In remembrance and honor of Boys & Girls Club of Pharr’s founder, Julian Avendaño who passed away this month.
Julian Avendaño & Oralia Santiago founded the (at the time) Boys Club of Pharr in 1971. Because of Mr. Avendaño’s efforts, we have been able to serve the families of our communities for over 50 years. His decision and determination to provide Pharr with a positive place continues to impact the lives of our families exponentially. Last year we spoke with Mr. Avendaño who shared a brief recollection of his experience in starting the organization,
“I started the Boys Club and was Director for a while. I started it with Oralia. I had just come back from Vietnam and I saw that there was not any afterschool program for the kids. I said kids who do not have anything to do afterschool will get into trouble. I didn’t like that so I started working with the young people. I purchased the building (which wouldn’t belong to me but to the city of Pharr) if I remember right for $1. That’s how we started.”
Julian Avendaño will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on as we are committed to the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr. We will continue to carry his courage, his leadership for change and his dedication to making a positive impact on our communities as we operate.
Our hearts and prayers are with Mr. Avendaño’s family during this time.
-Boys & Girls Club of Pharr