Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area recognized Erik Marechal as the 2025 Champion for Youth on Sept. 16 for a lifetime of dedication to youth.
Watch the recognition video here.
As a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area Board of Directors since 2006, Erik Marechal has dedicated his time, energy, and leadership to ensuring that children in the Pee Dee area have every opportunity to reach their full potential. Professionally, he is the President, CEO, and majority owner of Accountable Insurance Partners, and a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute.
“He fits the 10 qualities of a champion,” said Dr. Allie Brooks, the 2009 Champion for Youth who presented the award to Marechal.
Brooks continued,
A champion gives all no matter what. It’s called excellence.
A champion sees every challenge as an opportunity. It’s called overcoming adversity.
A champion makes all those around him better. It’s called leadership.
A champion Dedicates himself to prepare for success. It’s called discipline.
A champion may fail but he never quits. It’s called commitment.
A champion puts success of others above individual achievement. It’s called teamwork.
A champion lives by a higher standard and stands firm when others around him fail. It's called conviction.
A champion who lays down his own desires for the benefit of others its called sacrifice.
A champion gets up more times than he has been knocked down. It’s called perseverance.
A champion knows his talents and successes are God given not self-developed or endowed by others. It’s called faith.
Erik moved to Florence with his wife Laura some 20 years ago from Charlotte, N.C. As Elders and Covenant Partners of First Presbyterian Church, Erik and Laura are deeply committed to enhancing the Florence community, dedicating time and resources to various local organizations. In his free time, Erik enjoys weekends in Georgetown with family and friends, dining out, boating, fishing, golfing, and playing tennis. They have two adult children, Matt and Ellen Grace.
“Through his vision and actions, Erik has set the standard for what it means to lead with purpose,” says Paden Capps, Chief Operating Officer for Accountable Insurance Partners.
With gratitude and humility, Marechal accepted the award and talked about the collective impact the Club makes.
“We support kids, and their lives aren't always so easy. If these families are living in the hotel room of the hotel room, those kids need a place too. You provide that. Kids should not have to live in some situations that they are,” he said. “But we see them, and we love them. And they know us. And we're the place to come where it's okay.”
For 91% of Boys & Girls Club members, the Club is the only place they have to go; no other youth organization serves them.
“Who's that one person that really helped you as a child? Encouraged you, picked you up when you were down, had a difficult situation, challenged you, encouraged you to become better?” Marechal asked the audience of more than 200. “You see, the Club is that person, that team, that mentor for a thousand kids a day. That's why I have served as a board member for 19 years and will continue doing so.”
Previous Champions For Youth honorees: 2024, Dr. Al Gilpin; 2023, Carlos Washington; 2022, Rick & Susan Goings; 2019, William T. “Billy” Jarrell; 2018, Tom Ewart; 2017, Rob Colones; 2016, Buddy Brand; 2015, Dr. Tammy Pawloski; 2014, Florence Boys & Girls Club 50th Anniversary; 2013, East Florence Mission/ Center Day School; 2012, Rev. Dr. William P. Diggs; 2011, Darla Moore; 2010, Ralph R. Porter, Jr.; 2009, Dr. Allie E. Brooks Jr.; 2008, Richard C. Harrington Jr.; 2007, Rep. James E. Clyburn; 2006, Sen. Hugh Leatherman Sr.; 2005, Dr. Luther F. Carter and 2004, Frank Avent.
To contribute in honor of Erik Marechal, visit https://bit.ly/cfy2025.
History of the Champions for Youth award: https://www.bgcpda.org/news-events/champions-for-youth-history.html
During the Champions for Youth Tribute event, the Champion of Champions was also recognized. Read more here.
