Club Honors the Legacy of Charles and Hazel Lindsay
“This Club has such an amazing staff who really cares about the community and the kids,” Sharon said. “They are the future of our community, and I’m so happy that I can honor my parents, and their legacy, and make a lasting impact in Kingsport.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport celebrated the incredible legacy of Charles and Hazel Lindsay, who were involved with the Boys & Girls Club in the 70’s and 80’s, by creating the Charles and Hazel Lindsay Internship Program.
Sharon Lindsay, the daughter of Charles and Hazel, wanted to build something at the Boys & Girls Club that honored her parents for their commitment to the kids of Kingsport and the impact they had on the Kingsport Boys & Girls Club. Charles, who was the site director at the Boys & Girls Club Riverview Site and later moved to our Lee St. location in the 70s and later joined our Board of Directors, was a positive role model for so many kids and teens during his time at the Club.
The Club reached out to former Club kids who were at the Club when Mr. Lindsay was a site director and they said that he never looked down on any of the kids when they made a mistake. Mr. Lindsay was there to uplift you, cheer you on, support you and let you know that he could see the best in you.
Her mother Hazel was an active volunteer with the Club and served on fundraising and community involvement committees that helped raise money to support Club programs and initiatives.
Mayor Paul Montgomery, who was at the ceremony, told a personal story about the kindness of Hazel and how she welcomed Paul into her home and gave him the stern encouragement he needed to help him be successful. “She was strict but supportive and she made the best food. It was always a formal dinner, and the table had to be set and ready, but it was delicious”
Mayor Paul Montgomery introduced Sharon to the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, Jessica Poore, and it was from that introduction from Paul that Sharon and Jessica started working together to find a way that she could help honor her parent’s legacy.
“I have learned, and I am still learning, the incredible impact that Charles and Hazel had on Club kids and in Kingsport.” Jessica said. “It’s been a privilege to get to hear the stories from Sharon about her parents and I am glad that we were able to develop this partnership that benefits our Club teens.”
The Charles and Hazel Lindsay Internship Program will provide funding for the Club’s summer internship program over the next 5 years. The Internship Program, which launched this year, partners with local businesses in Kingsport that Club teens can be interns at. HBZ Sports Cards, Wheelhouse Print and Design and the Kingsport Chamber provided three Club teens with an opportunity to work with them to gain real work experience, skills and knowledge.
