The commitment of one individual often makes all the difference, and Mr. Lee Scott, was one man whose efforts helped keep Grand Rapids’ youth in a safe and positive place for two decades.
Mr. Scott first became involved with BGCGRYC in the summer of 1991, where he happened to tune in for a radio telethon happening to keep Camp O’Malley and Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth alive.
“I was not in much of a position to give financially,” said Mr. Scott, “but called in to pledge a days labor because I owned a lumber company. I donated enough lumber to build about 20 picnic tables for the organization.”
After this occurrence, Mr. Scott continued to get more and more involved. The Board President at the time, Mr. Glenn Steil, called to thank him and invite him and his wife to have dinner with the campers out at Camp O’Malley.
“I got a tour of the facility, then dinner with about 60 kids between ages 8 and 12,” said Mr. Scott. “After a great camp style meal, the campers serenaded us, and I was hooked!”
Mr. Scott has been a terrific asset to BGCGRYC and Camp O’Malley. Over the past 20 years, he has participated in numerous Adopt-a-Cabin campaigns and clean-ups for Camp, helping to create an amazing boxing program at the Clubs, putting on The Policeman’s Ball and other fundraising events such as the annual Steak & Burger Dinner, as well as spending quality time with the Club members. Mr. Scott is still serving on the Camp O’Malley Advisory Board at this time.
“There are many great memories,” said Mr. Scott, “but teaching kids to play ping pong, baiting fishing hooks for kids, and getting killed in one-on-one basketball by a nine-year-old are some of my favorites.”
It is Board Members and volunteers like Mr. Lee Scott that allow organizations like BGCGRYC to truly enact their missions. With the positive influence of such great leaders, Grand Rapids’ youth are able to find a safe haven within their community. They are able to experience something outside their realm of normality.
“Once I was fishing with a camper, and we caught a nice bass,” said Mr. Scott. “I told him that we were going to clean it and eat it for dinner. His eyes got huge. He had no idea that the fish at Long John Silver’s were once alive and swimming!”
If you would like to get involved with BGCGRYC or Camp O’Malley, please contact Sarah Navis at
[email protected].
Article written by Sara Schneider.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.
