The Dillon County Boys and Girls Youth Center held their annual “Together We Can” Gala on November 12, in Dillon.
This yearly gala is a fundraiser for the next year of programs which The Dillon County Boys and Girls Youth Center will sponsor. The Mistress of Ceremonies for this gala was former Dillon native, Ms. Helena Lytch of Raleigh, NC.
The welcome was presented by Mayor Todd Davis, City of Dillon. Mayor Davis welcomed everyone in attendance to The Boys and Girls Youth Center’s Annual “Together We Can” gala. He conveyed to everyone that “Together We Can” have an effective youth center, here in Dillon County for our youth to learn, play and grow. However, he said that it would take “everyone” working together to help with the heavy lifting of this massive task, not just the City of Dillon, but the county, the communities, the area churches, and everyone.
The mission and vision of The Youth Center was given by Annie Smith, Programs Coordinator.
Mr. Tonnie McNeil, Director, Economic Development spoke of the Public-Private Partnership with the Dillon County Boys and Girls Youth Center that can not only help the youth with training, but also with job placements.
Nick Washington, Coordinator for Governor Haley’s Original Six Foundation, Columbia, spoke of the bond of the Original Six Foundation and the Dillon County Boys and Girls Youth Center which was formed through the foundation reaching out to the youth center’s “Ruby and Rose Books Aloud Literacy Program” that gives books and comes to read them to two 4K elementary schools (East Elementary and Stewart Heights Elementary School) within Dillon School District Four.
The Original Six Foundation was so inspired with “The Ruby and Rose Books Aloud Literacy Program” that the Foundation is supplying the books to the 4K students for this year’s school period.
Everyone were treated to steak, potatoes, baked chicken and so much more
Afterwards, those in attendance heard from the man of the hour—SC House of Representative Joseph “Joe” McEachern, District 77, Columbia, SC.
Rep. McEachern is a proud Dillon native and a Class of 1973 Wildcats’ graduate.
Rep. McEachern attended both Furman University and Columbia International University. He worked for both Dillon County Sheriff’s Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department before being elected into the Chamber in 2008. He is also a Real Estate Broker.
Rep. McEachern is a Regional Transportation Authority. He is a former board member of the Central Midlands Council of Governments.
From 1997 to 2008, he was on the Richland County Council.
Rep. McEachern is married to Penny McEachern and they have two sons, Joseph Jr. and Aaron.
Rep. McEachern is the brother of Lawrence, Moses, Esther, Susan and Charles McEachern.
Rep. McEachern delighted us with some powerful and encouraging words to continue our quest of empowering our youth to want more. The more our youth are exposed to difference things the more their inquisitive minds want to know. We must always put and keep God first in everything we do. Certificates of Appreciation were given for participation in The Boys and Girls Youth Center Gala.
Eugene Campbell, Founder of The Dillon County Boys and Girls Youth Center gave the invocation and the closing remarks for the youth center.
He thanked everyone for coming out and supporting The youth center and gave the closing prayer.
The Dillon County Boys and Girls Youth Center is a non-profit, tax deductible 501(c)3 entity.
If you or your company or organization would like to talk or want to form a working partnership with The Dillon County Boys and Girls Youth Center, they would love to entertain all requests. They can be reached at dcbgyc@ gmail.com.
