As hard as it is to imagine Challengers without Lou Dantzler, its founder and guiding spirit, the mission of the Club he founded in the back of his pickup truck nearly 40 years ago lives on.

 

It lives on in the footsteps of the thousands of children who march through its doors, eager for a place to learn, grow and have fun. It lives on in the efforts of scores of parents and guardians who tirelessly volunteer every week, keeping the Club vital and in touch with the community. It lives on in the voices of the caring staff who offer words of encouragement and guidance at just the right time. And it lives on in the spirit of Lou's two sons, Corey and Mark.

 

The tragic passing of Lou Dantzler will not affect the operations or mission of Challengers Boys & Girls Club. The Club will continue to provide the exceptional and essential programs which make it such a much-needed oasis for this community's children. Corey, who has worked at the Club since 1992 and has been Challengers' vice president, Director of Operations since 1996, is now President and CEO of Challengers Boys & Girls Club. This is the seamless transition that Lou envisioned, as he had been gradually giving Corey more and more leadership duties the past several years. Challengers' board of directors wholeheartedly endorses Corey's leadership.

 

"The fact that my father is not here does not change the standards or the mission of our work here at Challengers," Corey says. "We will continue to uphold the standards that he established and provide the caring and consistency that our members and parents need and expect."

Mark, who is Challengers' Program Director, agrees. "Our work here at Challengers will continue on and thrive. We are committed to that."

 

As Lou himself once said, "These children have a place in this society, regardless of their background. Everyone has the capacity to do something positive with their lives, to make a contribution. I'm just thankful that I've been able to do my part to have a positive impact on this community."