Friends of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area have committed more than $173,000 to establish the Zimmerman Family Fund. The announcement came during the Champions for Youth Tribute event in September.

“Words can’t do justice to what this means. It’s definitely an honor for me and my wife. Florence is a great community for Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Neal Zimmerman, executive director for the organization for more than 30 years.

The Zimmerman Family Fund has been dedicated in honor of his late wife Nancy, Neal's spouse of 38 years who lost her battle with cancer in June this year.

“The number one thing that actually made it all happen was Nancy,” Neal said. “We had a saying, and we would laugh about it. I would do the work, and she would do the praying.”

The two met through Boys & Girls Clubs, as Nancy, a single mom of three at the time, needed help with one of her sons.

“Nancy encouraged and supported Neal and contributed so much to the life of the Club,” said Erik Marechal, board member.

“We are grateful for you and your leadership,” Marechal continued. “People follow you in the greater purpose of serving the kids that need us the most.”

Lifelong friend Clyde McGuire, director of organizational development for Boys & Girls Club of America, met Neil when he was 6 years old as a fellow Club member in Tennessee.

“[Neal] was a remarkable young man who excelled at everything. He was a good athlete, and he went on to college to play baseball,” McGuire said.

In 1972, Neal decided that he would make Boys & Girls Clubs his career. He started as a part-time employee working in programming, eventually became full-time, and understood every aspect of running a Boys & Girls Club. In 1995, he came to Florence as executive director for the Pee Dee organization and never looked back.

The Zimmerman legacy began with Neal’s father, who gave 31 years of his life to Boys & Girls Clubs in Orlando, Fla., and Cleveland, Tenn.

“He made things better for children, and Neal replicates that in everything he does,” McGuire said.

Neal’s mother Helen, also worked in the Clubs for 28 years.

“When you walked in the club, she knew your name. That's important to children,” McGuire said. “She made you feel welcome.”

All told, with Neal’s 53 years of service, his family has given 111 years to Boys & Girls Clubs.

“Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do on behalf of the children,” McGuire said.

Contributions to the Zimmerman Family Fund can be made through Eastern Carolina Community Foundation or Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area to continue the legacy of serving the young people who need us the most.