Nacogdoches Jaycees Named Non-Profit of the Year

Generations of Service Recognized

The Nacogdoches County Chamber board of directors named the Nacogdoches Jaycees as the Non-Profit of the Year, honoring the organization's decades-long commitment to leadership development, community service and support for local youth. The Jaycees will be recognized at The Chamber's 104th annual meeting and banquet on Sept. 22 at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center.

For Jaycees President Travis Rector, the award represents the dedication of members who volunteer countless hours to create events that benefit Nacogdoches families and children.

"Thank you to The Chamber for recognizing our investment in the community," Rector said. "Our members are working weekends, on their own time, to create events for the community to enjoy. We are grateful to everyone who supports us and for the funds we've raised to support the children in our community. We are always trying to make Nacogdoches a better place to live, one event at a time."

The Nacogdoches Jaycees is an organization that provides young adults ages 18 to 40 with opportunities to develop business, leadership and management skills while serving their community. Through volunteerism and civic engagement, members gain experience that prepares them to become future leaders in Nacogdoches and beyond.

"The legacy of the Jaycees is preparing future leaders for our community," said Andrew Arnold, Jaycees Treasurer. "The Jaycees have been a part of Nacogdoches for generations, with a presidents' list dating back to 1937. Those past presidents helped contribute to the growth of Nacogdoches, and we are proud to continue building on that tradition."

The organization hosts several signature events throughout the year, including the Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo, which provides scholarships to Nacogdoches County students; the annual Mud Run; Freedom Fest, a Fourth of July celebration featuring food, music and fireworks sponsored by Badders Law Firm; a charity golf tournament benefiting the Boys & Girls Club; and the annual Turkey Smoke fundraiser that helps provide Christmas gifts for children in need.

Jaycees leaders agree that the success of those programs depends on partnerships throughout the community.

"We work alongside local community leaders and The Chamber to make the maximum impact possible," said Richard Villalobos, Vice President Membership Development. "We're thankful for everyone who partners with us. Our title sponsors, Eaton and R&K Distributors, along with Badders Law Firm and many other local businesses, help make our mission possible. We also appreciate the employers who encourage the young men in their organizations to join the Nacogdoches Jaycees and give back to the community."

While the organization's events vary throughout the year, its mission remains consistent.

"Our priorities have stayed the same," said Carlos Palomo, Jaycees Board Director. "We support future generations, invest in future generations and bring families together. We raise money, put it right back into the community and then start all over again. The invitation to contribute is always open. Whether you join the organization, volunteer or make a donation, every little bit helps."

Jaycees Secretary Juan Santaclara said that receiving The Chamber's top non-profit honor is especially meaningful because it recognizes both the organization's accomplishments and its purpose.

"On behalf of the Nacogdoches Jaycees, thank you for this incredible honor," he said. "Being named Non-Profit of the Year means so much to us because, in addition to what we do, the award recognizes why we do it. This award belongs to every Jaycee, past and present, and to the community that supports us. Our goal is simple: to leave Nacogdoches a little better than we found it. We are personally invested in Nacogdoches because this is our home."

As the organization looks toward the future, Jaycees leaders say they remain committed to strengthening the community one project, one event and one generation at a time.