The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs dedicated the Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit today. The club is located at 4905 North ‘O’ Street, in Fort Smith.
The Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit holds special significance as it pays tribute to the remarkable legacy of Jerry Glidewell, who dedicated forty-three years of leadership service at the Jeffrey Unit before his retirement in 2022. Under his guidance, the Clubs flourished, boasting over 3,000 members, numerous alumni, and a multitude of sports leagues and teams.
During his tenure, Jerry Glidewell spearheaded the expansion of programs, volunteers, and sponsorship opportunities. His vision led to the development of Hunts Park, ballfields, additional properties, and unwavering support for other clubs and youth organizations. Through years of tireless effort, Jerry Glidewell achieved remarkable results with grace, humor, and courage.
In honor of his extraordinary contributions to the youth of Fort Smith, the current Board of Directors, CEO, and staff proudly dedicate this beautifully remodeled $3.1 million-dollar facility as the Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit. This dedication ceremony serves as a heartfelt acknowledgment of Jerry Glidewell’s enduring impact on the community and a celebration of our continued commitment to the betterment of Fort Smith’s youth.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the following donors who generously contributed to the Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit, making this special event possible. Their support has been instrumental, serving as a true testament to our mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youth of Fort Smith.
Our sincere thanks go out to: First National Bank, Chris Whitt, Wayne Allen, Mr. & Mrs. Sam T. Sicard, Kate & Hugh Maurras, Yaffe Family, Mary & Robert A. Young III, Carl Corley, Janice Powell, Lizbeth Winford, Neal Pendergraft, The Griffin Charitable Organization, McDonald’s, Beshears Construction, Inc., Dwight Curry, Bob & Nadine Miller, Judy & Lance McReynolds, ArcBest Corporation, Matthew Marshall, Mary & Bill Cooper, Ann & Mont Echols, Jr., Lyn & Bruce Caselman, Joe D. Staggs, Jr., Hanna Oil & Gas, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Fort Smith, Marla & Hank Needham, Jane & James D. Walcott, Jr., Kim & John McFarland, Nancy & Harold Boerner, Liz & Joe D. Powers, Debbie & Frank Hug, Jr., Peggy & Billy Higgins, Buck & Evelyn Waid Trust, Elinor Smith, Linda & Jim Harwood, Pentecostal Church, Danielle & Dave Dixon, Chester Koprovic, Mike & Nancy Udouj, Becky & Phillip Plunkett, Virtue Oilfield (479) 782-7093 fsbgc.org 4905 North ‘O’ St, Fort Smith, AR 72904
Rentals, LLC, Birnie Harper, Nancy & Kent Blochberger, Pam & Buddy McMahon, Kim & John McFarland, Joel Wernick, First Presbyterian Church, Westphal Companies, Dr. Cole & Staci Goodman, Steve Clark, Hood’s PC Plus, Arvest Foundation, Forsgren, Inc., Optimist Club of Fort Smith, Sunderland Foundation, Mabee Foundation, Frank Sharum Landscaping, Rheem, OG&E, ABB, and the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni & Friends.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Beshears Construction, Travis Beshears, and Kelly Wilson, for their outstanding work on the remodeling of the unit. Their dedication and expertise transformed this building into a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.
About The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs
The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs has a mission to help youth of all backgrounds develop qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. Through our association with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we seek to enhance the quality of life for the youth of our community. In 1928, the original Fort Smith Boys Club operated out of a room in Judge Isaac Parker’s courthouse. Over the years it has expanded to four club facilities (Evans, Goldtrap-Gardner, Jeffrey-Glidewell, Stephens) and Hunts Park, a community sports facility. Renamed ‘The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs’ in 1999, the organization continues to provide a safe place where area children can engage in life-enhancing programs and character-development experiences with ongoing relationships with caring adults. Recent expansions and improvements include a major re-imagining of the Hunts Parks sports complex, new basketball courts, computer innovation labs, and $3 million dollar expansion of the Jeffrey-Glidewell unit.
