The late Jeremiah Milbank was a beloved friend and benefactor to the
Boys & Girls Club Movement. He dedicated a half-century of his life to
the cause he loved.

Jerry’s involvement in our work was truly a family tradition. His father, Jeremiah Sr., was a longtime member of our national board. Jerry himself was personally recruited to our leadership by Herbert Hoover, then our chairman, in the 1950s.

The highlight of Jerry Milbank’s service with us was his long and productive tenure as chairman, from 1981 to 1992. During those exciting years we became Boys & Girls Clubs of America – in name as well as deed – and achieved major growth in the number of children served, to some 2 million young people.

Along the way, Jerry continually urged us to greater heights. He challenged us to establish 100 Clubs in public housing; now we have more than 400 Clubs in this critical service area. A tireless fundraiser, he would go anywhere, anytime, on behalf of America’s kids. A man of humility and humanity, Jerry Milbank did not let things happen, he made things happen. His family’s legacy continues in so many ways:

• In The Jeremiah Milbank Society, named for his father, which recognizes committed generous individuals who give to local Boys & Girls Clubs.
• Through the outstanding people Jerry recruited and inspired to further our Movement’s work.
• In the medallion that bears his name, conferred on dedicated volunteers who personify his example of excellence.
• And through his sons, Jeremiah III and Joseph, whose work on our behalf continues a Milbank tradition of service spanning three generations.
  

We will miss Jerry Milbank greatly, but thanks to his generosity, commitment and vision, his dream for America’s children lives on.