Clients

Kids at Hope, Rick Miller, Founder and President  

Gary Yazwa is the rarest of talents in that he draws from his remarkable and unmatched career of achievement with the capacity to teach his powerful principles to groups which are prepared to move to a level of success which at first glance may seem unimaginable. That's Gary's magic-he allows organizations to dream and realize those dreams. His no nonsense straight forward strategies and passion moves groups from good to great by motivating board members and staff to realize their hidden potential. Gary's guidance supported Kids at Hope growth from a grass roots concept to an international initiative in 10 short years.

Rick Miller

Founder and President

Kids at Hope

Boys & Girls Clubs Southwest County, Michelle Arellano, CEO

At the beginning of our organization’s capital campaign our Board of Directors stalled out and was overwhelmed with the lofty goal of 12.8 million dollars. No action was taking place and we had the tools needed to start.  I spoke with Gary Yazwa and he agreed to come and speak to our Board of Directors.

He did an outstanding job presenting to the board, detailing the necessary steps to be successful with the campaign, while infusing the passion to make a difference in a child’s life. From his presentation our Board of Directors felt much more comfortable and confident in completing the Capital Campaign to build three new clubhouses. We have currently built 2 of those clubhouses, expanding our outreach to over 8000 youth served last year.  We are getting ready to break ground on our head quarters in the next 90 days, when headquarters is up and running at full capacity we will be serving and additional 10,000 youth. Needless to say we completed and exceeded our campaign goal, the largest campaign ever embarked on in the Temecula Valley.

This campaign has changed the face of the Temecula Valley creating an infrastructure for the community to care and support our young people and create positive living changing experiences for generations and generations to come! 

 We are presently in a new operational campaign to raise 2.7 million, Gary again helped me structure this campaign and with his expertise and vision it was passed with no opposition from my Board of Directors and due to be complete in August of 2010.  Continuing the momentum to provide for our youth that need us NOW more the EVER!    

Sincerely,

Michelle Arellano

CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County 

The Boeing Company, Caren Skube, Community Investor  

From the first time I met Gary Yazwa, there was never a doubt about his commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound!  His passions, commitment, energy, find a way attitude, and most importantly, his leadership cannot be overstated.  There were many times that I thought Gary was dreaming, but he always proved me wrong!  Our communities are stronger and safer for our youth because Gary knows how to deliver results that matter!  I'm excited for Gary to make a difference for even more nonprofits committed to our most vulnerable children, families and individuals!

Caren Skube
The Boeing Company
Community Investor 

Clover Park School District, Deborah L. LeBeau, Superintendent  

Thank you for the opportunity to provide a testimonial on your behalf. For many years now, Clover Park School District has truly benefited by collaborating with you on issues that impact youth throughout our community. You are passionate about your work and every person who comes in contact with you feels the power of your message.

Your work with Clover Park School District has helped us in our efforts to gain community support relating to the passage of a school construction bond in 2006. You inspired a unique collaboration of a private nonprofit organization, the Carol Milgard Foundation, a community organization, Boys and Girls Club of the South Puget Sound, and the school district.

This partnership now serves as a model for other communities to follow and is clearly seen as a Best Practice in terms of resource sharing, efficiency, and community partnering. It showcased the best of services between multiple organizations and made real the power of having one selfless goal for the benefit of others.

Clover Park School District could not be more proud to have you as a friend and partner. Your ability to get the job done well shows your tenacity and commitment to meeting the needs of others. The genuine passion you have for public service is awe inspiring.

Sincerely,

Deborah L. LeBeau

Superintendent

President of United Way of Pierce County, Rick Allen Ph.D.,  President  

I have known and worked with Gary for over a decade.  He is high-energy, creative, and knows how to develop relationships that result in personal and financial support.  Frankly, he changed the face of philanthropy in Pierce County. He has generated gifts and developed capital campaigns that no one, including me, thought were possible. 

At the same time, Gary helped several non-profit leaders behind the scenes, helping them make important contacts and think more strategically about their own organizations. 

Gary is direct, honest, and a can-do thinker. He shakes things up. Sometimes that's not necessarily comfortable, but it almost always results in positive change.

Sincerely,
Rick Allen, Ph.D.
President
United Way of Pierce County 

Hope Sparks, David Duea, President and CEO 

Gary Yazwa would be the perfect consultant to jumpstart any not-for-profit. Gary brings a passion and conviction that will help change a culture of an organization. Gary proven success in raising money for mission is unmatched in the Puget Sound Region. In just a short time, Gary completely transformed the struggling Boys and Girls Club into a national model with physical facilities that were the model for clubs around the country. Gary not only is a fundraiser, he is a capacity builder. Gary’s expertise in board and staff relations will help any organization. Finally, Gary is a coach. Gary worked with numerous CEO’s in the Puget Sound area freely giving of his time and expertise. Gary will push you and your organization to a level that it never dreamed of achieving. 

David Duea

President 

Hope Sparks

6424 North 9th

Tacoma, WA 98406

253-565-4484 x113

www.HopeSparks.org

James F. Shoemake, Retired Superintendent of Tacoma, WA public school  

It is my pleasure to write this letter of support for Mr. Gary Yazwa.  Mr. Yazwa came to Tacoma, Washington in 1996, the same year that I came as Superintendent of the Tacoma Public Schools.  During our association over a ten year period, Gary and I established a working relationship beneficial to both organizations and especially to the community serving our children.

Gary is a hard working, results driven individual with a broad understanding of effective leadership and organizational structure.  During his tenure he brought together a number of Boys and Girls Clubs under one board and one leadership structure.  Additionally, he was able to bring the community together to support building an infrastructure of modern and effective clubs which brought together the schools, the parks organizations and other groups supporting the youth in our community. 

Gary’s leadership with the national program of Kids at Hope, of which he and I both served on the national board, led to the concept of Hope Centers instead of just a free standing Boys and Girls Clubs.  This concept and the overall development of the program and building construction was a product of his work and will remain a testament to both his leadership and his drive to do what was best for the children of this community.

I am pleased to recommend Gary to you in whatever capacity of leadership development you have in mind.  Gary left a wonderful mark on this community and I will always be proud of the work we did together for the betterment of the Tacoma, Pierce County community. Please fell free to call if you have any questions or desire a more detailed discussion of his work.

Sincerely,

James F. Shoemake, Superintendent Retired
Tacoma Washington