Champions for Youth 2025

Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area recognize a Champion for Youth, and this year we are excited to recognize longtime supporter and board member Erik Marechal.

“As a pillar of the community, we are proud to honor Erik as our 2025 Champion for Youth,” says Neal Zimmerman, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area.

Marechal has served on the Board of the organization since 2006, and his hard work and dedication for our youth comes through every day.

“To be part of a community, you have to give back,” Erik says.

Erik serves as the President and majority owner of Accountable Insurance Partners. Erik finds great joy in helping his clients with their insurance and risk management strategies and leading his 24 team members to do the same for the agency’s clients.

He moved to Florence with his wife Laura some 20 years ago from Charlotte, N.C. As Elders and Covenant Partners of First Presbyterian Church, Erik and Laura are deeply committed to enhancing the Florence community, dedicating time and resources to various local organizations. In his free time, Erik enjoys weekends in Georgetown with family and friends, dining out, boating, fishing, golfing, and playing tennis. They have two adult children, Matt and Ellen Grace.

This year's event will be held on Tuesday, September 16, in the lobby of the SiMT - Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology at Florence-Darlington Technical College, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence.

The Tribute event supports programs that help thousands of children throughout the Pee Dee grow into productive adults. Attendance and financial contributions will help brighten the lives of some of our community’s most promising children. The Boys & Girls Clubs serve youth every day after school and all day on non-school days and during the summer. Clubs provide a safe place where young people can learn and grow while helping them become productive citizens.

Previous Champions For Youth honorees: 2024, Dr. Al Gilpin; 2023, Carlos Washington; 2022, Rick & Susan Goings; 2019, William T. “Billy” Jarrell; 2018, Tom Ewart; 2017, Rob Colones; 2016, Buddy Brand; 2015, Dr. Tammy Pawloski; 2014, Florence Boys & Girls Club 50th Anniversary; 2013, East Florence Mission/ Center Day School; 2012, Rev. Dr. William P. Diggs; 2011, Darla Moore; 2010, Ralph R. Porter, Jr.; 2009, Dr. Allie E. Brooks Jr.; 2008, Richard C. Harrington Jr.; 2007, Rep. James E. Clyburn; 2006, Sen. Hugh Leatherman Sr.; 2005, Dr. Luther F. Carter and 2004, Frank Avent.

For more information, call 843-662-1142 or visit www.bgcpda.org.

History of the award: https://www.bgcpda.org/news-events/champions-for-youth-history.html