Letter: Club is testament to Murphy’s vision

It is great to hear that the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank raised more than $175,000 at its 19th Annual Fundraising Gala and Auction. The money will go directly to the Boys & Girls Club education programs. Now serving almost 2,000 kids from the ages of 6 to 18 at the Main Club on North Buena Vista and 16 local Burbank school sites, the kids are encouraged to fully participate in a variety of enrichment programs all designed to help them experience a positive sense of self and build strong character. No kid is ever turned away because he or she cannot pay.

In 1991, Tim Murphy was in his final year as a Burbank City Council member. A 50-year resident, Murphy was known for his outgoing personality and his genuine concern for people. The National Office of the Boys & Girls Club was looking for a location to open a club in the East San Fernando Valley. They contacted Murphy, talked things over, and Murphy formed a committee to see if it could be accomplished. He was assisted by Marsha Ramos, the Rev. Jerry Jones, Vince Yaniello, Kathy Ireland, myself, and several others. Former NBC Executive Jack O’Neil and City Manager “Bud” Ovrom were quite helpful, with Ovrom leading the push to acquire the fire station on North Buena Vista as the main site.

Murphy’s vision, with the help of his friends, has clearly demonstrated that Burbank is filled with really smart and caring people. We know that the board and staff at the Boys & Girls Club have many more big things coming. Murphy’s vision, together with the assistance of his friends, shows that great things happen in Burbank. What could be better?

Joe Hooven
Burbank