Boys & Girls Club of Butler County Dedicate Gymnasium to J. Marshall Hughes

Sat, 10/15/2022 - 9:26am — Amber McIntosh

The Butler County Boys & Girls Club is thankful for every person, church, and business that donated to them throughout the years. However, on Friday, October 14th, they gathered to celebrate one donor in particular. Over the last fifteen years, J. Marshall Hughes has given over $100,000 to the club, making himself the largest donor in the club's history.

Children of all ages sat in the bleachers and looked on as Bruce White spoke of the several years of donations and attention Mr. Hughes and his wife Judy have bestowed upon the Butler County Boys & Girls Club. Another individual that cared deeply for our community was also remembered during the ceremony, Senator C.B. Embry. Meeting on their first day of college at WKU, J. Marshall Hughes and C.B Embry became lifelong friends. Both are/were compassionate about civil service to their communities, and Bruce noted the several years of lobbying and charity work that Mr. Embry dedicated to Butler County. With his recent passing, a moment of silence was held in C.B. Embry's honor.

Steve Winkler, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Owensboro, was in attendance and spoke of the giving heart that Mr. Hughes possesses. Although during his speech, he asked if Mr. Hughes owned any championship rings, shaking his head no in response, Mr. Winkler continued, saying Mr. Hughes had a championship ring around his heart because of his continuing support and "championing" for the future of the club.

Bruce White presented Mr. Hughes with a plaque to honor the gym's dedication. In addition, he displayed the signage that will formally hang in the gymnasium now dedicated in his name, reading "The J. Marshall Hughes Gymnasium."

The children were welcomed to join the ceremony, mingling with leaders and board members and hearing stories of how some of their parents, teachers, and caregivers once attended the same club they are part of today. All enjoyed cake and punch after the dedication concluded.

The Butler County Boys & Girls Club appreciates all the donations, employees, and volunteers that continue to help this valuable organization thrive.