Our community lost one of our greatest champions of youth last week when Patty Yarbrough passed away. Today, we honor Patty’s life and her countless contributions to the Boys & Girls Club, to youth sports, to the business community, and most importantly, to her family.
Patty started her tenure on the Boys & Girls Club’s Board of Directors in 1991. She quickly developed a passion for serving the children of Central Minnesota through the Boys & Girls Club. Her own children were a part of KIDSTOP, and the positive impact the program had on her kids only fueled her passion more.
Patty served as President of the Board from 2000 – 2001. She led the organization through the building process and celebrated a milestone ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Southside Boys & Girls Club in 2001. This was truly a pivotal time in our organization’s history!
At that time, she was also instrumental in the formation of the Minnesota Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, a 501c4 dedicated to provide coordination and support for Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state of Minnesota. Through her leadership and perseverance, the Alliance has been able to secure millions of dollars in state funding to support workforce development programs at Clubs across Minnesota!
Throughout her tenure as a board member, Patty was a walking billboard for the Club. She told everyone that the Boys & Girls Club was “her addiction.” But we all know that her actions spoke even louder than her words.
Through McKay’s Family Auto and her own personal giving, Patty contributed more than $115,000 to the Boys & Girls Club over the years!
In 2012, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota’s awarded Patty with the organization’s highest level of recognition – the Thomas A. Ritsche Lifetime Commitment to Caring Award.
Patty – your legacy of caring for our community will always be remembered by your friends here at the Boys & Girls Club. Thank you for devoting your life to building great futures for youth.
Watch this video recognizing Patty for her many contributions to the community: