A Legacy of Community Engagement
When RJ McArthur first stepped onto the mat for Arthur E. Johnson Boys Club wrestling team as a young teenager, he was simply looking for a place to wrestle and stay out of trouble. Little did he know, this introduction would spark a lifelong connection that would come full circle – from Club member to donor to board member, creating a relationship that would span decades and touch countless young lives.
The Power of One Parent's Community Spirit
Long before RJ McArthur became a donor and board member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, his father had a simple but powerful philosophy: every kid deserves a chance to play. RJ's father embodied the spirit of community service, running North Denver Boys Baseball and coaching football, making sure no child was left behind due to financial constraints.
"Youth sports today are expensive," RJ reflects. "But even back then, nobody in North Denver had that kind of money. So, the baseball teams and the football teams would do bingo and whatever they could to raise money. All the uniforms and equipment were provided for you." His father went beyond organizing – he'd finish work and drive around the neighborhood, picking up kids for practice, ensuring every child who wanted to participate had the opportunity.
This same spirit led RJ's father to connect him with the Boys Club wrestling program. It became a foundational experience that would shape RJ’s future commitment to community service.
Learning Life Lessons on the Mat
The Boys Club wrestling program left an indelible mark on RJ. Training at North High School after the varsity team finished practice, he learned valuable lessons about discipline and perseverance. "I was always wrestling guys that were so much better than me... It was some learning experiences in practice," he laughs. Those challenging practices paid off – RJ went on to win his weight division at the state tournament in Grand Junction.
But beyond the athletic achievements, what stuck with RJ was the sense of camaraderie. He fondly remembers celebrating their state tournament success with the team at the Organ Grinder, a classic pizza parlor. The team was brought together by their coach Dino, who was barely a few years older than the wrestlers themselves. "These were kids that I didn't actually go to junior high school with... I met them through this. A lot of good memories from back in those days."
When Giving Becomes a Two-Way Connection
Years later, after establishing his professional career, RJ found himself drawn back to the organization that had shaped his youth. What started as a modest donation transformed into something much more meaningful when the Club reached out with a simple invitation to visit.
"I get a call from Boys & Girls Club – 'Hey, we really appreciate the donation, we'd like to have you come down and see a Club,'" RJ remembers. What struck him wasn't just the invitation, but the organization's approach to building lasting relationships. "They weren't just interested in my donation. They were interested in exposing me to the Club... The Club was different in that they want to further their purpose with engagement too."
Making a Generational Impact
That philosophy of engagement resonated deeply with RJ, who had witnessed similar community-minded approaches through his father's volunteer work organizing youth sports in North Denver.
Today, as a board member, RJ finds joy in giving back not just through resources, but through time and mentorship. He particularly enjoys serving as a judge for the Youth of the Year program, where he gets to interact with Club members preparing to make their mark on the world. "It's moving. It's an honor to even sit and talk to those kids," he shares. "Their stories are just touching and great."
Investing in Tomorrow
For those considering getting involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, RJ's message comes from the heart: "If your passion is to work with youth and to strive to not only make changes in their lives but to make generational differences, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver gives you that opportunity."
Reflecting on his journey from Club kid to board member, RJ expresses a sentiment that captures the essence of meaningful giving: "I think I had a really short window with the Club, but it's made a big impact... I'm thankful for what the Club did for me, but I'm probably more thankful for what it does for all the kids. It has a big impact. You’ve got to experience it."
In the end, RJ's story reminds us that the greatest acts of giving create connections that span generations, turning brief moments into lasting legacies of positive change.