Boys & Girls Club annual fund-raiser set for Oct. 11
By HOLLY SULAK WILLIS

KEN HATFIELD

A college football legend soon will share some of his glory and perhaps a few of the secrets to his success with local supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of El Campo.

Ken Hatfield, now retired, will be the keynote speaker at the club's largest fundraiser of the year coming up on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Hatfield's gridiron star has shone from the time of his playing days with a still-talked-about 81-yard punt return against the Texas Longhorns in 1964 (the same year he and his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks won the National Championship) to his years coaching teams like Air Force, Arkansas and the Rice Owls.

The local connection to the legend comes through El Campo native Michael Perry, whose own football star shone as he played for the Ricebirds and then the Owls.

Perry was recruited by Hatfield's staff and then played under the wellknown and respected coach.

Perry now heads up the Boys & Girls Club as chief professional officer.

"He was always so positive," Perry said. ""I didn't always realize it when I was playing, but when I look back I can see what he said then carries on into life now."

L-N Photo by Quala Matocha The Race Is On Stopping for a brief water break provided by local Cub Scouts during the Museum's Wild Run 5K Fun Run are mom Lindsey Poenitzsch with son Dean (in stroller) and Fae Popp (#24). More than 70 participants took part in this event and the children's half mile run to raise funds for the Museum on Saturday. An awards ceremony followed with a pizza party in the El Campo Civic Center pavilion area. See a future issue for race results.

Perry said his four years with Hatfield at Rice were like a constant motivational speech and he expects the coach to bring his same positive, inspirational message to town next month.

"He's going to keep things on the lighter side," Perry said. "He's going to talk about his experience and the joy he finds in life."

"He's the kind of guy you just can't dislike," Perry added.

Hatfield also has been a much-loved figurehead for kids and adults who belong to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

In recent years, the local Boys & Girls Club has been responsible for bringing some well-know speakers to the Civic Center for it's annual fundraiser.

Last year, Doc Blakely entertained with his cowboy humor and guitar, and two years ago Jim "Mattress Mac" McIngvale graced the stage with a fast-talking, get-real speech about seeing the privilege and honor in a good, hard-day's work.

Money raised in October will fund a major portion of the club's operations for the year, which serves more than 1,163 local kids ranging in age between six and 18.

Organizers of this year's Snag, Tag and Brag hope there will be even some extra funds donated to tuck away into the organization's endowment fund.

"We've gotten a good start, but if we continue to put more into our account with the Wharton County Community Foundation we can be sure the club will always be there to help kids in our city," volunteer Gordon Sorrel said.

Snag, Tag and Brag came into existence last year replacing the annual Steak and Burger event, but some parts remain the same such as local firefighters continuing to lend their cooking skills to provide the seafood dinner, and an auction with interesting, one-of-akind items going to the highest bidders.

"All proceeds from this event stay in El Campo and help the children right here at home," Board President John Hancock said. "The safety the kids feel and the experiences they have at the club help them become a better part of our society, and we're seeing positive results right now on state TAKS tests."

Volunteer J.J. Croix ran the numbers calculating how well club members who participate in the after school "Power Hour" program do on the school system's mandated tests.

Of those members who regularly attended the club this past spring, 92 percent passed all parts of the exam.

"The results are phenomenal. The data show that only five of the 62 members who made coming to the club a habit failed one or more parts of the TAKS," Croix said. "Only the top rated schools in the state can claim a 90 percent passing rate on TAKS and then they're labeled 'Exemplary' - to me, that makes the club exemplary as well."

Another draw for families will be honors going out to local athletes affiliated with team programs like soccer, boxing, karate, basketball and the Red Wave Swim Team, which can brag of not only state champions this year but also national ones as well.

Perhaps one of the most moving portions of the evening could be an opportunity to hear from the Southwest Youth of the Year winner Brittny Cantero of Wharton, who could well be named the National Youth of the Year before the fund-raiser.

Leaders of the club also will honor two of the organization's most staunch supporters who died within the past year.

A special memorial will be made during the evening remembering founder and volunteer Alan Hoelscher and longtime friend of the club Betty Ann Franke.

Sponsorships are needed starting at $800 and tables are available for $400. Individual tickets can be purchased for $10. Call the club at 543-8320 for more information.