Truly a man who needs no introduction, we are proud to highlight Ollie Jones in this edition of the board spotlight. As the longest-serving member of our board of directors, and a former Club member as well, Ollie has BGCM in his DNA. He’s an advocate, trailblazer, and leader, as well as a father, grandfather, volunteer, and friend to all who know him.
When Ollie first joined the Boys Club of Asbury Park in September of 1952, the annual membership fee was 50 cents. The Monroe Ave Clubhouse was just a fraction of its current 28,000-square-foot structure, but there was no shortage of activities for Ollie and his friends to participate in. He played in the drum corps, sang in the glee club, and participated in the Boys Club Review, a talent show held every spring as a fundraiser for the organization.
After graduating from Asbury Park High School, Ollie took a janitorial position at NJ Bell at the age of 19, and thus began a career with the company that would lead him to ever-increasing achievements. Ollie holds the distinction of being the first African American male from Monmouth or Ocean County to be hired by NJ Bell, as well as the first African American lineman in the company’s history. From 1968-1970, Ollie was in active duty with the Navy, serving on the presidential command ship. Upon his return, he continued to rise through the ranks at NJ Bell, from lineman to splicer to management, finally retiring in 1994 as Division Manager.
During that time, Ollie was asked to join the Boys & Girls Club’s board of directors at the recommendation of Executive Director, Alex Groppe. In his 40+ years of board membership, Ollie has served in many capacities, including board president, as well as several subcommittee assignments.
When asked what the Club means to him, his answer is simple: “Lifelong membership.” For Ollie, the Club has forged friendships that have spanned decades. “It brought so many guys from different walks of life together,” he adds. “We still call each other by our Club nicknames. You know, when I visit the different Clubs and I see the kids smiling…it takes me back to when I was a kid, and I hope that they gain as much as I did.”
It makes perfect sense that Ollie has earned the nickname “Mr. Boys Club.” This fall, we will be honoring Ollie and his lifetime of service to the Club at our annual fundraiser, A Most Unusual Evening. We appreciate everything you do for the Club, Ollie!
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