and workforce readiness programs, procure academic support, ARTS, recreational activities and so much more.

So as we celebrate 30 years… let’s remember this:

This Club was built on big dreams, bold leaders, and a community that never stopped believing in its kids.

Proceeds from this epoch event will directly support our new Teen Center, a one-of-a-kind facility located directly on Andrews Avenue adjacent from DA Smith Middle School. Our Teen Center is designed to provide a safe, engaging space where teens can access life and workforce readiness programs, procure academic support, ARTS, recreational activities and so much more.