Ohio-West Virginia Youth Leadership Association Fund
The Ohio-West Virginia Youth Leadership Association Fund, established in 1993 with contributions from the family and friends of Mavis Johnson King, provides ongoing support for the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA programs, including YMCA Camp Horseshoe, Youth in Government, and Model United Nations.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: July 1993
PURPOSE: To support the Ohio-West Virginia programs, including YMCA Camp Horseshoe, Youth in Government, and Model United Nations.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon request by the YMCA Board and upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee and approval by the full Board of Directors of TCF. All distributions are to the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: The initial $5,000 to establish this fund came from the family and friends of the late Mavis Johnson King. A gift of $1,530 from the estate of Faye Murphy of Greenfield, Ohio, was also directed to support YMCA Camp Horseshoe, along with donations from others interested in supporting the work of the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA.
BACKGROUND: For more than 100 years, the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA has helped prepare young people for responsible citizenship. Through its many youth programs, the organization works to instill a lifelong commitment to service and leadership skills that enable young people to create positive change in their communities.
A longtime resident of Greenfield, Ohio, Mavis Johnson King (March 5, 1916 – July 29, 1993) served as the Food Service Director of YMCA Camp Horseshoe for 15 years. The camp, located near St. George in Tucker County, played a significant role in the lives of countless children and youth. On June 24, 1991, the YMCA of the United States of America recognized Mavis as an Outstanding Senior who made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In presenting the award, YMCA Board President Oliver Ocasek described Mavis as “…an inspiration and a help to thousands of children and youth for her significant role in the success of YMCA Camp Horseshoe.”
Her life was a testament to dignity, determination, and service, as she courageously battled cancer for over 24 years. Through her unwavering work ethic and faith, she demonstrated that a life of service can transcend illness.
Born in Elliott County, Kentucky, Mavis graduated from Portsmouth High School and worked as a custodian at Greenfield Elementary School for 20 years before joining her son at Camp Horseshoe. She was married to Lee King on October 28, 1940, and together they raised two sons, David King, a resident of St. George and executive director of the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA, and John King of Dublin, Ohio. Her husband preceded her in death on July 10, 1978.
Through this fund, Mavis Johnson King's legacy continues, ensuring that future generations of young people benefit from the leadership programs and opportunities provided by the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA.
