Special Profile
Special Profile
Leaving a Legacy of Love
Our surviving founder , Mrs . T . A . ‘ Jean ’ Robinson , passed away in April . We are deeply saddened by her loss , but grateful she walked alongside our mission for the past 45 years . Just this fall we were fortunate enough to celebrate her 100th birthday !
Mr . Tommy and Mrs . Jean Robinson were Boys and Girls Country ’ s beloved founders . Ms . Jean was the one who named our organization and , with Mr . Tommy , established our Christian mission . She was a very private person and often reminded us that all the credit for the success and longevity of Boys and Girls Country went to God . “ God has been the leader of the home , the sovereign , the motivator , and the provider ,” Ms . Jean told one of our girls during an interview in 2011 . It was not until later in her life that Ms . Jean allowed us to honor her , not just with a Friend of Children Award but also as our Heritage Award Dinner Honoree .
Mr . Tommy and Ms . Jean were incredible friend-raisers . In the early days of Boys Country they handpicked our Board of Directors and chose our first Executive Director , Jack Brewer . They were always bringing people from church , friends and business associates to visit our home . They told everyone they knew about Boys and Girls Country and were always willing to visit with people interested in our mission . In 1998 , the capital campaign A Chance for Childhood was launched to give Boys and Girls Country a major facelift . The cottages , administration building , and Community Life Building were in need of major renovations , and we needed a new education lab . Ms . Jean made a major leadership gift to the campaign and helped raise more money than anyone thought possible . She was also a firm believer that no gift was too small , and always reminded people that the program was started with one $ 25 gift .
In 2010 , Ms . Jean invited all of our children to the Houston Country Club for a performance of Buddy Griffin ’ s All Star Banjo Band . She warmly greeted every child as they entered . And if they didn ’ t look her in the eye or give her a firm handshake , she gently prodded them to use their skills . Seeing Ms . Jean in action that day reminded us why Boys and Girls Country has been going strong for 45 years . It is the tenacity , determination , generosity , faith and vision of our founders , plus a huge dose of love for children , that made this all possible .
“ And here ’ s to you , Mrs . Robinson , we all love you more than you will know …” Sung by the BGC kids at the 2011 Heritage Award Dinner honoring Mrs . Jean Robinson , co-founder of Boys and Girls Country .
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