COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Columbia businessman Don Crichton was inducted into the Tennessee Boys & Girls Clubs Hall of Fame during the Tennessee Area Council conference in Murfreesboro on August 25.
“Don and his wife Eva James have been long-time champions of the Club and its mission to help youth reach their full potential,” said Board chair Bruce Hull. “They have been particularly instrumental over the past few years in helping the Club open school-based sites, giving even more children the ability to participate in the outstanding academic, health and character programs offered by the Club.”
Crichton has been a longtime supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN), which opened in 1999, selflessly giving his time, talent, and resources. He joined the Board of Directors in 2016 and quickly became an instrumental force in leading the charge to bring in new donors and funding, enabling the Club to serve more youth. He served on the Finance Committee from 2016-2019 and agreed to serve as co-chair when the Club launched the Our Kids Campaign to raise $5 million to support expanding operations.
In 2015, the Crichtons were recognized by BGCSCTN with the inaugural Don & Eva James Crichton Philanthropist of the Year Award during the Great Futures Luncheon. In 2018, they were recognized with the organization’s highest honor, the Ora Thompson Service Award, presented annually to the individual or family who has demonstrated a genuine passion for the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and has shown significant support to the local Club in pursuit of its mission.
“Our Club would not have been able to serve more than 1,000 youth in 2021 without the generosity and support of Don and Eva James,” said Bruce. “They have been instrumental in growing Club programs and services and are extremely deserving of this honor. Our community is a better place and our youth will be stronger adults because of their commitment and financial support.”
Since its formation in 1999, BGCSCTN has expanded its services to include youth and teen centers in Columbia, a Club in Pulaski, and school-based programs in 11 schools in Maury County. For more information, visit bgcsctn.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee:
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) opened in 1999 when it was officially chartered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. BGCSCTN is dedicated to making south central Tennessee a better place to live and work by ensuring that all children that walk through our doors graduate from high school ready for college or employment and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Club programs are designed to accomplish three key goals for youth: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.