On Feb. 8, Douglas County Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Steve Hord celebrated a milestone: 40 years at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
Steve is one of the longest-serving staff at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA).
When President & CEO David Jernigan assumed his position in 2019, he started the tradition of visiting Club sites to honor long-term staff who reached work milestones. But how do you honor someone who has selflessly given 40 years of service to kids, families and community? You call on friends for support, and keep it top secret!
When Hord’s Club staff called him into the gym for a special program, he was soon overwhelmed with cheering kids, Club alumni, board members, and BGCMA staff from across metro Atlanta. An extra special treat, Braves mascot Blooper presented Hord with a custom jersey; Hord is a HUGE Braves fan. THANK YOU Atlanta Braves Community Affairs Vice President Danielle Bedasse for making this dream a reality!
Known to be a Club director full of energy to rival the kids, Hord quickly jumped on a table and said “I just need to see everyone!”
After giving many hugs and wiping some tears, Hord paused for the program to begin. Members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta senior leadership team presented him with a baseball signed by them. Senior Vice President of Programs & Operations Lorene Jackson expressed how Steve embodies what it means to ignite the unlimited potential of kids and teens.
The baseball presentation was a clue to Hord’s next surprise. Everyone who works at BGCMA also knows that Hord is the Atlanta Brave’s biggest fan. Not only did Hord get surprised by Blooper coming to the celebration, but Blooper presented Hord with an Atlanta Braves jersey bearing the number 40!
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Henry Saxon and Stacy Blackmon also made a special appearance, presenting Hord with a service pin and a framed letter from Boys & Girls Clubs of America President & CEO Jim Clark.
Remarks also included former Douglas Club alumni and Douglas County Club board members.
